Do You Know These Cat Facts and Myths?

Cats have fascinated humans ever since the day, probably about four thousand years ago, the first domestic cat made himself at home on the hearth by the fire. From ancient times to our modern age, myths and superstitions have surrounded cats. The ancient Egyptians worshiped them as gods, but people in later centuries feared them as harbingers of witchcraft and evil.

In today's high-tech world, we may think we've outgrown such fables. Yet a surprising number of modern-day myths about cats persist.

Did you know that the following are feline fables, not facts?

Cats are "No-Maintenance" Pets:
Because cats are litter-trained, some people think that simply giving their cat food and water is enough. Not so. Cats also need regular veterinary care and, just as important, lots of love and attention.

Cats Always Land on Their Feet:
While cats can often land on their feet after a short fall, falling from heights is another story. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off-limits to cats, particularly in high-rise buildings.

Cats Can't be Trained:
Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping up on the kitchen counter. Repeated, gentle, and consistent training gets results. Also, if a cat understands the rules and has an approved outlet for her scratching impulses, such as a sturdy scratching post, there will be no need to have her declawed, a painful and unnecessary operation.

Cat's Aren't Happy Unless They Can Go Outside to Roam and Hunt:
Cats like to play, prowl, and pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys -- without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison, and traffic.

Cats Become Fat and Lazy After They are Spayed\Neutered:
Cats, just like people, generally become fat because they eat too much and don't get enough exercise. The fact is, cats who are spayed or neutered live longer lives and make better companions. And they don't contribute to the pet-overpopulation problem in this country, where millions of unwanted cats and dogs are destroyed every year. There's no need to wait until a female cat has had a litter to have her spayed; it can be done before her first heat cycle.

Cats Can See in the Dark:
Cats cannot see in total darkness any better than a person can. They can see better than other animals in semidarkness, however, because of their eyes' anatomy.

Cats Don't Need to Wear a Collar and Tags:
An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home. Every cat, even an indoor cat, should wear a collar with an ID tag to help him come home if he is lost.  Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat. But a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.

Cats Who Disappear for a Couple of Days Are Just Out Hunting; There's No Need to Worry:
The prolonged disappearance of any pet is cause for alarm. Cats are no exception, and as domestic animals, they cannot cope with the dangers posed by the outdoors. For their own safety and well-being, cats should always be kept indoors, but if your cat does somehow become lost, he needs to be looked for immediately -- before it's too late.

Cats Will Suck the Breath from Sleeping Infants:
Curious by nature, a cat may want to climb into the crib to see what new manner of squalling creature her family has brought home. But she won't suck the baby's breath. She may feel a little jealous, however, so introductions should be gradual. Lots of lavish attention will also help reassure her that she's still an important member of the family. Cats can suffer from sibling rivalry, too!

Cats Are Aloof, Independent Animals and Don't Really Want a Lot of Attention from Humans:
Cats are domestic animals because they live in the home. They crave human companionship and establish loving bonds with their human families. They may not always show it, but that's just the feline way. If you toss the cat outdoors, or spend little time with him, you'll never know the rewarding -- and very special -- relationship that comes from making a cat a true member of the family.

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Do You Know These Dog Myths That Can Lead to Mishaps?

Why is it that dogs are often at fault and take the blame for human ignorance and/or error? There are some commonly held myths that are simply old wives tales, urban legend, or perhaps a combination of both.

Myth: Petting a Dog Because He’s Cute

Fact: Well, not always. I recall a dog trainer friend asking me one time if I liked strangers to hug me without warning. Apparently, dogs don’t like it very much either. I’ve gone so far as to ask someone if I can pet their dog or if he or she is friendly. Though dogs can behave differently if startled or provoked, one should never pet a dog without asking his owner first and only if the dog is exhibiting proper body language that being petted is acceptable. A dog whose ears are back or whose tail is tucked between his legs is clearly telling you to back off. If a dog feels threatened, he will bite.  Come to think of it, I might, too, if you extend an uninvited hug.

Myth: Letting a Dog in a Car Alone “Just for a Few Minutes” Is Safe

Fact: The key words of “dog in a car alone” speak volumes. Dogs should never be left alone in a car. In the warmer months, a car acts as a greenhouse and can cause harm and even death to pets. During the colder months, dogs can freeze to death even in a short period of time. Cars act as a refrigerator in cold months. A dog alone in a car, no matter the season, is a target for thieves. Just don’t do it.

Myth: Dogs do not absorb antifreeze or harmful chemicals on walks through their paws.

Fact: A dog’s pads are more resilient than other parts of his body, but chemicals can be absorbed through them. In turn, chemicals like antifreeze can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. Wipe dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the feet.

Myth: I Can Tie My Dog Up Outside the Store While I Shop

Fact: You basically give your dog away to whatever stranger wants him. My grandmother used to say, “If all your friends are planning to jump from a bridge, should you do it, too?” Well, just because a pole is available in front of a store does not mean a dog should be tethered to it. You expose your dog to strangers, those with ill intentions, and those who will take your dog, run far away, and never look back. Just don’t do it.

Myth: Dogs in shelters who cower and seem afraid will not make for good pets.

Fact: If your life has been turned upside down at the hands of people, it makes sense that any creature would shy away from strange humans. Imagine being tossed in a kennel if you never knew the insides of one before. If you came from an abusive situation or fear loud sounds, cowering is likely. Dogs in shelters that exhibit fearful behavior just might need some TLC, proper training, to build trust, and gain confidence that not all human beings are simply bad creatures.

Myth:  I Don’t Have to Brush My Dog’s Teeth if He Eats Kibble

Fact: If you eat hard food, you don’t have to brush your teeth either, right? Wrong! Teeth are teeth no matter if they are attached to a dog or a human. Dental hygiene is as important to a dog’s overall well being as much as plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and a good diet. Brush daily and never with a human toothpaste—ask your pet’s veterinarian for the one best recommended for your dog. Now and then, a professional dental cleaning may be warranted. At the very least, brush a few times a week. Kibble is not a toothbrush.

Myth: Rubbing a Dog’s Nose in Feces Teaches Him Not to Do it in the House

Fact: Not only is this disgusting and unsanitary, but it teaches the dog nothing except that excreting means his pack does a terrible thing to them. Dogs might start excreting in less apparent places of the home, and housebreaking turns into a nightmare. Positive reinforcement is key. Be patient, be kind, and be consistent but not at the expense of gross and bizarre behavior.

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Twin Tibetan Mastiff Dogs Have Been Sold for $3 Million Dollars to a Property Developer in China

Tibetan mastiff dogs have been sold for 18 million yuan ($3 million) to a property developer, according to the dog's breeder. The Tibetan mastiff has become a status symbol for the rich in China.

A Chinese dog breeder said Thursday that a property developer paid him 18 million yuan ($3 million) for Tibetan mastifftwins, highlighting how the breed has become a status symbol for China's rich.

Breeder Zhang Gengyun said he sold the 1-year-old twin male dogs to a single buyer at a luxury dog fair Tuesday in wealthy Zhejiang province, located on China's east coast. The sales were reported by the local Qianjiang Evening News.

One of the twins — a golden-haired Tibetan mastiff — was sold for $12 million yuan, and his red-haired brother went for $6 million yuan.

Zhang said the buyer, from eastern Shandong province, paid him the 18 million yuan with his credit card.

Zhang denied the sale was a ploy by breeders to hype the price of Tibetan mastiffs and said he was reluctant to sell the twins. "It's a real deal," he said.

The more expensive golden-haired dog was 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) tall and weighed 90 kilograms (200 pounds).

"His hair is bright and he has a dead-drop gorgeous face," said the breeder. "Usually he's quiet and gentle, but when a stranger shows up, he could bark endlessly and bite."

Zhang said the unnamed buyer might start breeding Tibetan mastiffs himself.

"The Tibetan mastiff is as treasured in China as the giant panda, so people consider it a symbol of higher social status," he said.

Liu Na, organizer of a Tibetan mastiff fair in Beijing, said the average price for one of the dogs is several hundreds of thousands of dollars. The price tag usually depends on the breeder's expectations, the buyer's appreciation of the dog and the bargaining between the two, she said.

"It's just like deals done when buying antiques," Liu said. "But it isn't uncommon for a breeder to hype a price in order to raise his profile in the industry, just like a celebrity can inflate his or her appearance fee."

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Giant Angora Rabbits

 The Giant Angora is the only 6-Class animal in the breed. It is to have a commercial type body with a very dense coat of wool. The head will be oval in appearance that is broad across the forehead and slightly narrower at the muzzle. The Giant Angora will have forehead tufts (head trimmings) and cheek furnishings. The head trimmings are to be noticeable, however, does are not as heavy in trimmings as the
bucks. The ears should be lightly fringed and well tasseled.

The Giant Angora is also the only breed of angora that is only shown as a ruby-eyed white.

The Giant Angora coat contains three fiber types for its texture. The underwool is to be the most dominant over the other two types of hair. It should be medium fine, soft, delicately waved and have a gentle shine. The Awn Fluff has a guard hair tip and is a stronger, wavy wool. The Awn Fluff is found between the Underwool and Awn Hair. The Awn Hair, also known as guard hair, is the third type of fiber. The Awn Hair is a straight, strong hair that protrudes above the wool and must be present and evident.

The classification of the Giant Angora is different than the other three breeds due to the fact it is a 6-Class animal. The junior buck and junior doe must be under 6 months of age and have a minimum weight of 4 ¾ pounds. The intermediate buck and intermediate doe are 6-8 months of age. The senior buck and senior doe are 8 months of age or over. The senior buck must weigh at least 9 ½ pounds. The senior doe must weigh at least 10 pounds.

In judging the Giant Angoras the majority of the points are based on the wool, which includes density, texture, and length. The points for ‘General Type’ include the body type, head, ears, eyes, feet, legs and tail.

Additional information may be found in the ARBA Standard of Perfection.

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House Votes To Hold Dog Owners Liable For Bites

Annapolis, Maryland - The Maryland House has joined the Senate in passing a compromise measure on dog bite liability.

The House passed Del. Luiz Simmons' bill unanimously on Wednesday. The Senate passed a parallel bill from Sen. Brian Frosh last month. Now one chamber must adopt the other's bill before it can go to Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley for a signature.

The measure would hold dog owners liable for biting "innocent victims" unless they could prove they had no way to know their dogs were dangerous. It also overturns a 2012 court decision that designated pit bulls as "inherently dangerous."

Both chambers passed an amendment to hold the owner liable anytime a dog bites someone while it's running at large, unless the person was trespassing or provoking the dog.

Simmons told WBAL News that with passage of this bill, "the issue is done," in the Maryland General Assembly.

In a special session in 2012, and during last year's session lawmakers could not come to an agreement on the issue.

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The Humane Society of the United States - Victory! Big News! Canada Has Enacted a National Ban on the Lifelong Confinement of Pigs in Cruel Gestation Crates!

Millions of pigs are confined inside gestation crates—cages so small they're unable even to turn around.

The pork industry's leadership continues to defend the indefensible: Locking animals in these tiny, cramped cages. It's hard to imagine a more miserable existence than being immobilized day and night.

TAKE ACTION - Say NO to Cruel Crates for Pigs
Please join us in calling on the pork industry to get animals out of these iron maidens: write to the National Pork Board and let them know that you say “NO” to gestation crates for pigs.

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Spencer, A 2-Year-Old Paralyzed Bulldog Takes his Very First Steps Thanks to Prosthetic Legs

Spencer is a 2-year-old Bulldog, who has been paralyzed in his back legs since he was a puppy. His veterinarian suspects he became paralyzed either from being dropped or from abuse. His guardian, Linda Heinz, found him on her doorstep and took him in. The curious dog has never gotten a chance to walk around like a regular dog.

Linda said he's always been at her feet pleading to be lifted up and carried around to explore the world. Westcoast Brace and Limb took on the challenge to help Spencer walk for the first time. They equipped him with custom braces outfitted with green Crocks for "feet". He took to the prosthetics instantly and ran up and down the hallways at the clinic until he tired himself out.

Soon after, he got to enjoy his first walk on his own with his buddy Porkchop the blind pig. Linda says Spencer is "the happiest creature you'll ever meet. He wakes up happy. He never has a bad moment."

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Talking Dog Device Ready to Hit Market Soon - Would You Get This for Your Dog?

What if your dog could greet you with more than a growl, or announce the reason he's scratching at the door?

It sounds absurd and much like the storyline from the Pixar film, “Up,” but Scandinavian scientists are working to develop a headset that could soon allow your furry best friend to speak his mind.

The Nordic Society for Invention and Discovery is the brains behind “No More Woof” -- technology that aims to distinguish canine thought patterns and then issue them as short sentences via a microphone.

“The brainwaves differ quite a lot from different races as well as individual dogs,” NSID writes on their website. “However it is possible to detect some common patterns and we have no doubt that in the future this technology will open up a vast new era of communication between dogs and humans, or animals in general and humans.”

The research team, who previously brought the world such inventions as the pet flying carpet, weren’t immediately available for comment on Wednesday, but explained the most recent project on their website.

“No More Woof is the result of combining the latest technologies in three different tech-areas - EEG (electroencephalography) sensoring, micro computing and special [brain-computer interface] software,” the researchers wrote.

The operating system relies on sensors in the headset which detect electric signals in the dog's brainwaves. Technology from an in-built processing device then analyses the signal patterns and deciphers them into distinct feelings like anger, curiosity or tiredness.

Sample sentences such as “I’m hungry – but I don’t like this!” or "I'm curious who that is?" will be programmed into the device and emitted through a loudspeaker.

English translations will be available, but Putonghua, French and Spanish language headsets will come later, the researchers say.

How exactly scientists will attach the sensors into a dog's brain has yet to be ironed out. Issues like this, as well as the ethical and social concerns, are the reason why there’s a whole lot more research to be done before the technology becomes available.

The headsets are, however, available for pre-purchase on indiegogo as part of the research funding campaign, with three different versions that range in functionality and price, from $65 for the micro to $300 for the standard version or $1,200 for the Superior customizable mini-speaker, replete with engraved dog tag.

You might have to wait a while for the first prototype to arrive in the mail, but the implications are enormous, the researchers say.

And as friendship is a two-way street, it’s only fitting that the scientists are also aiming to develop a reverse headset for humans to bark their way into the hearts of their canine buddies.

Other applications and accessories the researchers have in their far-sighted future include a “Pavlovian training kit,” with original instructions by the physiologist Ivan Pavlov, to further the owner-pet bond through the use of play and classical conditioning.

“Right now we are only scraping the surface of possibilities,” the researchers write. “The first version will be quite rudimentary. But hey, the first computer was pretty crappy too.”

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Labradoodle Creator, Wally Conron, Regrets Designer Dog Craze

He's deemed the man who unleashed the designer dog craze, this wave of Maltipoos, Puggles and Shorkies.

A Doberhuahua? Not quite.

But from that new Super Bowl ad to Hollywood boulevards and nearly to the White House, these pooches with cute names are pretty popular.

Hardly what Wally Conron expected, or ever wanted. back in the late 1980s when he first bred a pair of prize canines and called the result a Labradoodle.

"I've done a lot of damage," Conron told The Associated Press this week by phone from his home in Australia. "I've created a lot of problems."

"Marvelous thing? My foot," he said. "There are a lot of unhealthy and abandoned dogs out there."

No Labradoodles are entered in Saturday's agility competition at the Westminster Kennel Club show, but for the first time in the event's 138-year history, mixed breeds are welcome. Called "all-American" dogs by some and mutts by many, they'll weave, jump and run through an obstacle course.

Only purebreds are allowed in the main event, though, and more than 2,800 of them are entered in the nation's most prominent dog event. The rings open Monday and the best in show ribbon will be awarded Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Conron isn't from the show world. He was working as the puppy-breeding manager at the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia when he tried to fulfill a request from a couple in Hawaii. She had vision problems, her husband was allergic, and they wanted a dog that would satisfy their needs.

After a lot of trial-and-error, Conron came up with a solution when he bred a standard poodle with a Labrador retriever. The mix was a personal triumph, yet not a success outside his lab.

"I was very, very careful of what I used, but nobody wanted Labrador crosses. I had a three-to-six-month waiting list, but everyone wanted purebreds," the 85-year-old Conron recalled. "So I had to come up with a gimmick."

"We came up with the name 'Labradoodle,'" he said. "We told people we had a new dog and all of sudden, people wanted this wonder dog."

Over the years, demand grew for Conron and other breeders. Labradoodles became a hot dog — Jennifer Aniston, Tiger Woods and Christie Brinkley are among their owners — and President Barack Obama's family considered a Labradoodle before picking a Portuguese water dog as the First Pet.

"When I heard he was thinking about a Labradoodle, I wrote to him and said to make sure he checked its pedigree," Conron said.

There's the problem that troubles him.

Conron said there are far too many unscrupulous people eager to make a buck at a dog's expense. Rather than check the history and science, he said "horrific" puppy mills are springing up and producing unstable dogs that go unwanted and eventually are euthanized.

"Instead of breeding out the problems, they're breeding them in," he said. "For every perfect one, you're going to find a lot of crazy ones."

That's a concern Conron has echoed in the past, blaming himself for opening a "Pandora's box" and creating a "Frankenstein."

PETA appreciated that Conron is "speaking out to stop the loss of lives that his 'invention' has created."

"Breeding 'purebred' or 'designer' dogs for exaggerated physical characteristics such as flat faces or sloping hips can cause them severe health problems. The kindest thing that anyone can do for dogs is to adopt them from a shelter — and make sure that they are spayed or neutered," said Daphna Nachminovitch, senior vice president for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Conron said he's never owned a Labradoodle as a pet, and stopped breeding them when he retired 20 years ago.

Since then, he's often witnessed the effects of his work.

"You can't walk down the street without seeing a poodle cross of some sort. I just heard about someone who wanted to cross a poodle with a rottweiler. How could anyone do that?" he said.

"Not in my wildest dream did I imagine all of this would happen," he said. "That's a trend I started."

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Did You Know That Sugar-Free Gum Contains Xylitol, a Sugar-Free Sweetener That is Toxic to Dogs

Sharing from: Pet Poison Helpline

As many pet owners know, xylitol is toxic to dogs and even small amounts of a product with xylitol can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure. The most well-known source of xylitol is sugar-free gum. Here at Pet Poison Helpline, we keep a close watch out for this often-deadly ingredient and we are seeing it in more and more products.


Click here:  To see where else this product is popping up and how to keep it away from your curious pups! 

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SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County - This Simple Tool Makes it Super Easy to Fight Breed Discrimination in Maryland - Do it Today, So HB 422 Will Pass!

Currently in Maryland, any local government can interfere with property rights and ban or restrict any breed of dog they want. This rips friendly pets from their homes, increasing the number of dogs and puppies killed in shelters.

This is America. Responsible citizens should be allowed to own whatever breed of dog they choose. Indeed, a national survey done by Luntz Global for Best Friends Animal Society revealed that 84% of Americans don’t believe a government should tell citizens what breed of dog they can own. Studies show that the most effective and comprehensive dangerous-dog laws are breed-neutral.

Please ask your legislators to support HB 422 to prohibit local governments from infringing on a pet owner's rights. Politics is not a spectator sport. Together, we can Save Them All.

Please read: MD: Support HB 422 to Stop Breed Discrimination

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Do You Have a Plan for Your Pet's Care, In the Event They Outlive You?

Sharing from: Pets for Patriots

We read a sad story today about a pair of bonded senior dogs left homeless after their owner's death. Don't wait until it's too late to make a plan for your pet's care in the event they outlive you - or even if you are hospitalized, become incapacitated or are otherwise unable to take care of them:

Please read: Pets and Estate Planning

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VA-Certified Service Dogs Receive Unlimited Access to Veterinary Care - The U.S. Veteran Service Dog Program and Trupanion Will Cover 100 Percent of Veterinary Bills for Eligible Dogs

Sharing from my friends: Pets for Patriots

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), in conjunction with Trupanion, will launch the U.S. Veteran Service Dog Program Jan. 27. The program will allow U.S. veterans with certified service dogs unlimited access to veterinary care. The program enables Trupanion to pay 100 percent of veterans’ certified service dogs’ veterinary bills.

The VA hopes the program will ease the financial stress veterans experience providing veterinary care for their animals. Trupanion says it’s a “win-win-win” opportunity for dogs, veterans and veterinarians. “Veterans and veterinarians no longer have to worry about the cost of the treatment, giving veterinarians the ability to do what they do best—care for pets,” a Trupanion release states.

A spokesman for Trupanion says execution of the program will be simple: “All veterinarians have to do is send us the bill.” Veterinarians can opt to be paid up front as well.

“Whether it’s a regular veterinary practice or an emergency hospital in the middle of the night—they can call us at any time,” the spokesperson says. “They then just need to e-mail or fax the bill to us and we can pay them directly through Vet Direct Pay, a system that allows them to receive direct payment. They can also request reimbursement. ... In that case they send us the bill and let us know how and when they want to be paid. We can even pay them over the phone if they wish as soon as the treatment is over and before the veteran walks out of the building.”

The VA will provide a list of the certified service dogs eligible for the program to Trupanion. Each dog will have a tag with a policy number created by Trupanion similar to the ones current policyholders wear. “All [veterans] have to do is show that to their veterinarian and the veterinarian can rest assured Trupanion will pay the bill,” Trupanion’s spokesperson says.

Veterans who request a service dog and qualify according to a VA evaluation do not pay for the dog or the associated training. For more information on the Veterans Health Administration’s guide and service dog benefits, go to va.gov. Trupanion has a two-year contract with the VA for the U.S. Veteran Service Dog Program. For more information or if you have questions about the program, call Trupanion at (855) 482-0163.

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Washington Humane Society - Do You Need Someone to Foster Your Pet? - Check Out Foster a DC Pet Program - Designed to Help People in Need of Temporary Housing Solutions for Their Pets

Are you in the middle of a move and looking for someone to foster your pet? Or are you wanting to help keep animals with their families while they go through a transitional period? Then you need to check out Foster a DC Pet. Foster a DC Pet is a program based out of Washington, DC and the surrounding metro region designed to help people in need of temporary housing solutions for their pets find a foster home for a predetermined amount of time. "Like" the facebook page to get connected and make sure to check out www.fosteradcpet.com

"Like" them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteradcpet
Website: http://www.fosteradcpet.com/


From: Washington Humane Society's Blog
Why you should Foster a DC Pet

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Do You Love Animals? Are You a Student? Have You Heard About the Internship Program at The Washington Humane Society?

                Washington Humane Society Internship Program

The Washington Humane Society has been the leading voice for animals in the District of Columbia since 1870. WHS is committed to remaining a model for all humane communities across the nation. WHS's Internship Program provides a wide range of opportunities for students to gain insight into the work of WHS. Every year a limited number of places for internships are available.

Departments that Internships are available are as follows:
Volunteer Programs
Animal Care
Shelter Medical Department (New York Avenue)
Adoptions
Field Services
Special Events
Spay/Neuter
Behavior and Learning
Development (graphic designer experience needed)
Marketing and Communications
Human Resources

To take part in the program, we look for the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be US citizens and should have a strong academic record (3.0 GPA or better).

• Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program in a college or university, second university degree or higher, at the time of application and during the internship.

• A minimum of 18 years of age

Approval from the department’s internship adviser and completed Internship Application Package should be turned in before starting the internship.

To Apply:

To apply for any of the positions listed above, please submit a resume, letter of interest (including salary expectations), and completed printout of the online job application. Due to the volume of applications we receive and in the interest of thoughtfully considering individuals best suited for each position, the Human Resources Department will contact only those applicants moving forward in the selection process. No phone calls, please.

Via mail:
Washington Humane Society
Human Resources Department
4590 MacArthur Blvd, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Via e-mail:
humanresources@washhumane.org
(Please include position title in subject line)
Via fax:
202-723-5409
Attention: Human Resources

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2013 Was a Tremendous Year for the Washington Humane Society!

2013 was a tremendous year for the Washington Humane Society
(WHS). We had a live release rate of over 80 percent, and many of the animals that we took in to our facilities found loving forever homes. This is thanks in large part to our wonderful volunteers, donors and advocates.

Read this article in the DCist to see how your support helped us grow and save lives: Washington Humane Society Ends Year With Highest Release Rate Ever

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A Homeless Dog That Was Found Carrying A Mysterious Photo in his Collar, Needs Help Finding His Family

A mysterious photo found in a homeless dog's collar has captured the imaginations of supporters of Greenville County Pet Rescue and has many of them playing detective.

A 2-year-old Pit Bull who arrived at the shelter in South Carolina and had an old, battered photo of a man tucked away in his collar. The dog, since named Soldier, has not been claimed and no one has identified the man in the photo.

Several people on the shelter's Facebook page have commented that the man appears to be holding a knife in his right hand. Others say he may be holding a soldier's cap. But the person in the black & white picture remains a mystery.

As for Soldier, he is now looking for a forever home. He's friendly with people and with dogs and is healthy. For more information on adopting Soldier visit Greenville County Pet Rescue's website  (dog ID #21844639).

                          Soldier (right) was found with an old photo in his collar. Photo: Greenville County Animal Care

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Montgomery County Humane Society - What Would You Do with Your Pets in an Emergency? - Preparing for Your Pets Now Makes Sense

New Year's Pet Owner Resolution #5 Make an emergency plan that includes your pets. Get or make a pet emergency supply kit. Plan what you will do in an emergency -- where you will go, who your contacts are (including your vet), and how you will accommodate your pets. Stay informed about different kinds of emergencies.

If you are like millions of animal owners nation-wide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals would survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today. Some of things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a buddy pet care system, are the same for any emergency.

Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind that what's best for you is typically what's best for you animals.

If you must evacuate take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for your shelter alternatives that will work both for you and your pets.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.

To print out the Pet Brochure, click HERE!

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Washington, DC - The Washington Humane Society - The Staff Reminds You of All The Goodness in the World - Take a Look at Their Video!

Take a look at this video from the Washington Humane Society.  The staff reminds you of all the goodness in the world! (Turn your speakers up!)

To see the video, click here:  WHS

Washington Humane Society:
Website: http://support.washhumane.org/site/PageServer
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WashHumane

Hours and Locations
Georgia Avenue Adoption Center
7319 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-723-5730

Adoption Center Hours:
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Closed for adoptions on Wednesdays

To report animal cruelty/ neglect, call 202-723-5730
Cruelty reports are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

District of Columbia Animal Care and Control 
(New York Avenue Adoption Center - WHS is contracted by the Department of Health to operate this facility)
1201 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-576-6664

Adoption Center Hours:
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Closed for adoptions on Wednesdays


                       Stray animals are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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New! T-Shirts by Doug Ratner - "I'd Rather Be With My Cat" - (Doug Ratner & The Watchmen)

I recently posted about my friend Doug Ratner...come on you know the name and the music! Doug Ratner & The Watchmen!

I told you that he had just launched his new company, " I'd Rather Be With My Dog."

If you want to show the world just how much you love your cat, make sure to get an "I'd Rather Be With My Cat" tee from Doug Ratner & The Watchmen. The Washington Humane Society, (WHS) will receive $6 for every shirt if you write "WHS" in your order notes.

From Doug:
Check out the shirts, read about the charities, check out the blogs, and tell us what you think and remember that every single one of YOU played a little part in inspiring me to launch this new company.

Cat T-Shirt
He has now added a new t-shirt to his collection! "I'd Rather Be With My Cat." For all you Cat lovers out there, you know that you’d rather be with your cat than be with anyone else, and now you have a t-shirt to show everyone how you feel!

• The Cat shirt makes the perfect holiday present, birthday gift, party favor, and even something to send to an ex girlfriend or boyfriend!

• Share your cat pictures with us on INSTAGRAM

• We donate a percentage of all our sales to rescues and shelters throughout the country!

Watch the video below that started this brand!



About: Doug Ratner & The Watchmen
Doug Ratner & The Watchmen have covered a lot of ground in a pretty short space of time. If rock n’ roll and the highway make a perfect marriage, the power trio out of Longmeadow, Massachusetts has spent the last year-and-a-half on its honeymoon.

ON ITUNES! http://goo.gl/A084jj
MERCH STORE: http://goo.gl/JT9yUc
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/dougratner
ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dougratnerandthewatchmen


Ready to Order! Click HERE!

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Visit my blog! The News Whisperer, An informative blog of what's going on in your world today!
 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com FOLLOW US!

Crash Test Involving Some Common Dog Car Restraints - The Results Are Alarming - Take a Look at This Crash Test Video

Dog owners are being given a timely reminder about the safety of their pets in the car.

For the first time the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has carried out a crash test involving some common restraints - and the results are alarming.

Crash test dogs have been used to highlight the disturbing statistic that 40 per cent of those people surveyed admit to carrying their dog in their car unrestrained.

Almost three-quarters of those surveyed admitted having pets unrestrained in the back seat, front seat and their laps.

A simple, low speed traffic light accident can send a dog flying, as demonstrated in this simulated crash test.

Not only can the dog be seriously injured or killed but it becomes a deadly missile for those people still in the car.

Another shocking statistic is that 92 per cent of harnesses available on the market failed the crash test.

Only Purina's Roadie for dogs under 35kg and the Sleepy Pod Clickit for large dogs, tested up to speeds of 35 km/h, passed the test.

Failing to restrain an animal can lead to a $405 fine and the loss of three demerit points.



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It's Raining Bats in Australia - Thousands of Bats Killed in Queensland Heatwave

As most of the U.S. freezes and the UK drowns in floods, a blistering heat wave in Australia is so bad 100,000 cooked bats have fallen out of the sky, dead.

Southern Queensland is being gripped by furnace-like temperatures, said the local Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

This has in turn caused mass deaths with at least 25 separate colonies wiped out since the weekend, including at Mt Ommaney, Redbank, Boonah, Palmwoods, Laidley and Gatton.

As many as 100,000 of the winged mammals fell from the sky and died, the result of an incredible heat wave, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reports.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesman Michael Beatty told ABC that the heat wave, with temperatures close to 109 degrees Fahrenheit, was "basically a catastrophe for all the bat colonies in southeast Queensland."

'That's obviously going to have a pretty disturbing impact on those colonies and those colonies are vital to our ecosystem."

Hundreds of bats also lie dead in trees and nearby bushes, and are being eaten by maggots.

The council today advised local residents it will not send workers into nearby bushland to collect the remaining bat carcasses, as it could cause further disruption to the nearby colony.

One resident has told ABC she is receiving anti-viral treatment after being scratched by a baby bat while clearing the dead animals out of her tree with a rake.

All told, massive deaths at 25 separate colonies have been reported, according to ABC.

In the aftermath, one person recorded the numbers of fallen bats in a nearby forest. Warning: Some may find the video below disturbing.




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If You Have a Pet - Take a Look at This Video - Caring for Your Pet in the Cold Weather, With ChristieLyn Diller From the Washington Humane Society

Sweet pup Rocks is sporting a cozy sweater to stay warm in the frigid temps today! Take a look at the video below for some tips on keeping pets safe in the icy weather, and to see Rocks' cuteness in action.

Interested in giving this love bug a forever home? He will soon be available for adoption at our New York Avenue Adoption Center!

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Workers at Chicago Animal Shelter Lose Jobs - Inmates Begin Cleaning Animal Kennels

Seven days a week, year around, 16 Cook County jail inmates clean kennels and more at the Animal Care and Control building. The program started two years ago, but now, workers say inmates are replacing jobs.

An Animal Care and Control worker of 6 years who asked to remain anonymous says at least 11 full time employees were laid off four months after the facility's kennel-inmate program launched.

"When you say you know we're going to lay you off for fiscal reasons, we expect that as Chicagoans but then you turn around and you say we're going to bring in people who are incarcerated to do your job that hurts people," the worker told FOX 32's Tisha Lewis. "Some people have worked there 20 years so when you have someone come in and say we're going to bring in these inmates and they're going to do cleaning and stuff like that and you know what, there's going to be a lay off."

Cook County Sheriff's spokesperson Cara Smith says the inmates earn a dollar a day. They clean the cages and feed and water the animals before business hours.

"It's my understanding that the layoffs had nothing to do with this program, the work that's being done now is not being done by anyone who would have been displaced," Smith explained.

But this volunteer say otherwise about the inmates cleaning cages.

"I'm not involved in the program therefore I don't have to worry about it," volunteer Robin Cember said. "[The program] was actually done by people who were employed here."

"Some of these people were averaging pay of mid-30's and some of them lived on the West side or they lived in Englewood and stuff like that, their families relied on that money so that's going to affect those communities too," the anonymous worker added.

Most of the inmates in the kennel program are serving short jail sentences for non-violent crimes. The money they make can be used at the jail commissary to purchase small items. A worker says most of the employees laid off made about $30,000 a year.

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Have You Ever Seen a Yellow Ribbon Tied on a Dog's Collar? Do You Know What it Means?

You are out in the park with your family, playing, running, maybe even having a picnic.  Perhaps your dog is with you; however, off in the distance you see adorable dog approaching with their handler and your children immediately begin to run towards this adorable dog.  As the dog is becoming closer, you see a yellow ribbon tied on the dog’s collar.  What goes through your mind?

Well, perhaps at first, Tony Orlando and Dawn’s hit song, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” (did I just age myself?!) lyrics may begin to replay in your mind.  While both the yellow ribbon around the dog’s collar and oak tree signify awareness, one is awareness about bringing soldiers home safely, while the other is keep children (adults too) safe.

A yellow ribbon around a dog’s collar is to help children identify that a dog needs to proceed with caution; the dog may not be child friendly, may have fear or anxiety issues; or, may be overly excited.  Either way, caution should be applied when approaching.

The Yellow Dog Project is a nonprofit organization that is a global effort to help raise awareness and education around dogs that require a little extra distance upon approaching.  Does this mean that the dog is aggressive or mean?  No, there are numerous reasons why a dog may have a yellow ribbon; new dog with the handler; under medical care; in foster care for instance.

The purpose of this project is to assist with the proper techniques to approach a dog; children have a lot of energy and often to run up and pet a dog, not all dogs understand this and become fearful.  With proper education, all parties concerning are put in a less stressful environment, which in turn reduces opportunities for an unforeseen accident.

Back to your children running towards the adorable dog with the yellow ribbon, what would your next steps be?

For more information about this wonderful cause, please visit: The Yellow Dog Facebook page.  Learn how to educate family, friends, colleagues, even yourself.  When there is knowledge; there is understanding.

Have you ever seen a dog wearing a yellow ribbon?  Did you know what it meant prior to this article? Do you have a dog that may need to wear a yellow ribbon? Please share this to help spread the word.

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