Bring Your Four Legged Friends to the Yards for a Very Barky Halloween Sunday, October 29 – 1-4 P.M.

Come out to The Yards Park for A Very Barky Halloween! Bring your pets in their Halloween best and enjoy pet costume contest (with prizes!) and parade down the Capitol Riverfront Runway, on-site pet adoption, and Bark-or-Treat throughout The Yards.

A Very Barky Halloween at The Yards
October 29, 2017
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Yards
355 Water St SE
Washington, D.C. 2003


For more information, click here: Very Barky Halloween

The Yards

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Celebrating One Year as the Humane Rescue Alliance

This week marks the one-year anniversary of our new name, the Humane Rescue Alliance. One year ago we launched a new identity focused on animals, people, and community, building on two hundred and fifty years of combined experience from the Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League. We’ve remained committed not only to protecting and advocating for the animals in our community, but also to supporting and celebrating people’s love and compassion for them.

What makes our brand truly special, is the unmatched dedication, professionalism, and passion of our staff, volunteers, and generous supporters. Without you, this work would not be possible. And although we have officially been a single entity since February 2016, October marks our first 12 months as the Humane Rescue Alliance. We’re celebrating by looking back at some of our favorite stories from our first week as HRA.

To read more on this story, click here: Celebrating One Year as the Humane Rescue Alliance

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Tips on Caring for Your Pets in the Winter

Depending on where you live, winter is coming…or is already here!

We love our pets as family members, so it is our responsibility to make sure that they are safe and warm in the winter.

Here are some myths/facts about caring for your pets:

Myth: Unlike summertime where a car acts as a greenhouse and can cause harm and even death to pets, a pet is safer in a car during winter months.

Fact: Pets 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.

Myth: All ice melts are created equal.

Fact: Not all ice melts are formulated to keep pets safe. Pet-safe ice melts like Morton Safe-T-Pet are salt- and chloride-free, which is safer on pet paws and stomachs. Never use a human grade ice melt, and always sprinkle Safe-T-Pet on sidewalks; do not pile product and risk Fido or Fluffy’s health.

Myth: A dog’s pads protect them from all elements of weather.

Fact: Though a dog’s pads contain much fatty tissue that does not freeze as easily as other tissues, protection against scuffing, scraping, cutting, and ice damage is crucial in winter months. Ice cubes and “snowballing” may occur in the delicate areas between toes and pads. Protective booties or a product like Musher’s Secret, which is used on sledding dogs, can help ease extreme conditions on sensitive pads.

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: Coats are for show and really do not keep pets warm in the winter months since animals have a natural fur coat.

Fact: Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Myth: Dogs should gain weight in the winter to keep their fat ratio up and stay warm.

Fact: Not always. Though dogs are more sedentary in winter months, gaining weight as a form of insulation is not always advised. Indoor dogs who participate in strenuous activities or winter sports may require additional food in colder months. A recent study from the Association for Pet Obesity revealed that 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. Keep a pet’s heart, organs, and joints healthy and keep an eye on their weight year round.

Myth: Thought a humidifier may help people, it does not do much for our pets during winter heating season.

Fact: Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier, talk to the veterinarian about skin conditioners and fatty acid supplements for healthy skin.

Myth: Fleas will not affect my pet during the winter months.

Fact: Though fleas may not survive in brutal winter temperatures outside, the warmth of home means fleas gravitate towards indoor comfort where they can affect pets. Using a natural, safer product with no chemicals, and a safe alternative for pest control and prevention during colder months. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions.
  

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Know Before You Go: Horseback Riding

Although people may not think “fitness” when they consider taking the reins, horseback riding can be a serious butt-kicking workout. It may look like the horse is getting all the exercise, but it takes balance, strong legs, and a stable core to stay in the saddle. This old school hobby is an awesome way to spend some quality time in the great outdoors and get beyond a basic gym routine. Before hitting the trails, check out Greatist’s guide to horsing around.

From the Horse’s Mouth — The Need-to-Know

Since people first hopped into the saddle around 3500 BCE, horses and humans have been inseparable partners in crime. When the automobile (aka “horseless carriage”) got popular in the late 1800s, horses became used for recreation, not work. These days most people pony up to exercise, compete, or just have fun. The first step before heading to the barn is deciding which style of riding to try. Most stables teach English style or Western style, although some places offer both. So what’s the difference between English and Western? The two styles use different equipment (aka “tack”), which affects the rider’s position and communication with the horse. English tack is smaller and less bulky, which makes for closer contact between the horse and rider. Western saddles were originally used by cowboys on long cattle drives, so they’re built for comfort and stability with a deep seat, long stirrups, and a saddle horn for looping a lasso (or hanging on!).

To read more on this story, click here: Know Before You Go: Horseback Riding

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Giant Tortoise, Nigrita, Gives Birth to 9 Hatchlings at the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland

At the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland resides an 80-year-old tortoise named Nigrita who had 9 little hatchlings over 8 months ago. Some would say that’s quite old to have a baby, but for tortoises, it’s just the opposite!

Giant tortoises are said to be one of the longest-living vertebrates on earth, with a life expectancy of over 100 years. The oldest tortoise was recorded to be 152-years-old. Now that’s impressive!

According to National Geographic, tortoises live a long life because they have a slow metabolism and large internal stores of water, allowing them to live up to a year without food or water. Tortoises nap for up to 16 hours a day, sunbathe at their leisure and enjoy a diet of grasses, leaves, and other leafy greens.

Unfortunately, these amazing creatures are on the list of endangered species. They were hunted as food by pirates, whalers, and merchantmen during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries where up to 100,000 tortoises were killed for their meat. Plus, feral animals are a threat to their food supply as well as their eggs.

Nigrita, her 54-year-old mate Jumbo, and the 9 babies are kept safe at the Zurich Zoo, where they are part of a breeding program that is designed to protect the species from extinction. These remarkable creatures even have a chance of living until the year 2216. That’s longer than any of us mortals can say! It’s quite a miraculous feat to live an extensive, slow, and relaxing life.

When born, tortoises weigh between 4 and 5 ounces, and when they are fully grown, both male and female tortoises can weigh up to 400 and 700 pounds.

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Dozens of Adorable Dogs Who Were Rescued from Hurricane-Ravaged Puerto Rico Are Now Up for Adoption in New York

Dozens of adorable dogs who were rescued from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico are now up for adoption in New York, animal shelter sources said Sunday.

A total of 28 dogs — some of which were abandoned during the natural disaster— are up for grabs at Animal Haven on the Lower East Side, said Tiffany Lacey, executive director of the shelter.

“These animals are in dire need. It’s life or death down there,” Lacey urged. “Come in and adopt because you’re gonna be helping.”

The furry survivors were rescued from the island by charter plane and brought to the no-kill shelter on Saturday night, according to Lacy.

The furry survivors include a pure-bred Shih Tzu, Great Dane and a hound, which are available for adoption beginning Tuesday.

Some of the dogs were left at shelters by owners in the aftermath of the hurricane. Others were strays before the storm struck.

The raging storm worsened the country’s epidemic of homeless and starving pups.

“Even without a natural disaster, it is overwhelming. There’s a very high euthanasia rate. A lot of people are dumping animals,” Lacey said.

A total of 53 dogs were saved by the animal rescue group The Sato Project. Some were brought to shelters elsewhere in the United States.

The rescue was funded by the John and Wendy Neu Family Foundation, which worked with The Sato Project.

Anyone who wants to adopt a dog should contact the shelter at (212) 274-8511.

Visit their website: Animal Haven

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Heartwarming Reunion Between a Military Veteran, His Service Dog, and The Inmate Who Trained Him

You see it happening more and more where prisons are adding programs where inmates work with dogs. The inmates provide the dogs with care and training, while the inmates in return learn trust, compassion and responsibility. Laurie, an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, helped train a dog named Pax, who would go on to be a service dog.

Pax was eventually paired with Bill Campbell, a military veteran who suffers from PTSD and memory loss and has a major fear of crowds. When Campbell received Pax, his whole life changed. Having a dog by his side has helped him cope with the horrible effects of war and has made it possible for him to get through everyday life. Aware that Pax also helped other people along the way, like Laurie, before being paired with himself, he thought it would be nice to bring Pax back to where it all began for him. He took Pax back to the facility to visit Laurie, and their reunion was so heartwarming!





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After the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Disaster in 1986, Puppies Can Not Be Petted, They Could Carry Radioactive Particles in Their Fur

After the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, the area was deemed uninhabitable - for humans, at least. Wild animals have since prospered in the area, including man's best friend: dogs. When residents of Pripyat and Chernobyl evacuated, many people had to leave behind their dogs. Thirty-one years later, puppies now walk around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), waiting for a pat on the head that will never come.

As the documentary Puppies of Chernobyl explains, the animals should be avoided at all costs, since they could carry radioactive particles in their fur. It's estimated that about 900 stray dogs exist around the area and it's unknown just how much (or little) radiation is affecting them. The dogs are receiving some care, however; organizations Four Paws and Clean Futures Fund (CFF) teamed up to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs to protect power plant workers. "By neutering the strays, we will also achieve a long-term reduction in their population, improving the welfare of the dogs," Julie Sander of Four Paws said to the Vet Times. "This is important because their chances of survival are greatly reduced if their numbers increase, due to lack of food and shelter in the extremely cold Winters."

It is undeniably sad to watch the puppies frolic around Chernobyl in the documentary, but give it a watch anyways. You might feel sad enough to help them out. 





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