10 Top "Must Know" Tips Before Surrendering Your Pet

Read about the most common problems pet owners face and possible solutions. Learn tips on how to find a new home for your pet without having to bring your cat or dog into a shelter.

You must CAREFULLY consider taking your pet to a humane shelter. Relinquishing your pet may be the hardest thing you ever have to do!

1. Consult with a dog trainer or other animal professional for guidance. If your dog needs obedience training, there are many good programs in your community at reasonable cost, including low-cost programs at neighborhood pet marts.

• *FREE ASPCA Pet Behavior Experts Available 24 Hours, 7 Days A Week

Their nationally recognized team of animal behaviorists offers possible solutions to a wide range of issues at no charge. With their easy-to-use database, you’ll receive step-by-step advice – without leaving home. Visit their virtual website on the bottom of the page.

2. If you need temporary or long-term boarding, there are many options in your community. There are boarding facilities with a wide range of prices, and many veterinary clinics and hospitals now offer short-term and long-term boarding too.

3. If you are moving, it is now relatively easy to safely transport animals to your new home. Please do not surrender an animal just because you think it is a hassle to transport him or her to a new location.

4. If you are moving to a new apartment, it is not difficult to find apartment communities that allow companion animals. Before signing a new lease, ensure that your animal(s) will be welcome, or look for new housing! *On the bottom of
this page there is list of 100’s of pet friendly apartments for rent, nationwide.

• *List of Pet Friendly Apartments in Your Area

5. TIPS for Finding Your Pet A Home. Taking the time to find a new home for your pet yourself is the best, healthiest, most responsible thing you can do. It will give your pet a much smoother transition to its new life without you.

Do NOT be naive, though. Your pet loves and trusts you and this will be a terrible setback both emotionally and physically for him/her. Because your pet sees you as his/her family, this IS a betrayal…even though in the long run it may be for the best.

Petfinders will post your pet on their website and also give you a comprehensive list of tips for finding a home for your pet.

Take some good color photos. Focus on illustrating your pets most adorable qualities and her favorite activities. If your dog is crazy about fetching, for example, take a picture of her happily posing with her favorite ball.

• Put up posters and fliers at pet stores, dog daycares, dog parks, veterinary clinics, boarding facilities and pet grooming salons. Be sure to include your telephone number or e-mail address so that interested parties can easily reach you.

• Make a bandana or a t-shirt for your dog that says, “Adopt me!” Then you can take her on walks to show her off. Go to outdoor cafés, parks where
  

  Dogs Bandana

  people walk dogs and other areas with high foot traffic. 

• Place an ad in your local newspaper. Include the best photo of your dog and your written description of her. When people see the ad and contact you, screen applicants carefully. 

• Charge a fee! Unless you’re placing your dog with a friend or relative, charge an adoption fee. Doing so is likely to discourage anyone with malicious intentions. If an individual wants to adopt your dog for the right reasons, a nominal fee should not deter him or her.

6. Financial Resources for Pet Owners
Here is a list of organizations that provide financial assistance for pet owners in need. Each organization has its own rules and guidelines, so explore their web sites before applying. Some are listed nationwide, and some are listed alphabetically by state.

NOTICE: If your animal requires emergency veterinary care and you cannot afford treatment, click here to contact groups or veterinary schools that may help. If you are unsure what qualifies as emergency veterinary care, call your veterinarian and describe the symptoms.

7. Craigslist 

In recent years, Craigslist has been the top source for animal abusers, back-yard breeders and dog fighters to find their victims.

These abusers will dress nicely, show affection and concern for your pet in your presence, but commit unspeakable acts of torture after your pet is in their hands. 

Many pets are murdered by human hands or used as bait for dog fighters who force other animals to kill your beloved pet. Because of the anonymity of the internet, these people are never caught and go on to kill again. 

Craigslist is a very dangerous place for an animal.

8. If all else fails, and you decide to surrender your pet, please don’t give him up to a KILL Shelter…because that’s what they’ll do. If your pet is thin, doesn’t like to sit still for shots or just about any little thing you can think of, they will put your pet down!

Only one out of every 4 animals that ends up in a shelter is adopted, meaning over 75 percent die on a cold metal table having spent the last few days of their lives terrified behind bars, wondering when their family is coming back.

9. Contact Animal Rescue Groups in your area or a NO KILL Shelter. They can help you! For an extensive list of Rescue Groups and Shelters in your area, click here

10. What NOT to Do
Do not take your dog or cat to a neighborhood, wooded area or park and “set her free.” 

Domestic dogs and cats are very different from their wild ancestors and can’t fend for themselves. If left alone, your pet may starve to death, encounter dangerous predators or get hit by a motor vehicle. 

If you can’t re-home your pet for some reason, please take her to a local humane society, NO KILL Animal Shelter or to a Rescue Group who usually will provide a foster home for your pet.

Do not re-home your pet or relinquish her to a shelter without disclosing all relevant information about her behavior. 

For example, failing to tell a prospective adopter or a shelter that your dog has an aggression problem – especially if she has bitten someone in the past – can endanger well-meaning people who are just trying to do the right thing by adopting a dog. Inform them if your cat is shy at first, but will warm up to them eventually!

Many people seem to decide to discard an animal in a fit of rage or frustration, robbing their companion animal of the thought and care which they require. 

Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. 

I just hope I changed one persons mind about taking their dog or cat to a shelter, a humane society, or buying a pet from a store. Please make your final decision carefully, exhausting all reasonable steps. His or her life may very well depend on you!

In conclusion, your animal needs you! Please rise to the challenges so that your family can remain intact…human and companion animal.

Recommended Reading:

• Surrendering Pets: Options To Help Keep Pets At Home
• The TRUTH About KILL SHELTERS
• Things You Should Know About Shelters – written by a Shelter Manager
• The Scary Truth About “Free To A Good Home” Dog Classifieds
• Things To Know Before Surrendering Your Pet To A Rescue Group
• Surrendering Your Pet by Last Chance Rescue

Source:

• ASPCA
• Petfinders

How to Safely Re-Home A Pet On Craigslist

Craigslist.org is an online forum where users can place classified ads for just about anything. The site allows users to post ads to re-home, but not to sell, pets of all kinds.

While thousands of users peruse this resource daily, giving your ad a lot of exposure to potential adopters, you’ll have to carefully screen candidates to ensure that your furry friend receives a good home.

Place the Ad

Craigslist allows users to post ads online for free with or without an account, using a valid email address. Post your ad in the city you live in or the city closest to you. Place your ad in the “community” section of the website. Include several clear pictures of your pet to give potential adopters a good idea of what he looks like.

List your pet’s age, physical characteristics, vaccinations and information about his temperament. State that you will charge a small re-homing fee around $60, and for a small purebred pet $150. This discourages potential animal abusers, those involved in dog fighting and hoarders from responding to your ad warns craigslist.  NEVER give your pet away for free!!!

Question Potential Adopters

Craigslist users can respond to your ad directly, via email or phone. Ask potential adopters why they want to adopt your pet and what kind of home they can provide for him. Always check their drivers license and take down the numbers.

Ask them if they live in a rental or own a home. Renters move much more than homeowners, so your pets situation is much less stable since a lot of places do not allow pets and are breed specific.

Advise them that they are subject to a criminal records search, (this will ward off the “baddies”). If you’d like to obtain a free criminal check on your potential adopter click here for a free search. Have them fill out an “adoption contract” with all their information and their vets phone number.

Question them about their past experience caring for a pet similar to yours, especially if you are trying to re-home a pet with behavioral issues or an exotic pet who requires special care, such as a reptile or parrot. Rule out potential adopters who give you vague or sketchy answers about why they want the pet. 

Perform a Home Check

Request a home visit with a potential adopter. If an adopter refuses, don’t re-home your pet with her, as she may have something to hide or may have improper intentions for your pet.

Never go alone to a potential adopter’s home, for safety’s sake bring along a friend. Ensure the home’s clean and safe; ask if the adopter has the approval of her landlord to have a pet like yours. If she rents, request the contact information for the landlord to confirm this. 

If the potential adopter has young children or other pets, re-home your pet with her only if you feel your pet will get along with them and will be safe in their company. 

Re-Home and Follow Up

Bring your pet to the home of the adopter. Allow the pet to interact with the potential adopter and family. If all goes well, explain your pet’s routine to the adopter so she can use it to ease his transition into his new home. 

Have the adopter sign a contract stating that you will take the pet back if things don’t work out. Accept the adoption fee in cash or through an electronic payment service. Give the adopter copies of your pet’s veterinary records. Check back with the new owner after a week to determine if the pet is doing well. Delete your ad from  ads automatically expire within seven to 45 days.

Check below for a rescue group before giving away your pet. They have the help you need.

How a reputable nonprofit rescue can help you at no charge to you…

They do get a lot of requests for help and cannot help everyone so the best way to get their attention is to personally go to their weekly Saturday or Sunday adoption event with your dog or cat and his medical records ( if you have any) and ask them to help you. 

Since rescue groups don’t have a lot of money and their foster homes are usually full with pound dogs and cats they are trying to save, they are much more likely to say YES to working with your pet if it has all medicals done (has rabies and distemper shot, is spayed or neutered, and has had a recent heartworm test showing it is heartworm negative) and you can foster until adoption if they have no foster space at the time. 

Ask for help even if the above is not true, but more importantly that you can foster until adoption and bring your pet to the adoption events. Let them know that up front!!!

They can let you show your pet at their weekly adoption event, so the public can meet him/her and fall in love. 

They will also post for you on Petfinder’s which is a place where nonprofits post and people expect to be carefully screened, unlike the people on Craigslist who hate for you to ask any questions and don’t see the value to the dog of careful screening. They will also help you screen the home, do the home visit, and the dog will get adopted with their contract- and all the legal protections that come with it.

Good luck to you. Lots of people want dogs and cats for the wrong reasons. The quality of your pets life for the next years depends on you making smart and compassionate choices for him now.

To see 10 “Must Know” Tips On Surrendering Your Pet – Click Here

Recommended Reading:

• The Scary Truth About Giving Away Your Pet for FREE
• Craigslist WARNINGS

From Shelter Dog to Family Pet-Making The Transition Easier

Recognizing the adjustment period – and successfully managing it – is a very important part of helping your newly adopted shelter dog to become part of your family.

The adjustment period could take up to two weeks or may last only a few days. Some dogs can exhibit stress symptoms such as whining, pacing, reluctance to eat and housebreaking accidents.

Your patience during this period will help to alleviate much of the stress that your dog is experiencing.

House Rules

It is important that you decide on the house rules as a family and begin teaching them immediately. Don’t wait for your new dog to settle in beforeintroducing the rules.

Predetermine eating and sleeping areas, access to furniture and other rooms of the house as well as things like manners around the kitchen table.

Being taught the house rules consistently from each family member, right from the start, will help make a confident, well-mannered pet in the future.

Reintroducing the Shelter Dog to Another Family Dog

When bringing your new pet home for the first time, it is advisable that you take both your existing dog and the new dog out for a walk together on neutral ground before entering your home.

This is a safe, non-threatening environment in which they can get to know each other better after their initial introduction at the shelter.

Do not leave toys, bones or food bowls down as they may become trophies to be won. Never leave the dogs unsupervised until you are completely comfortable that their interactions are friendly and docile.

Watch their interactions closely. Be quick to distract or interrupt any aggressive or overly playful behavior and redirect their attention to another activity.

Each dog should learn that when the other dog is around, good things happen. This will help each dog to form a positive association with the presence of the other. Allow the dogs to establish their social status with each other.

Who came first is not indicative of who should be in charge. The social system of dogs is a hierarchy, not a democracy. Who is in charge may vary based on the context of each situation.

Introducing Your Dog to the Family Cat

Animals should never be left unsupervised until you are completely comfortable that their interactions are friendly and docile. 

During the introduction period, it is advisable to be extremely vigilant and watch their interactions, especially around toys, the food bowl, the litter box and when one or the other is sleeping.

Be quick to distract or interrupt any aggressive or overly playful behavior.

Do not punish the dog or the cat- instead redirect its attention to something else. Each pet should learn that when the other pet is around, good things happen. This will help each pet to form a positive association with the presence of the other.

Dogs and Children

Supervise, supervise, supervise.

Remember, dogs are animals and animals can bite. Never leave children and dogs unsupervised under any circumstances. With children, having a dog is the same as having a backyard pool. Neither the pool nor the dog is bad, but both could produce devastating effects if the child is left unsupervised.

Like people, every dog has its limits. Many dog bites occur because the child was not interacting appropriately with the dog, i.e. disturbed the dog while it was sleeping or eating, pulled its hair, ears or tail, stepped on or even hugged the dog.

Teach your children how to treat dogs while you are teaching the dog how to be with children. The most important aspect of helping the dog acclimate to children is to reward it for obedient and relaxed behavior in the presence of the child.

Chew-Proofing

Dogs are predators. They search, chase, grab, hold, dissect and chew. They are also opportunistic and keen scavengers. If it’s edible, they think, “Eat it now!” 

How many things do you consider wrong for the dog to chew? Most likely, just about everything is off limits except for the half dozen items that you have decided are dog chew toys. The chance of the dog getting the right chew toy every time is almost non-existent.

Here are few tips to help redirect your dog’s chewing:

• Exercise your dog regularly to help ensure that he is resting or sleeping during quiet times, not bored and looking for something to do. Do not try to suppress their natural tendency to chew. Instead, redirect their chewing to acceptable toys. 
• Do not give them discarded household items to chew. (Shoes, socks, plastic cartons, etc.) How is the dog to distinguish between the prohibited household items and the acceptable items? 
• Play with the dog with the toys. They need to be exciting to the dog. 
• Pick up those things that you do not want the dog to have. It takes a while for the dog to learn all the human rules. Reintroduce things gradually once your dog is sufficiently chew trained to his own toys. 
• Use toys that can be stuffed with food, like Kong toys, or toys that can be soaked in soup stock and dried to increase their attractiveness, like ropes. 
• Confine your dog when you cannot supervise. Confinement is more humane than screaming at your dog every time he picks up a taboo object and chasing him around the house.

Training the Dog to be Alone

When there’s a new dog in your house, the tendency is to constantly be with him because he’s novel and fascinating and you want to make him feel at home and secure.

However, if you are constantly available, he will be in for an incredible let down when normal life resumes. Set the precedent right away.

Leave the dog alone for a brief duration over and over. (Run to the grocery store, bank, get gas for the car, etc.) Do not let the dog have the run of the house. It must be confined until it has acclimated, been trained and proofed to be alone for a long duration.

With many mini-departures, the dog will learn two things:

1. People are not always going to be available. 
2. When people leave, they always come back again. 

Be sure that you also train the dog to not get excited when you leave or come home by being very nonchalant at departures and homecomings.

As flattering as it is when your dog hates to see you leave and loves to see you return, it can lead to problems. Do your dog a favor by training it that being alone is a good thing……..

Text by Cheryl Weiner – Vice President, Arizona Animal Welfare League
Images submitted by PNM

*Note: The more love, respect and praise you give your dog, the more he will want to please you! NEVER yell at your dog…he won’t understand and may make the situation worse. I’ve found that most dogs (animals) are very sensitive little beings and that’s just one of the reasons we love them so much.

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The Truth About the American Pit Bull Terrier

There was a time when reports of pit bull attacks were nonexistent. The sight of a pit bull walking down the street didn’t evoke terror, but rather reminded people of beloved dogs they had seen in the movies and in the media.

An American favorite, the pit bull was featured in army recruitment posters during World War I and there were several famous pit bulls that served in the American military.

They were a dog that was seen as a protector, a friend and an athlete, the sort of dog Americans aspired to have by their side.

In fact, sports teams in the 1930s used the image of the pit bull to depict an admirable competitor and sportsman. To be called a “pit bull” was a compliment! 

Pit bulls were also seen as a child’s best friend. On the silver screen the pit bull was a constant companion to the adorable kids in the Our Gang comedies, as well as with Buster Brown.

 

The breed was also the corporate mascot for the Buster Brown shoe company. And who doesn’t think fondly of the pit bull terrier depicted sitting next to a gramophone in the famous RCA Victor image. 

For a good portion of American history the breed was beloved. Then in the 1980’s the way the public felt about pit bulls changed.

Demonizing the Dog

The big shift in American sentiment toward pit bulls began in earnest in the 1980s. By 1986 over thirty communities had instituted or were considering breed specific legislation that targeted banning pit bulls. It wasn’t the breed itself that had communities in an uproar, but the way humans were choosing to train and work with these dogs. Dog fighting, although illegal, had made a comeback and pit bulls were the fighter of choice.

Drug dealers, gang members and other criminals seeking protection began training pit bulls as guard dogs. In 1987 when a pit bull guarding a marijuana crop mauled and killed a two-year-old boy in California, Americans were outraged.

Rather than focusing on the real problem, which was any breed of dog can be trained to be aggressive toward people, the knee-jerk reaction was to strike out at the breeds chosen to be trained to attack.

Pitbulls Used to Be Considered the Perfect “Nanny Dogs” for Children — Until the Media Turned Them Into Monsters. Despite their reputation, the United Kennel Club doesn’t recommended using pitbulls as guard dogs because they’re too friendly with strangers.

In Tijeras, New Mexico, just outside of Albuquerque, the toughest pit bull ban of the time was instituted, allowing animal control officers to seize and destroy them on sight without compensation to the owner. From darling to demon, how times change!

Today, public perception of pit bulls is starting to shift back, but there is still a great deal of work to do to help people understand the true nature of these dogs.

 You can help by educating yourself with the truth about the breed and sharing it with others.

There is no breed of dog that is inherently bad.

Characteristics and Traits

Pit bulls have physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active and caring owners.

These same outstanding qualities can, however, be challenging for people who don’t have a lot of experience with dog ownership or have limited understanding of the breed. Luckily, pit bulls are intelligent, very responsive to training, and, above all, eager to please.

Therefore, pit bulls should be enrolled in obedience classes as soon as they are up-to-date on their shots. (Pit bulls are susceptible to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or entering areas of high canine traffic.)

A well-behaved pitbull is the best way to fight breed prejudice and misconceptions. Pit bulls are energetic, agile, and strong. They are also very resourceful and driven.

	American Staffordshire Terrier	American Pit Bull Terrier
Lifespan	12 – 16 y	8 – 15 y
Temperament	Devoted Loyal Tenacious Friendly Courageous Attentive	Strong Willed Obedient Loyal Friendly Clownish Explore all 10
Height	44 – 48 cm (Adult) 43.2 – 45.7 cm (At Shoulder, Female, Breed standard) 44.4 – 48.3 cm (At Shoulder, Male, Breed standard)	49.5 cm on average (Adult) 43 – 56 cm (Adult, At Shoulder)

Determination is one of their most notable traits: They put their heart and soul into whatever they set out to do, whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to explore the neighborhood, destroying your new couch if left home alone without a proper outlet to combat boredom, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses!

There is no one breed that is right for every household. Dogs should be adopted because they are a good fit for your lifestyle, not chosen solely based on appearance.

Although people seeking a dog to compensate for their own insecurities or for use in illegal activities seem to be drawn to pit bulls these days, this should not be considered a reflection upon the dogs, as anyone with such motives shouldn’t have a dog of any breed.

These dogs love people and have no idea that their size is something of a deterrent to being a lap dog.

Confident and keenly aware of their surroundings, they are watchdogs in that they may alert you to the presence of strangers, but that’s primarily because they’re eager to greet “their” guests.

Personality

While their love of people makes them failures as guard dogs, their courage is unmatched and they will defend their family with their lives.

Like every dog, they need early socialization – exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences – when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

BSL stands for breed-specific legislation … laws and regulations, enacted at the city or county level, that ban or restrict the keeping of dogs by breed, typically targeting pit bulls. Dogs like Rottweilers, Dobermans and chows are also frequently also affected by the laws.

This map is part of a project called the BSL Census.

Care

Expect to spend about an hour a day walking, playing with or otherwise exercising this dog. While they love people, American Pit Bull Terriers are strong for their size and can be stubborn if left to their own devices.

Begin obedience training early and continue it throughout the dog’s life. Training is the foundation for a strong relationship with your American Pit Bull Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terriers should not be left outside for long because they can’t tolerate the cold well. Even regardless the climate, these dogs do best as house dogs. They form strong attachments to their families and will suffer if left alone for long periods.

Pitbulls Used to Be Considered the Perfect “Nanny Dogs” for Children — Until the Media Turned Them Into Monsters

Despite their reputation, the United Kennel Club doesn’t recommended using pitbulls as guard dogs because they’re too friendly with strangers.

Pit bulls are wonderful, loving dogs that deserve the chance to have a good life.

 Pit Bulls are the #1 killed breed in U.S. shelters.

“Pitties” Are A Family Dog Who Blends Strength, Sweetness and Intelligence

To see more T-Shirts click here

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Pet Owners Using This To Help Their Pets Feel Better

Having an animal companion is one of the greatest joys in life, and supporting him or her through illness and the end of life can be one of the most difficult times.

As human caregivers, we want to know that the treatments we are giving our animal companions are effective, humane, and causing more good than harm.

Given that our animal friends may not be able to show us how they are feeling with complete accuracy, we are often left to make decisions about their medical treatments based on advice and good intentions.

CBS New York reports that veterinary cannabis use is on the rise across all segments of society, and particularly among pet owners whose pets have severe or even terminal illnesses that do not respond to conventional treatment.

Major conditions like cancer, many pet owners are finding, respond quite well to cannabis use when nothing else does. And unlike conventional treatments, cannabis treatment does not cause any harmful side effects.

As the social stigmas and taboos about marijuana that largely emerged during the “Reefer Madness” generation continue to be stripped away from the public consciousness, an increasing number of people are beginning to look at this all natural herb with fresh eyes, recognizing its incredible potential for healing.

RELATED: Your Pup on Pot?

This includes a growing number of pet owners who are now using the plant and its essential oils to safely and effectively treat their ailing pets.

Medical Marijuana vs. Recreational: What’s The Difference?

The earliest records of marijuana come from ancient Chinese and Indian medical texts, in which the plant was described as a medicine with many uses. Some of these uses, such as arthritis and pain management, represent the most common conditions that marijuana is prescribed for today.

Likewise, recent surveys show that a majority of doctors and veterinarians believe cannabis still has a place in modern medicine.

Recreational

It’s true that marijuana is often used to get high, which is why it is labeled a recreational drug. The high is caused by a single chemical in marijuana known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC acts on different parts of the brain to create a feeling of euphoria or pleasure. THC also stimulates appetite and sleep, and is known to enhance certain sensations such as smell, taste and temperature.

Medical
Contrary to popular belief, not all types of marijuana are psychoactive. In other words, some types of cannabis simply won’t get you high, no matter how much of it you ingest.

These varieties of cannabis contain small amounts of THC. But they are usually rich in a different chemical called cannabidiol (CBD).

Due to its inability to get users high, CBD has received a lot of attention as a medicine. For example, CBD-rich cannabis is thought to be more useful in certain situations, such as when being administered to children and pets.

Studies show that CBD-rich cannabis may have unique medical benefits as well. Recently, CBD-rich cannabis has been studied as a treatment for schizophrenia and rare forms of epilepsy.

Comments From Pet Owners Who Have Treated Their Pet(s)

 Many CBS New York commentors with pets seem to agree with these sentiments, as some of them posted their own stories about how medical cannabis helped their pets.

1. Dr. Amanda Reiman, who is the California policy manager for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). Based in San Francisco, Reiman leads the DPA’s marijuana reform work in California.

She has conducted numerous studies on medical marijuana dispensaries, medical marijuana patients, and the use of marijuana as a treatment for addiction. She is also currently a lecturer in the School of Social Welfare at the University of California–Berkeley and lives in Oakland with her cat, Mama Cass.

2. The following is Dr. Reiman’s personal story:

“This was the situation I was recently in when my kitty of 11 years, Monkey, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer.

The tumor was not operable, and the vet believed that the best course of action was to keep her feeling as good as we could for as long as possible.

The cancer has caused her to lose a lot of weight, and she was having trouble sleeping. 

I decided to mix a little cannabis oil in with her wet food and was astounded at the difference. She started acting like a kitten again, able to eat and play. She slept and purred and acted like herself again.

Even though I ended up losing her to cancer several months later, in that time I got to enjoy her for the kitty she was, not watch her slowly disappear before my eyes.

I had shared with my vet that I was giving her these treatments.

My vet was supportive, and as a medical-marijuana patient in the state of California, I had access to the medicine that she needed.

It was through researching this treatment that I discovered that medical marijuana for animals was not a new concept and was not as “out there” as I had originally thought.”

3. Another inspirational story is “Luna” Capers, the beloved dog of Rowyn Capers who reportedly gained her quality of life back after being given a non-psychoactive cannabis oil extract for late-stage lymphoma.

When chemotherapy left the dog gravely ill and on the verge of death, Rowyn began to administer the natural therapy instead, which produced incredible results.

“Her lymph nodes were like golf balls and she was coughing constantly and she couldn’t breathe, and I just thought it’s time to say goodbye,” said Rowyn to CBS News about Luna’s condition before the cannabis.

“The first time I dosed her with cannabis I was so scared. We were looking at her all night. But the more I increased her cannabis dose the less side effects that she had. The vomiting stopped, the diarrhea stopped.”

4. Similar success was achieved by Mary Lynn Mathre, the owner of a 13-year-old golden retriever who was also diagnosed with cancer. After learning about cannabis, Mary Lynn began to give all of her dogs a daily cracker topped with cannabis-infused butter, which not only helped the sick one but also helped improve the health of all her dogs, including one with a strange bald spot on its leg.

“There was no hair on a circle that it would lick and lick,” stated Mary Lynn to CBS New York, noting that both dogs experienced dramatic improvements as a result of the cannabis.

Recommend Reading: The Examiner – Pot for Pets?

5. One woman recounts how her three-year-old dog almost died from epilepsy but experienced a dramatic and immediate recovery after being placed on a regimen of medical cannabis.

“As a last ditch effort after her last bout of seizures and being unable to come out of her postictal state, despite being administered a heavy sedative by our vet, we tried marijuana we had received from a friend of ours (it’s legal in our state),” writes the commenter.

“Within less than 15 minutes, our dog came fully out of its postictal state, laid down, and napped for (about) 2 hours before waking up and wanting to play tennis ball and tug. It was beyond anything I had seen before with this dog.”

6. Al Byrne’s three dogs, who range in age from three to 13, have also responded positively to marijuana. Besides noticeable increases in energy among all the dogs, Al says each of his furry family members now has a shinier coat and a “shine in their eyes” that was not there before.

“When you see them enjoying life and feeling better and not being sick, you know you’ve hit something,” says Darlene Arden, a certified animal behaviorist who is a strong advocate for veterinary cannabis use.

“I think we can now see marijuana for exactly what it is and what it can do. It’s not a street drug but a legitimate medication to be used under proper supervision.”

Hemp Supplements for Cats & Dogs

“Veterinarian Doug Kramer from Los Angeles has developed a special tincture for dogs and cats made with marijuana called Canine Companion. The tincture is sold in medical-marijuana dispensaries and is designed to treat animals for pain, inflammation, and end-of-life health issues.

As with medical marijuana for humans, it is personal experience that usually precedes involvement. Kramer had a similar experience with his dog as I did with Monkey. 

Marijuana eased the pain during her final weeks. The marijuana caused her to stop whimpering and start eating, gaining weight, and acting more like herself.

It wasn’t a cure, but he believed it helped alleviate her pain during her last days.”

For human caregivers, this relief is really all we want for our animal companions.

More News On Medical Marijuana
Pot for pets: The future of veterinary medicine?
View the NBC News Video

•  Miracle CBD – Now Legal in All 50 States

Click Here

• Does Medical Marijuana Work For Pets? Fox News

• Pot for pets? Nevada bill would make medical marijuana available for sick animals
• Veterinary Marijuana      

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Fixing America’s Broken Shelter System

How can we help the shelter system work better? There are many people working on helping shelters operate better.

There’s the No Kill Advocacy Center, whose solution involves hiring compassionate shelter directors who are committed to implementing ideas that have worked all over the country to reduce the number of shelter deaths.

Some of those ideas include keeping shelters open at least one day on the weekend. Keep them open in the evening – employed people aren’t available to come see adoptable animals during the workday.

Implement a foster care program to reduce the number of kittens and puppies who are killed. Send the little ones out to foster families so they can grow up to be adoptable pets.

Other ideas include partnering with local pet stores to stop selling purebred dogs from breeders and instead feature shelter pets ready for adoption. The stores make money, a percentage goes to the shelters, and the animals find homes. It’s a win for everyone.

Another idea is to do outreach programs where the shelter takes adoptable pets to places like PetSmart and Petco for adoption events. The shelters that have implemented these techniques have low kill rates. But according to Ted’s research, many, many more shelters need to adopt these ideas.

Maddie’s Fund, helps shelters and animal welfare organizations that are trying to reduce the kill rate. Maddie’s Fund sponsors a massive ad campaign, The Shelter Pet Project, to convince prospective pet owners to adopt a shelter animal.

According to Nathan Winograd, the head of the No Kill Advocacy Center, out of 3,500 shelters across the country, only about 200 have become no-kill, meaning 90 percent of the dogs and cats who come into the shelter are adopted, fostered, or find other suitable living arrangements.

We are working on the problem of homeless pets. In my opinion, it boils down to how committed and passionate each shelter is to becoming a no-kill facility.

*This is a partial interview with Bestselling Author Ted Kerasote 

by Dr. Karen Becker

Recommended Reading:

Animal Shelters See Too Many Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas CBS NEWS
(view the video)

CLICK HERE to See The List

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The Dangerous Myths Many Cat Owners Believe

Despite the fact that cats are the most popular pet in the USA, and perhaps because of their air of mystery, there are many misconceptions about cats that cause both social and physical problems for these animals.

The following myths aren’t only false some may contribute to ill health for your cat if you believe them!

MYTH: Cats Love Milk

FACT: The image of a cat lovingly lapping up milk from a saucer is rather iconic, but it doesn’t show what happens after the cat is finished, vomiting and diarrhea! The truth is that most cats are lactose-intolerant, and ingesting too much milk will result in an upset stomach at the very least. Even if your cat loves to lap up milk, you shouldn’t let him have it.

MYTH: Cats Always Land on Their Feet

FACT: While cats are usually graceful, flexible, and agile creatures, they don’t always land on their feet. Veterinarians regularly treat fall-related injuries in cats, often when they slip out of open or improperly-screened windows. Shorter falls are usually even more dangerous, because a cat doesn’t have enough time to right himself before impact.

Go through your home and check for dangerous perches or insecure windows that a cat could fall from. Having your cat avoid these areas will prevent any chance of a dangerous accident.

MYTH: All Cats Love Catnip

FACT: Most cats do love catnip, but it’s false that every cat will go crazy over the stuff. In fact, reaction to the herb requires a certain genetic property, inherited from a cat’s parents. So, if your cat doesn’t respond at all to catnip, don’t fear, nothing’s wrong with him! He just doesn’t have the proper gene.

RECOMMEND ❤ Caring For A Kitten Or Cat

MYTH: Cats Purr When They’re Happy or Content

FACT: This is only partially true. Cats may purr when they’re feeling good, yes,
but purring can also signify a wide variety of other emotions. The truth is, all cats are different, and many may purr to express stress, fear, aggression, or anxiety, as well as contentment or happiness.

MYTH: Pregnant Women Cannot Live With Cats

FACT: This myth has come about because in some rare circumstances directly touching cat litter or cat feces while pregnant then not washing hands afterwards then handling food can cause toxoplasmosis which is harmful to unborn children. This can also be caught from handling raw meat or digging in the garden. 

However, maintaining basic hygiene practices around cat litter is protection from this and there is no harm in petting or stroking your cat as normal. New mothers will naturally be protective of their babies and may worry that the cat could harm or suffocate them. 

While it is wise to introduce sensible precautions, e.g. not leaving a cat unsupervised with a baby until he or she can interact with the cat safely, there is no reason that cats can’t continue to be a member of the family.

MYTH: Cats Are Solitary Animals and Like To Be Home Alone

FACT: Separation can be stressful for cats. Specifically, separation anxiety may manifest in behaviors such as urination and defecation outside of the litterbox, vocalization, vomiting, excessive grooming, lack of appetite, anxiety at departure or an exuberant greeting when you return. 

To keep your cat happy, it is essential to limit their time alone and provide them with stimulation and interaction in the form of play, petting, food toys and perches. If you have an extremely stressed cat, it’s essential to make an appointment with your veterinarian to further address the problem.

MYTH: Cats Should Be Allowed To Have A Litter Of Kittens Before Being Spayed  

FACT: According to a study, more than a third of cat owners believe that a cat should have a litter of kittens before being spayed, but this simply isn’t true.

A cat can get pregnant from as young as four months, while still a kitten herself. Vets and animal welfare charities recommend that cats should be spayed at four months to prevent accidental litters. The study also found that 85% of litters of kittens are unplanned.

MYTH: Cats Have Nine Lives

FACT: While some cat owners may suspect that their curious cats have escaped death by their poise and prowess in fact this is a common myth which has been around centuries, possibly even since Egyptian times. Typically cats live for fourteen years, but many live for much longer.

MYTH: Cats Always Land On Their Feet

FACT: As an active and tree-climbing animal a cat’s survival depends on its ability to survive falls. Cats have a flexible spine and no collarbone allowing them to use their hind legs to right themselves during a fall.

Although cats are capable of landing on their feet this isn’t always the case, at some heights they are unable to righten themselves. More importantly landing on their feet doesn’t always mean they get away unharmed!

MYTH: Cats Are Nocturnal

FACT: Typically most cats are most active at dusk or dawn. Technically this is known as crepuscular, as in the wild this is when prey is most active.

MYTH: Cats Will Suck The Life Out Of A Newborn Baby

FACT: The belief that a cat will suck the air out of a baby’s lungs is an urban legend. There has never been one medically proven incident of this happening. In truth, cats and babies can grow deep bonds and get along well if their interactions are always supervised by adults and behavior concerns are addressed early on.

MYTH: Cats Never Need Special Playtime – They Entertain Themselves

FACT: Cats thrive when they are given daily activities. Sharing playtime with your cat for a few minutes several times a day will cut down on nuisance behavior such as your cat waking you up early in the morning. Many cats even enjoy going out on walks and can be taught to walk on a leash. Throwing a small cat ball and having your cat retrieve it, is a wonderful way for him to get some exercise.

MYTH: Cats Never Get Along With Other Cats

FACT: Cats often enjoy the company of other cats. If you’re adopting a kitten, you’ll fare best adopting multiples from the same litter, which increases their chances of bonding and enjoying each other’s company. Depending on the cat, it may also be possible to bring another adult feline into your home.

MYTH: Cats Who Claw Furniture Have Behavior Issues

FACT: Cats love to scratch because it sharpens their claws, relieves anxiety, is an energy releaser and is a way to mark territory. It’s unfair to expect your cat not to scratch, because scratching is a perfectly normal behavior that is essential for your cat’s mental health. You can, however, redirect his clawing to appropriate areas by providing scratching posts in strategic areas of your house.

MYTH: Kittens and Cats Raise Themselves and Don’t Need Training

FACT: Cats have a socialization period during the first weeks of life, falling between 2 and 7 weeks of age, where they learn about their environment and what is “safe” and “unsafe.” This is the key time to help your cat adapt to his environment and build bonds with others. There are even kitten socialization classes that can help your young cat build confidence and increase his sociability.

MYTH: Cat Meows Don’t Mean Anything and Can Be Ignored

FACT: Admittedly, excessive meowing can be a little annoying at times. But your cat is meowing at you because it’s his form of communication. Cats are often rewarded for meowing. If your cat meows with enough persistence, he can elicit a response from you, often in the form of petting or pulling out the can opener.

Some cats naturally meow (talk) a lot and some are very quite and don’t have much to say – just like people. If your quiet cat suddenly starts meowing a lot, it could be linked to medical problems such as dementia, hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure, which means extra meowing in your cat should be investigated by your veterinarian rather than just ignored.

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What to Do if You Suspect Pet Abuse

Animal cruelty happens every day. So often, in fact, that only the more sensationalist stories about animal abuse make national headlines. Many people question whether they should get involved.

Some people feel it is none of their business, or they may worry they are misinterpreting the signs. They may also fear retribution, either physical or legal (being sued if the allegation is incorrect). Unfortunately, the abuse will likely grow worse over time.

The American Psychological Association has noted that animal cruelty is often a symptom of behavioral problems in children. As they grow older, these abusers often turn on people as well as continue their pattern of animal abuse.

In fact, animal abuse is an indicator of child abuse. Pets are abused in 88 percent of the families where children are abused, according to an article in Humane Education News. A separate study by Northeastern University tracked 153 animal abusers over 10 years, from 1986 to 1996. The study noted that 70 percent of these people went on to commit other crimes, many of them violent.

What Are the Signs?

There is a difference between unintentional or intentional neglect and outright abuse. Unintentional neglect includes not being aware of how to take care of a pet:

• The owner is ignorant of the type and amount of food to feed the animal. 
• The owner doesn’t know that the pet needs to be regularly brushed and groomed. 
• The owner may not understand the signs of disease or distress in their pet. 
• The owner may not be aware that someone else, their child perhaps, is hurting the animal. The child may not even understand the consequence of his or her actions.

Intentional neglect is just that – the owner purposefully doesn’t feed or water the animal; leaves the pet outside in harsh weather; and/or forces the pet to live in dangerous, unsanitary conditions.

Abuse is much easier to identify: choking, beating, kicking, forcing an animal’s head under water, etc.

What Should You Do

1. First assess the situation. If the animal appears neglected, you may in fact not be seeing the times when the animal is fed, groomed and watered. The American Humane Association recommends that you observe the pet at different times of the day before taking the next step.

2. If you see outright abuse or neglect, resist the impulse to confront the owner. This is for your safety and in the pet’s long-term interest. Call your local humane officer or police department.

3. If possible, videotape or photograph the neglect or abuse. In cases of neglect, many of the situations are caused by simple ignorance. Abused pets, however, may be taken away by the city or county for their own safety. The owner may try to get another pet – if this happens, contact the police or humane officer immediately.

The Problem of Animal Collectors (Hoarders)

Multiple-pet households brings up the problem of animal collectors. Many of these people appear to “love” animals. They often claim they are rescuing animals from euthanasia. But in fact they are addicted to collecting animals that they cannot properly feed, maintain or house.

Because it is a symptom of a disorder, animal collectors are often unaware of the suffering they cause animals, and they deny reality; they will insist ill animals are healthy. Collectors often know how to elicit public sympathy – even to the point of getting public funds.

Here are some of the things to look out for:

• A strong urine or feces smell. 
• An equally strong desire for privacy on the part of the collector; they don’t allow people in their homes. 
• A very large number of animals around the house. 
• Refusal to part with animals through adoption. Collectors often do not even part with dead animals. 
• The regular arrival of new animals. 
• Large piles of garbage, newspapers, or other material – animal collectors sometimes collect things other than just animals.

Again, you should contact your local humane officer or police department if you suspect abuse or neglect. To learn more about animal abuse, and what you can do, visit the Humane Society of the United States .

Find out who is responsible for investigating and enforcing the anti-cruelty codes in your town, county and/or state. These people typically work for your local humane organization, animal control agency, taxpayer-funded animal shelter or police precinct.

If you run into trouble finding the correct agency to contact, you should call or visit your local police department and ask for their help in enforcing the law. If your local police department is unable to assist, ask your local shelter or animal control agency for advice.

For more information and help, contact:

• ASPCA – Fight Cruelty – Report Animal Cruelty
• Humane Society Actions for Abuse

See the following for the various animal control offices in the Las Vegas area:

(All are area code 702)

• Clark County 455-7710 
• Las Vegas 229-6444 
• Henderson 267-4970 
• North Las Vegas 633-9111 
• Boulder City 293-9283

Fearful of calling Animal Control? Call the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society (LVVHS) main number at 702-434-2009 or email LVVHS@cox.net.

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Exposed! Shocking Adoption Scams

Scammers have been around since the dawn of time, taking advantage of trusting individuals to get what they want. In the age of the internet, scamming has taken on a whole new, and more dangerous identity.

Whether they’re posing as a prince from a far-off country interested in sharing a fortune with you or an interested Craigslist buyer who will authorize a deposit to your Paypal account just as soon as you forward the $500 shipping and handling fee for courier services, scammers are everywhere.

Here’s how one scam works: 

A scammer on Craigslist, Facebook, or E-bay is “selling” a purebred puppy or kitten, often for free or at a deeply discounted price for the breed and lives out of town.

The eager adopter pays the “breeder” (including the transportation fee) and then gets a notice saying the pet is being held at the airport because it is required to have insurance in order to travel. The adopter is told they must send an additional sum of money for the required insurance before the pet can be released.

This particular scam actually uses a well known pet insurance’s name, making it look like the email about the additional fee for the “required” pet insurance policy came from them. When their Customer Care staff gets a call to check on the validity of this claim, the insurance company sadly has to inform the eager adopter that they’ve been scammed. 

Unfortunately, even those who make the call to them and learn that they’ve been scammed may have lost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars along with the hope of the pet they were so eager to make a member of their family.

This is another popular scam:

Pet Flipping

Dog flipping has exploded across the country. It’s unclear how organized and strategic pet thieves and dog flippers are, but in some cases it appears as if criminals target their prey very carefully. Often, the dogs that disappear are very valuable and used for breeding.

In a typical pet-flipping situation, a criminal will get hold of a pet, either by stealing it, usually from the owners yard, a parked car, seeing the animal in a “Pet Found” poster or ad on Craigslist and claiming to be the owner, or getting a “free” dog/cat on Craigslist and then turn around and sell it for a quick profit.

If you find a dog, ask the caller what sex the dog is and to give you the name of the dogs veterinarian with phone number and call to see if the dog has ever been there. If it’s the callers dog, he’ll know this information…also…ask what extinguishing marks the dog has…this is just to throw off the alleged suspect. Better safe than sorry!

^This poster is a sample ^

It’s a cause for concern for pet owners, obviously, but also for anyone looking to buy a dog or cat. The scam is an extension of dog-napping, a trend that the American Kennel Club reported spiking in recent years. 

The American Kennel Club is reporting a sharp rise in dog-napping so far this year, and recommends keeping your pup on a short leash.

“We are getting reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park,” says spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

 

The “scammers” create an ad with a cute photo of the pet (gotten off the internet). They place this ad in Craigslist or other media sources, saying – “they’re moving, too many pets in household, just had a baby, person is sick or can’t financially afford to care for the pet”, are just a few of the many excuses given.

Typical photos “flippers” pet(s) up for adoption

They can’t provide any health records or much information regarding the pet. Occasionally, they’ll provide documents showing records from a vet or breeder, which are fake. Always check it out by calling! Never, never give them a deposit to hold the pet.

Tips To Avoid Pet Scams

1. Ask for multiple pictures of the pet, including poses with specific items (a recent newspaper, a tennis ball, etc.) to make sure the pet is real. 
2. Ask for a phone number for the person selling the pet and a veterinary clinic the pet has been to. If the seller won’t give the numbers, or if they are not US numbers, this is probably a scam. Also, there are large scale professional scamming organizations from out of the country who obtain U.S. telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses that can’t be traced  – so beware!
3. If the seller says they are in a particular state but asks you to send money elsewhere, especially another country, avoid it. 
4. If the seller/breeder is not located in the US, avoid it. 
5. If the person is claiming to be a breeder, ask for breeder registration information. If they won’t give it, walk away. If they do give it, verify with the appropriate breeders’ group. 
6. Never pay in cash via money order or Western Union. Always use a credit card in case you need to dispute the charges. 
7. If they are local and request you to meet them in a parking lot, or outside of their “supposed” dwelling, DON’T do it. They will rob you and hopefully not hurt you, and of course, they won’t have this “make believe” pet with them. If they want to meet with you, go to a well lit, security attended mall and bring someone with you.
8. Bottom line is to ADOPT from a reputable, local rescue group or shelter. Many rescue groups and shelters have weekend adoption events at Petsmart or Petco, or a local business that’s participating in their “event”. If you’re looking for a particular breed, it’s reported that many pure breed pets are surrendered. You can also contact them and tell them your preference of breed, and they will get in touch with you when they receive one.

The Charges

• Be skeptical if the seller adds “additional charges” such as: fees for a vet visit, a different crate, travel expenses, pet insurance, etc. Pet insurance is NOT required for a pet to be shipped or to travel. 
• Don’t trust a seller that pushes for the sale to happen quickly by saying they are moving, they have to get rid of the pet asap, they can’t take care of the pet anymore or that harm may come to the pet. 
• Do research to get a sense of what a fair price is for the pet you are interested in adopting. Think twice if they are selling a purebred dog at a very low price.
• It should be a red flag if e-mail communications have broken English or very poor grammar. 

Remember, when you do business online, not only could you end up paying a lot of money and not get that pet you had your heart set on, but your personal information could also now be in the wrong hands.

Again – Your best bet is to find a reputable local rescue group or shelter.

Adopting From A Rescue Group

Communication with the group is vital. Is the group answering your questions and are you comfortable?

Even when an adoption group is legitimate, it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with the group. If problems arise after you adopt, you want to feel sure you’ve adopted from a group that is responsive. 

Taking the time to ask questions about the group, its policies and the pet you’re interested in can give you a sense of whether it’s the right one for you. It can also help you sense whether it’s aboveboard or not.

Here are a few questions you can ask to get the conversation going:

• Where is the pet currently housed and can I visit him? 
• Can I meet the pet before I adopt him? (This is a must!) 
• What veterinary care has he had so far and what does he need? 
• What kind of household would be best for him? 
• Does he have any behavioral concerns that you’ve seen? 
• Why was he surrendered?

Pet advocates suggest that owners get pets spayed or neutered so they can’t be used by criminals for breeding. It’s also recommended that pets have a microchip implanted, so that they can be identified even if an identifying collar is removed.

Adopting a new pet is an exciting time. Do your research and don’t cut corners during the adoption process.

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