Make A New Year's Resolution To Help Homeless Pets

Here is a list of resolutions for helping homeless pets for the New Year and onward:

Adopt a shelter pet or two this year. Don't shop, Adopt.

Foster a shelter pet.

Volunteer more or start volunteering as your local animal shelter/rescue.

Make a monthly donation to your local animal shelter rescue. Donate pet food, pet crates, blankets, pet toys and even money. Anything to make a shelter pet's life better and supporting a animal shelter that cares =)

Take your pet to obedience classes if they have behavior problems or just teach your pup some doggy etiquette. Less likely your dog will end up in the shelter for improper training.

Have a monthly fundraiser for your local animal shelter/rescue.

Start shopping at companies that donate part of their proceeds to animal shelters/rescues/charities.

Be prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters and the such, that includes the safety and well-being of your pet.

Spay and neuter your pets.

Stop animal abuse. If you see, it report it. Animals can't speak up for themselves so please be their voice.

Purchase only products not tested on animals or labeled cruelty-free.

Train your pet to be a therapy animal.

Join an activist group and be a advocate for animals.

Learn something new. Take a course in pet behavior, obedience classes, first aid etc.

Be a better pet owner overall =)

Top Ten 2014 Resolutions For Dog Owners
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/12/2014-resolutions-for-dog-owners/

30 Simple Ways You Can Help At-Risk  Animals In You Community
http://bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/Saving-Them-All-is-as-easy-as-1,-2,-30/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=news

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year! Keep on Truckin'!

URGENT! Olympic Animal Sanctuary (OAS) Dogs Released! Help Needed in Arizona!

If you have been following the story of OAS located in Forks, WA, you will be happy to hear the owner of this so called "Sanctuary of Sorrows" has released and signed over all of their 124 dogs over to the animal rescue, Guardians of Rescue.

If you live in the state of Arizona please do what you can to help the OAS dogs! If you don't, still donate if you can or make the trip to Golden Valley, AZ and volunteer.

http://guardiansofrescue.org/

https://www.facebook.com/guardiansofrescue

https://www.facebook.com/notes/dogs-deserve-better/oas-dogs-released-need-more-kennels-to-empty-the-trailer/10151780654451086


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OAS DOGS:
Spread the word! We need boots on the ground to help walk and care for all the dogs. If you live in the AZ area, or willing to come from anywhere (there are plenty of local hotels) the dogs need you! Rescued Unwanted Furry Friends Foundation is already at capacity and have limited funds, food and volunteers. We have been trying to help them stay afloat! Rufff has always had an open door policy. As GoR works to help sanctuaries, an open door policy is always appreciated. It is those who refuse inspection that become suspect.

If you can get to Golden Valley, AZ and roll up your sleeves and leave negativity behind, then please join us! This is the TOGETHER part in Together we save them! If you can't come to AZ but can make a contribution toward their care, please go to our website www.guardiansofrescue.org You can also mail food, water buckets(stainless steel), XL, L, and Med dog houses(plastic), kongs, everlasting treat balls etc. to Rufff at 1422 South Laguna Rd., Golden Valley AZ. 86413.
Thank you from all the dogs of OAS, RUFFF and Guardians of Rescue Together we save them!
www.guardiansofrescue.org

ATTENTIONS LAS VEGAS NEVADA AND PHOENIX AZ SUPPORTERS: 40 kennels needed to be finished unloading FORMER OAS DOGS. 150 TARPS WOULD BE GREAT TOO! BUT PENS ARE MOST IMPORTANT. is anyone near PHOENIX AZ OR LAS VEGAS NV? THAT IS 200 MILES FROM GOLDEN AZ? 40 PENS 10 X 10 FROM LOWE'S; HOME DEPOT; AND TRACTOR SUPPLY to be brought by truck to the RANCH TODAY TONIGHT OR TOMORROW AND MARKWELL WILL BE DONE. ADDRESS IS: 22 South Laguna Rd., Golden Valley AZ. 86413.
If there are any willing people that live in the outside area and can bring kennels please call us at 888-287-3864. There are other animals in the sanctuary such as farm animals. Our kennels must be secure
150 TARPS NEEDED 22 South Laguna Rd., Golden Valley AZ. 86413.
If you can get to Golden Valley, AZ and roll up your sleeves and leave negativity behind, then please join us! This is the TOGETHER part in Together we save them! If you can't come to AZ but can make a contribution toward their care, please go to our website www.guardiansofrescue.org You can also mail food, water buckets(stainless steel), XL, L, and Med dog houses(plastic), kongs, everlasting treat balls etc. to Rufff at 1422 South Laguna Rd., Golden Valley AZ. 86413. Thank you from all the dogs of OAS, RUFFF and Guardians of Rescue Together we save them! www.guardiansofrescue.org
Please donate to www.guardiansofrescue.org and click on DONATE

*WE WANT TO MAKE ONE MORE PLEA TO ANYONE OUT THERE IN LAS VEGAS OR IN PHOENIX AZ AREA. THE OAS DOGS NEED 40 PENS IMMEDIATELY IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GET OFF OF THE TRUCK PERMANENTLY. IF YOU LIVE NEAR THESE AREAS YOU ARE 2 HOURS FROM THE RANCH THEY ARE AT. 
1422 South Laguna Rd., Golden Valley AZ. 86413.
PLEASE GO TOMORROW AND DROP OFF 10X10 PENS FROM TRACTOR SUPPLY, LOWES OR HOME DEPOT. THE SITUATION IS DESPERATE. THEY NEED HIGH PENS NOTHING LOW . THE DOGS ARE BIG AND THEY MUST BE SECURE.

Do what you can and help these dogs!

Donate. Volunteer. Support

Help Stop Pet Overpopulation.

Help Stop Pet Overpopulation.

To Many Animals And Not Nearly Enough Homes =(

What is causing pet overpopulation?

Irresponsible, in-decrepit breeding. (Greedy backyard breeders who see profit and not a life.)

"Accidental" breeding/litters. (No such thing! People are responsible for their pets and are able to make a conscious decision on spaying or neutering their pet as early as 8 weeks of age. )

Choosing not to adopt. (Buying puppy-mill dogs from pet shops or "designer" craigslist dogs instead of adopting one of the many countless homeless animals in shelters is not right.)

Disposable pets. (Moving, can't afford to take care of any more, new baby, not enough time, allergies, behavior problems etc. All things people should of thought about before getting a pet.)


What can you do to stop pet over-population?

Always spay and neuter your pets. (Which can be done as early as 8 weeks and no you do not have to wait till a female dog's first heat cycle that is a myth and a irresponsible lie!)

Always consider adopting first from a registered, legitimate shelter or rescue. Yes there is such a thing as "purebred" dog rescues. (Do not support puppy mills, backyard breeders and puppy flippers!)

Consider all the responsibilities and consequences of pet ownership before deciding to even get a pet and always make that pet a lifetime commitment not something you can throw away or re-home over and over again. ( A pet is a living thing that you decided to be part of your life. A pet is not just a piece of property!)

Educate others about pet overpopulation, adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering. (Spread the word, do your research and get the facts straight so people do not misinterpret.)

Homeless Dog Transformation

http://www.realfarmacy.com/homeless-dog-is-rescued-then-does-something-amazing/?fb_ref=recommendations-box-widget

A Rescue Dog's Christmas Poem

‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full – we are lost but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care.

They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie – come fetch your new ball!”

But now we sit here and think of the days…
We were treated so fondly – we had cute, baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew
Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly – why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,” “don’t come when they call,”
We “bark when they leave us,” “climb over the wall.”

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
We’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse – let to roam -
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alone…
In a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
With so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
We know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads…
Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears-
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn-
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year-
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
And help get us something special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
And more of us will, if more people will give.

Author – Anonymous

This Christmas, donate to your local shelter and make a shelter dog’s dreams come true.

Twas the Night Before Christmas: Chained Dog Version

'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Chained Dog Version

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With no thought of the dog filling their head. And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of midday to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears. He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick, Last years Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick. More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name. And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain; "Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all" I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year, For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear, The gift of a dog is not just for the season, We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons. In our haste to think of getting the kids a gift There was one important thing that we missed. A dog should be family, and cared for the same You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain. And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight, "You weren't given a gift! You were given a life!" —Author Unknown

Can't have a fuzzy puppy? How about tryingout a virtual pet? Check out Neopets!

I discovered Neopets actually a long time ago....ever since elementary school to be precise...and still play this rather fun, cute addicting game.

 I suggest anyone and everyone of all ages to give it a try....pretty shimmy and not to shabby ^_^ 

Have fun virtually taking care of you pet and customizing!

 Lots of other stuff too! Enjoy!

Pet First Aid And CPR For Your Pet

Ever wonder what you need to do first aid wise for your pet if you cannot get your pet to a veterinarian quick enough and it is a emergency situation? Here are some tips and informational websites.

Get Certified Training

http://www.pettech.net/index.php

http://www.cprseattle.com/pet-cpr

http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/program-highlights/cpr-first-aid/wilderness-sports-pets#pet-first-aid

http://www.e-trainingfordogs.com/2011/03/pet-first-aid-and-cpr/

http://www.cprcertificationtrainingonline.com/pet-cpr/

Pet First Aid Tips

https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/First-Aid-Tips-for-Pet-Owners.aspx

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=20

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/pet-first-aid-tricks-for-owners_n_1440540.html

http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/first-aid/First-aid-tips-for-dog-owners

DIY Pet Projects

Here is a list of places to find some nifty DIY pet projects if your bored and want to make something special for you pet ^_^

19 DIY Projects For Dog Lovers
http://thebarkpost.com/diy-projects-for-dog-lovers/

DIY Dog Projects Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/mcaspets/diy-dog-projects/

33 Totally Do-Able DIY Projects For Your Pets
http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/33-totally-do-able-diy-projects-for-your-pets

12 Easy And Fun DIY Pet Projects
http://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/easy-and-fun-diy-pet-projects

10 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make For Pennies
http://www.wisebread.com/10-diy-dog-toys-you-can-make-for-pennies

10 Must Try DIY Dog Beds
https://mydomadesign.com/inspiration-corner/10-must-try-diy-dog-beds/

Know of any other spiffy DIY pet project websites or blogs?

Feel free to leave a comment with links to other sites or even you own personal blog ^_^

Rescue A Shelter Dog

 Always Consider First Adopting A Shelter Dog

There may not be enough homes for all the homeless dogs in the world but even saving one makes a world of difference especially to that one dog's life. 

Always consider adopting first when and if you can.

How to Spin Dog Hair into Yarn

So came across these interesting articles on how to spin pet hair into yarn to make clothes and crafts and such.

 Questionable if you got pet hair allergies but none the less spiffy 0_o

http://www.infoslick.com/crafts/54799.php

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Dog-Yarn

What could you make? Here are some neat galleries.

http://www.petyarnchic.com/

http://designerdogyarn.com/

http://www.erwanfichou.org/

http://www.dettasspindle.net/WoofspunDogYarn/WoofspunDogYarn.html

http://www.customdoghairspinning.com/

www.jolly-fellows.de

What Bones Can You Feed Your Dog?

Here are some types of bones that are okay to feed your dog:

Edible Bones
chicken, turkey, duck, bird necks without bone marrow (bones that can be chewed up and swallowed)

Recreational Bones
beef, bison femur or hip bones with bone marrow (gnawing bones only)

Dental Bones (like Greenies)

Rawhide Bones
Okay but closely supervise so large chunks are not swallowed

Do not feed your dog these type of bones:

Small Bird Bones
Choking hazard

Cooked Bones or Cut Bones
More likely to splinter

Pork or Rib Bones
These are more likely to splinter splinter

*Always supervise your pet if you give them any type of bone!
 No such thing as a "safe" bone.

*Separate dogs in a multi-dog household.
 Don't want any fights to break out!

*Avoid bones if your dog had any recent dental work. 

For more information check out this website:
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/19/caution-bones-can-kill-your-dog-find-out-which-ones-are-safe.aspx

What to do to Help Shelter Pets During the Holiday Season?

-Adopt a pet from a shelter/rescue.

-Donate pet food and pet items to a shelter/rescue.

-Donate pet food and pet items to a pet food bank.

-Have a fund raiser for a local shelter/rescue...Christmas party anyone?

-Start a secret santa and donate a pet toy to a needy pet.

-Volunteer at a shelter/rescue. Walk or play with a lonely, under-exercised pet.

-Foster a shelter/rescue pet. Maybe even more then one if you got the room and finances.

-Buy items/gifts from companies that donate a percentage of their profits to animal shelters/rescues.

-Donate money to your local animal shelters/rescue.

-Share ideas with your local animal shelter/rescue to make them better and run more effectively.

-Support any sort of charity that donates proceeds to local pet shelters/rescues.

-Take in stray/lost pets to your local shelters. It is better then leaving them on the streets.

-Start a community outreach program to help low-income families that need help with their pets.

-Spread the word and teach people about helping animal shelters/rescues, proper care for their pets and stopping animal abuse.

Do something. Anything is better then nothing.

<3 <3 Thank You. Happy Holidays. <3 <3

Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

The Christmas Tree (Real or Fake)

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so your pet doesn't knock it over

Tree Decorations

Avoid tinsel, not only is it messy but your playful kitty could swallow it causing a possible stomach obstruction.

General Decorations

Keep electrical cords and Christmas lights out of reach for chewing puppies.
Glass bulbs, if one breaks clean up all the little pieces immediately so your pet doesn't eat it or step in it.

Turkey Trimmings and Christmas Candy

Do not give your dog turkey bones or fatty trimmings. Innards and possibly the neck are okay just make sure they are cooked. Do not give your dog candy, cookies or any type of sweets especially not chocolate. Chocolate can kill a dog! Same goes for any type of alcohol is a no. No nuts (walnuts or macadamia) for your pets

Christmas Plants

Avoid holly, mistletoe or poinsettia! These plants are poisonous to your pets!

Pet Toys

Got your pet a gift? Make sure it it pet-approved and it can't be swallowed.

Be Safe and Happy Holidays!

The Top Ten Best Dog Food Brands

Ever wonder what food is best for your canine friend?

After all the phrase "you are what you eat" applies to your puppy pal as well ^_^

Here is a article to give you some idea of the healthiest premium dog foods to feed your dog.

http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/10-best-dog-food-brands-77104

Always talk to your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet especially if they have food allergies or sensitive  tummies.

A veterinarian will be able to recommend the best food to feed your special dog.

What Does it Mean When Your Dog is AKC Registered?

So I happened upon a couple interesting articles.....

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/AKC-registered-puppies.html

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2013/01/akc-national-championship-puppy-mills-013013.html#.UrEShtJDuSo

Please read before ever even considering buying a AKC registered dog.
Frankly it seems like the AKC only cares about the profits it makes from it's members and could care less how breeders care for their dogs.
All you are going to get from a AKC registered dog is a piece of paper with a number saying the animal  is registered with the AKC. 
Nothing more and nothing less.
Shame on you AKC!
Enough is enough stop covering for these puppy mills!

Please consider adopting a purebred dog or mixed breed dog from a shelter or rescue first!

DON'T SHOP! ADOPT.

Beware of Puppy Flippers and Scammers on Craigslist!

So lately here I have been lurking on the Seattle Craigslist community pets classified ads and have found nonstop comments about puppy flippers and scammers. Unfortunately I have noticed the "trend" as well, personally spotting several ads that are suspicious and obviously not following the craigslist rules.

Craigslist rules specifically state pet sales, sale of animal parts and stud service are prohibited! A small re-homing fee is allowed. The norm for a small re-homing fee is set at $150 or less. Anything more can be and in my opinion is considered a pet sale. In which case I see a lot of re-homing fees placed at $300 and that's for a unpapered, unfixed, unvaccinated puppy  maybe given some OTC de-wormer and no proof of proper veterinary care. That is completely unsafe and unreasonable. You are better off paying a $300 adoption fee to a shelter at least the puppy would be vaccinated, fixed and have a full health check-up. I'm sorry but if you have a litter of puppies and are trying to "find them homes"with a re-homing fee over $150 (or even at that specific amount if your trying to comply with craigslist rules) you can be considered a backyard breeder.

There is no such thing as a "accidental litter". You are responsible for your dog. It is irresponsible to knowingly let your unfixed dog run around in the vicinity of another dog that is not fixed and assume you will find good homes for a unwanted litter or you are just one of those greedy people wanting to make a profit without considering the well-being of each individual puppy . You are simply adding to the overpopulation of homeless animals. There is no excuse that's that.

Now onto more heartbreaking matters. It seems like every where I look I keep hearing stories about people buying puppies off craigslist, taking them home and coming to find out there pup has Parvo or some other life-threatening illness and dying a few days later. I feel for the devastated families whom have to deal with this. I don't blame them I blame the uncaring people whom sold them the dog. These puppies often come from backyard breeders or puppy mill operations whom in which only care about making profits and could care less about the health and well-being of each individual dog.

Here are some tips from PAWS you need to know:

Animals in puppy mills are treated like cash crops

• They are confined to squalid, overcrowded cages with minimal shelter from extreme weather and no choice but to sit and sleep in their own excrement.
• Animals suffer from malnutrition or starvation due to inadequate or unsanitary food and water.
• Sick or dying animals receive little or no veterinary care.
• Adult animals are continuously bred until they can no longer produce, then destroyed or discarded.
• Kittens and puppies are taken from their mothers at such an early age; many suffer from serious behavior problems.

Look for these red flags:

• The seller has many types of purebreds or "designer" hybrid breeds being sold at less than six weeks old.
• Breeders who are reluctant to show potential customers the entire premises on which animals are being bred and kept.
• Breeders who don't ask a lot of questions of potential buyers.
• No guarantees-responsible breeders make a commitment to take back the pet at anytime during the animal's life, no matter the reason.

Help stop the suffering by taking these steps:

1. Be a responsible, informed consumer-if you do buy from a breeder, go to a reputable one who: 
• Will show you where the dogs spend their time and introduces you to the puppy's parents.
• Explains the puppy's medical history, including vaccines, and gives you their veterinarian's contact info.
• Doesn't have puppies available year-round, yet may keep a waiting list for interested people.
• Asks about your family's lifestyle, why you want a dog, and your care and training plans for the puppy.
• Doesn't use pressure sales tactics.

For more information check out: http://www.paws.org/puppy-mills.html

If you even think or question a pet ad is a scam or looks suspicious it more then likely is one. Most scammers take images from the internet and give very little information about the dog they are trying to sale. Never give out any personal information no matter how much you may want a specific animal the scammer is trying to advertise it is a ploy to scam you. Simply ignore and report immediately.

Report all suspected puppy flippers and scammers to Craiglist immediately so the ad can be removed. Simply click the suspected as and then click prohibited or spam.

All and all be careful when buying a pet on Craigslist.  There is always that small chance you get tricked into buying a sick puppy or kitten and regret it later when that puppy dies or you end up spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars in veterinary care. All I can say is you are better off adopting a puppy or kitten at a shelter. Not only will you be saving a life but you will be getting a healthy, spayed/neutered and possibly micro-chipped pet. As the saying goes "DON'T SHOP, ADOPT."

Taking Your Pet To The Veterinarian

So time for a visit to the veterinarian with your pet? Here are some things you need to know:

1. First visit with your pet to the veterinarian? Try to make it fun and stress-free for your pet for that first visit. Bring treats if necessary! Introduce your pet to the veterinarian and at the very least a basic wellness exam so your pet gets use to being handled by a stranger. After all do you really want a pet that dreads the veterinarian because of a bad experience? I think not. Take it nice and easy.

2. When waiting in the waiting room keep your pet close. You may have the friendliest pet ever but some pets and their owners may not be and it really is bad pet etiquette to let your pet wander around pestering people and other animals. Keep your pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.

3. Tell the truth about your dog's health. If he/she got into something that maybe poisonous let the veterinarian know exactly what  your pet got into. Your child/someone else's child play a little rough with your pet let your veterinarian know. You won't be judged the vet just wants to treat your pet in the best way possible if they have all the facts.

4. Make sure your pet has regular check-ups. Be it a annual physical examination, to update your pet's shots, or external and internal parasite/pest prevention are investments to your pet's health to prevent any serious and costly diseases. The more regular you are at your veterinarian the more likely they are able to keep a close eye on your pet's overall health.

5. If your pet has unusual behaviors please let the veterinarian no matter how minor it may seem. Any change in your pet's normal routine may mean something serious so let your veterinarian know as soon as possible.

6. Never play doctor your self! Never give people medications to your pets ever! Be careful with home remedies as well without proper guidance from a holistic veterinarian because your pet could have bad side affects or could interact with a current pet medication you are giving your pet. Always get a veterinarian's referral or prescription before trying any pet medication on your pet.

7. Be detailed and precise about your pet's symptoms. It will help your vet determine if what your pet has is a contagious disease in which case your pet would have to be isolated immediately and more then likely would have to be taken in at a time or place where no other animals are present. Otherwise you could cause a pet disease epidemic if your not specific enough on your pet's symptoms.

8. Have a number for your local 24-hour animal hospital handy. Since most veterinarians have 9-5 office hours it would be wise to get a referral for a after-hours clinic is case you have concerns or a emergency for your pet late at night.

Starting and Maintaining A Animal Rescue

So lately I've been reading about the horrible news updates and accusations surrounding Olympic Animal Sanctuary, a animal rescue based in Forks, WA  supposedly helping dogs with severe behavior problems. However from all the updates I have seen so far this place is sadly failing as a rescue and its reputation tainted by improper care of and basically "hoarding" of their dogs. Here are some links if you would like to read more and get updates on the subject of Olympic Animal Sanctuary or help the protest efforts:

https://www.facebook.com/dogsdeservebetter

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/sonny.html

https://www.facebook.com/pages/OAS-life-inside-the-sanctuary/396180077155674

http://freesonny.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/the-ploy-to-silence-protestors-has-backfired/

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/olympic-animal-sanctuary-just-a-jail-for-dogs

http://www.examiner.com/article/arrest-made-at-olympic-animal-sanctuary

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/former-donor-who-gave-50000-to-olympic-animal-sanctuary-says-money-wasnt-used-as-intended

http://www.examiner.com/article/owner-of-olympic-animal-sanctuary-agrees-to-release-dogs?CID=examiner_alerts_article

This sort of news really made me think. Do people really know how much work, resources and money it takes to run a animal rescue? It's not as simple as being a avid animal lover and starting a animal rescue and expecting people to support your efforts with private donations. Each individual animal needs individual care for its basic needs. Every animal is different but every animal needs proper shelter/containment, proper nutrition/nourishment, appropriate amount of exercise/training daily and enough daily attentiveness to be happy and healthy.

It dumbfounds me when people think they can just keep animals in crates, throw them some food and water down, clean their living quarters every so often and maybe let them out for a romp around the yard and that is what operating a animal rescue consists of. Wrong!

And what about those special needs pets like those with medical conditions, special diets or behavioral problems? Expenses from veterinarian visits or certified dog trainers can make those numbers add up even more by the thousands. You can't expect to run a animal rescue and not incur these expenses. Not every person can be their own veterinarian or their own dog trainer. It is not possible and highly NOT recommended. Animals need PROPER care and training!

If you want to start a animal rescue please do your research and please have a support network. You cannot run a animal rescue by yourself. You need a very supportive family, group of friends or even a group of reliable volunteers to help you be it a small-scale or large-scale animal rescue . You need to network with fellow animal rescues so you never get overwhelmed and possibly have a place to transfer a animal your rescue maybe not be able to support for whatever reason. 

Think before taking action. No matter how much you love animals, you cannot keep or save every animal that comes through your rescue. You need to find homes for the animals or unfortunately euthanize animals whom are in severe, constant pain with no relief in site, have extreme aggression issues that cannot be resolved with proper training (attacking humans on more then one occasion or killing animals ruthlessly) or dying. 

If you want to start a rescue be my guest but please know what your getting yourself into. You cannot be a one man/woman army taking on the world to save animals. If starting a animal rescue sounds to much to handle there are plenty of others out there that would be more then happy to take you in as a volunteer =) 

Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet

Why spay or neuter your pet?

Reduce the number of homeless pets euthanized.

Improve your pet's health.

Reduce unruly behavior.

Save on the cost of pet care.

When can I spay or neuter my pet?

The procedure can be performed safely as early as 8 weeks of age. No excuse about waiting.

But fixing my animal cost to much!

Most towns have animal shelters/rescues that provide low-cost under $100 maybe even free spay and neuter clinics. No excuse.

Can't I allow my purebred or mixed breed have at least one litter? My pet has a wonderful personality or a lovely  appearance! 

No. There simply are not enough homes for the puppies or kittens you produce. Even if you have homes planned there is no guarantee those puppies or kittens will keep those homes after all people can change their minds because the puppy/kitten is too much work or peoples's lifestyle or financial situation changes. You and your pet will be much happier not producing litters and adding to the problem of homeless pet overpopulation.

I don't have a pet. So not my problem!

It is your problem ."All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found. Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem." -American Humane Association

So do yourself, the world and your pet a favor SPAY OR NEUTER . Thank You.

How to Help Homeless Animals During the Holidays

Tis the Season To Be Giving ^_^

Things to do help homeless animals in need during the holidays.

1. Donate to your local shelter. Be it food, pet items, blankets or money. Most shelters have a wish list so look that up and see what the shelter needs the most.

2. Adopt a pet! Instead of buying a expensive puppy from a breeder check out the shelter first.

3. Have a pet food drive or start a pet food bank so there are no hungry pets this season.

4. Help a neighbor in need. Know someone on a fixed low-income that needs help caring for their pet? Give them a helping hand if you can.

5. Volunteer at a shelter and play with the dogs and cats. They sure would appreciate it.

6. Give a gift to a needy pet.

7. Donate online to larger, more extensive pet charities.

8. Buy items where part of the proceeds are donated to pet charities, shelters and rescues.

9. See a stray animal? Pick them up and take them to a no-kill shelter. It's better then leaving them out in the cold and in the streets.

10. Foster a pet. Shelters run out of room and often need foster homes for remaining pets. Also it's good for shelter pets to be in a home atmosphere.