Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Length of stay webcast, free meditation and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. The Best Friends 2021 national dataset has arrivedThis month, Best Friends Animal Society published its 2021 dataset. While there were some setbacks, there is plenty to be optimistic about. In 2021, the save rate increased from 79% to 83%. According to its blog, “The number of animals who didn’t leave shelters alive ticked up by only 2.3% to 355,000 in 2021, which… Learn More Webcast: Length of Stay – A Whole-Shelter SolutionWednesday, June...
Staying open-minded is important for your dog’s well-being
Once we know something, we have to act on it. Best practices for your dog’s wellbeing are always evolving. Burden of Information – the struggle is real! I say it often, you don’t know what you don’t know. BUT what do we do with information when we learn something new? That is the struggle. Let’s start with an example, have you ever known someone you thought was amazing and could do no wrong? Well, what happens if they were to stab you in the back? Cheat on you? Steal from you? Could you ever go back to seeing...
Should your cat sleep on your bed?
Few things are more cuddly than a slumbering cat. Let’s look at the pros and cons of allowing your kitty to sleep on your bed at night. For as long as I’ve had cats, they’ve slept on the bed with me. Although their sleeping preferences varied as much as their coat colors, one thing they’ve all had in common is that they wanted to be close to me. And I’m in good company. According to a 2019 American Pet Products Association survey, 62% of cats share the bed with their humans. Few cat lovers will reject the comfort...
Teach your dog to enjoy car rides!
While many dogs love “going for drives”, others may find it stressful. Here’s how to teach your dog to enjoy car rides, whatever his age. Hitting the road with your dog can be a wonderful adventure. Whether you’re heading to the local park or embarking on a cross-country trip, sharing the journey with a dog that enjoys the ride and is a good traveler makes all the difference. Ideally, it’s best to start getting your dog used to the car while he’s still a puppy, but with time and patience, you can also teach...
The Best Friends 2021 national dataset has arrived
This month, Best Friends Animal Society published its 2021 dataset. While there were some setbacks, there is plenty to be optimistic about. In 2021, the save rate increased from 79% to 83%. According to its blog, “The number of animals who didn’t leave shelters alive ticked up by only 2.3% to 355,000 in 2021, which shows that we are trending toward something resembling normality. The latest dataset also shows intake rising by 8.1%.” Given that many shelters were forced to close to the public or limit access in 2020 due to...
Cute Dog Makes Its Owner’s Food Business Boom by Doing the Delivery Service
Yes, times have been hard even for New York City due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its owner’s struggles and heartaches are a dog’s pain, too. (Who wouldn’t feel the actual stress and sadness when all that the two of you have been eating during the lockdown were sardines and oatmeal?) But, with the lockdown already over, now is the opportunity to fully support its owner who happens to own a small fast food store! Photo: Instagram Video/dogsofinstagram This Golden Retriever would be more than happy to help! Well, not in...
This Shelter Started a Lost and Found Texting Program and Got Twice as Many Dogs Home
About a year and a half ago, Greenville County Animal Care in South Carolina set up a lost and found pets texting program. People who’ve lost a pet text the word LOST to 864-467-3950, and receive an instant reply with information about how to file a lost pet report, and other steps to help locate the missing pet. Those who’ve found a pet text the word FOUND to the same number. “We’ll text you all of the information and tips you need to help you reunite the cat or dog you found with its lost owner!” GCAC...
Disaster in the air? Put your dog in good care.
If disaster strikes, do you have a plan for your pet? There are no shortage of stories of groups having to come into a disaster zone to rescue animals. It’s important to have a plan. Setting the Scene: In late August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, creating irreparable damage to thousands of lives, homes, buildings, and animals. As a society, we learned a lot from the insufficient preparation for and handling of the natural disaster. Specifically, we learned how to better approach the care of pets during emergency...
Adopting a special needs animal
If you’re thinking of adopting a dog or cat with special needs, know that you’re an awesome human being! But there are a few things to consider before you take that step. Here’s how to help ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your new best friend. When visiting the shelter, many people overlook animals with special needs. From deaf cats to three-legged dogs, animals with disabilities, chronic diseases, and various behavioral issues are languishing at shelters and rescues, just waiting for the right person to...
Young Woman Reunites with Her Chihuahua Two Years after a Friend Told Her that the Dog Died
What is the importance of a dog microchip? It can lead your dog back into your life even after it has been gone for years. Such is the story of Maile Trist, who did not even lose her dog. She was the victim of a vicious lie that was concocted by a “friend”. Photo: Facebook Video/Cowley County Humane Society That friend told her that her beloved Chihuahua had died, and Trist spent the next two years grieving. Trist adopted her dog, Jazzy, from a humane society when she was still living in California. She was just in high school...