Celebrating the 75th Austin FC Honorary Mascot Adopted from Austin Pets Alive!
Sep 23, 2024 Have you ever attended an Austin FC match at the Q2 Stadium? If so, you have likely met one of the Austin FC Honorary Mascot dogs! This is the fourth season the MLS club has invited Austin Pets Alive! to introduce Austin FC fans to dogs ready to leave the shelter for a home. Austin FC has featured dogs from APA! who have survived parvovirus and distemper, dogs who have been injured and use custom wheelchairs and puppies who were born in the care of the shelter. “This unique partnership has increased visibility of the dogs...
Keeping Your Dog and Family Safe: Understanding and Preventing Zoonotic Diseases
Let’s talk about something important that affects both our canine friends and us – zoonotic diseases. These are infections that can pass between animals and humans. While our dogs bring us joy and companionship, they can sometimes carry diseases that might make us sick. But don’t worry! With the right knowledge and precautions, we can keep everyone healthy and tail-wagging. Leptospirosis: Sneaky Water-Lover First on our list is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that dogs can pick up from contaminated water or soil....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Safety net programming, foster-to-adopt and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program?Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to “foster” an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it’s the right fit for their home? Or are you looking to start one? Kelli Jordan of Tallahassee Animal Services recently shared on Maddie’s® Pet Forum that they’re looking to start one,… Learn More...
Be Prepared: Common Emergencies Every Dog Parent Should Know
Dog parents see their fair share of emergency cases. But here’s the good news: being informed about common emergencies can help you stay calm and take the right actions when your dog needs you most. Here are some situations you should be aware of. When Your Dog’s Belly Becomes a Ticking Time Bomb Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with gas and potentially twists on itself. Large, deep-chested breeds are especially prone. Watch for symptoms like a...
On the Fence About a GPS Dog Fence? Here Are 4 Ways to Make Sure Your GPS Works for You and Your Dog
Wireless dog fences are easy, convenient ways to give your dog freedom while also keeping them safe. Let’s look at four ways to make your GPS dog fence work for you! A GPS dog fence creates a virtual boundary around a property to help keep your dog safe and secure while they explore, roam, and live their best life. Wireless dog fences have numerous benefits compared to physical fences or traditional invisible fences, including they don’t require installation around your property, they’re reliable and accurate, you can...
Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program?
Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to “foster” an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it’s the right fit for their home? Or are you looking to start one? Kelli Jordan of Tallahassee Animal Services recently shared on Maddie’s® Pet Forum that they’re looking to start one, and would love to hear how your organization manages it, how it’s structured and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. Folks...
Past, Present, & Future of Animal Welfare with HASS
[embedded content] Since 2020, the animal welfare industry has faced an increase of challenges unlike ever before. From overfilled kennels and a lack of municipal support to increased needs for mental health support in the workplace—and a decrease in community engagement. What is needed is a fresh, human-services-rooted perspective that rallies municipal and community support with ease. In this webinar, Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Co-Founder of HASS & CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, and Mike Wheeler, Director of Community Services at Cabot...
How to Support Shelter Staff’s Mental Health: Lessons in Social Work for Suicide Prevention Month
[embedded content] Animal welfare professionals face crises, traumatic experiences, and compassion fatigue daily. With staff shortages and maximum shelter capacity nationwide, many work unprecedented hours in often inhuman conditions leading to a significant risk to mental health. Animal rescue workers have the highest rate of death by self-harm among American workers–a rate only shared by firefighters and police officers. In this webinar, Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach, Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary...
Visiting the vet – why your role as a dog or cat parent is so essential to optimal care
As a dog or cat parent, you play a vital role for your veterinarian when you take your four-legged friend in for a check-up. Your participation in the appointment isn’t just helpful – it’s crucial for providing the best care for your animal companion. Let’s explore how you can be the perfect partner to your vet on your dog or cat’s healthcare journey. Before the Visit: Be Prepared Your responsibilities begin before you even step into the clinic. Keep a record of your dog or cat’s behavior, appetite,...
Keep families & pets together with safety net programming
“What we’re talking about is people. And working with people equally as much as we work with pets,” said Matt Pepper on a recent Community Conversations call. Pepper, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Humane spoke of the importance of meeting the community where they are at. While Michigan Humane held events in the community, Pepper questioned whether or not they were actually part of the community. Following that, they held several well-attended listening sessions in the community and truly listened to...
