Newest Addition: Therapy Dog?

     Our newest addition to our family, Dacie, has been an eye opener. She was given to us by a family who turned out to be allergic to her. She is a pure bred Labrador Retriever with an awesome temperament. At just 7 months old, she was very calm, loved everyone and every animal, had a healthy curiosity and was not easily scared. I then realized that she would be a great therapy dog, so my research began.

     As it turned out, she had already been through obedience school, was spayed and up to date on shots. The first requirements were met. However, she cannot be temperament tested until she reaches one year of age. We're now at 9 months and counting. We have made an effort to continue socializing her, taking her to pet friendly stores and to friends' homes to meet new people and animals. So far, she has done amazingly well!

     Our local Love on a Leash group meets monthly at the library for children's reading and also visits schools, The Cancer Center and many other events and locations. If you're interested in more information or want to find a therapy dog group near you, check out this website.

Spay and Neuter

Bob Barker always gave this good advice, "Spay and neuter your pets." Many don't realize the importance of spaying or neutering their pet, so I'm going to share these reasons to encourage you or a friend to listen to Bob Barker.

This past month, I have been seeing first hand the results of not following this advice. I have been going to our local shelter 1-2 times a week to take photos of the dogs and cats in hopes of finding them homes before their time runs out. Many are saved from an early death, but most of those are saved by rescue organizations who want to give these animals more time to find their forever home.

Why spay or neuter my pet?

- Keep the population down so less unwanted pets end up in shelters.
  (About half of all pets in shelters are euthanized,  3-4 million yearly.)

- Medical evidence shows that females that are spayed before their first heat are generally healthier.

- Your dog's personality will not be effected by spaying/neutering.
   Their personalities are formed mostly by genetics and environment.

- Studies show that pets who are exercised and given the appropriate diet will not gain weight.

- There are many spay/neuter clinics that will provide low-cost assistance for payment.
   Most of them perform the procedure at a reduced rate.

- 1 out of every 4 shelter animals are purebred, so look in a shelter before supporting a puppy mill.

 

If you have more concerns or questions about this, please visit
The Humane Society of the United States' website.

PLEASE check your local shelter, rescues or humane society if you're looking to get a pet.
They desperately need homes, and you can always find a good match for your circumstances.

After all, we got these two great mutts from our local shelter!

Heat Advisory

It is extremely important that we know what to do with our pets during these hot summer days to prevent heat stroke.

• NEVER leave your pet in a car, even with the windows down. The temperature can rise very quickly in a car parked in the sun, so leave your pet at home if you can't take them in the store with you.
• If your pet is outside, make sure it has access to shade and always has fresh water available.
• Give your pet a summer trim if they have a long or heavy coat, but leave approximately 1 inch of fur to prevent sunburn. 
• Don't over exercise them, whether it be play or going for a walk. Again, they must always have fresh water, especially during increased activity.
• When opening home windows, make sure your pet cannot climb or fall out of them.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of overheating.

• Heavy panting (more than usual)
• Drooling
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Bloody diarrhea
• Temperature over 104

Fore more information, visit the ASPCA website. Know your closest Veterinary Clinic and it's after hours phone number in case of emergency. Please share this information with friends. 

Have a happy and safe summer!

Local Shelters & Rescues

In case you were considering adopting a four legged friend this spring (I hope you are), here is a list of shelters to chose from. All of them can use your support. If you know of any shelters that aren't listed, please post them in a comment.

Pulaski County

Have a Heart Animal Rescue

Pulaski County Animal Shelter

Pulaski County Humane Society

Central KY

Lexington Humane Society

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge

Find a shelter near you, and save a life.  Petfinder is also a good resource.