The Bring Pets Home Blog

A Cold and Snowy 6 Weeks

jocelyn — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:13:00 GMT

My cat Sen Sen is my baby, he was my first pet and a true love. This cat has unfortunately gotten out of the house 2 other times. The first was in AZ.

Though the HomeAgain site I got my lost pet posters printed and hung around our apartment complex. A neighbor called me, as they had seen a large white cat coming in and out of a storm drain right near our apartment. I went and looked, and there he was... home again after 5 days gone.

Sen Sen once again got away when we moved into our new apartment. I got my posters from HomeAgain once more, and posted them all over the apartment complex and the buildings at the complex next door. Keep in mind this was early May in the Rockies Mountains. Bears are all over the place, it's still freezing at night and it can snow at any moment. About 2 weeks after he had been gone I woke up one morning to a text message. A neighbor at the apartment complex next door said he had seen him the night before. I met up with him and he walked me over to the farthest corner of the property and he told me had seen him there. That night I set a live trap for him. I set an alarm for 3am to go out and see if he was there. Sure enough, there was my cat, HomeAgain!

Then a week before Christmas, December 22nd to be exact, my husband was coming home with a large handful of groceries, simply kicked the door closed behind him... only it didn't close. It took him about 15 minutes to realize the door was open and when he went to shut it, our other cat Carl, was sitting at the door staring out. My husband pushed him away and shut the door. Much, much later that night as we were sitting up enjoying our evening, I asked if he had seen Sen Sen...

We searched the house high and low but Sen was gone again. I started the process again, I printed my posters and hung them all over both complexes, I notified HomeAgain that he was missing and obtained a live trap from the animal shelter. But as the weeks slipped by and my posters started being taken down and no one was calling, I became discouraged. One day I saw an ad in the Found section of our local newspaper that read "unique white cat found in Avon, call to describe." I was so excited but when I called and described Sen Sen it turned out not to be him. I had 4 different people call me off my posters to ask if I had seen the ad. Last weekend, missing my Siamese so much I adopted a little lilac point Siamese girl kitten and brought her home. It had been so long and so cold and so snowy I kind of figured he had been taken in and no one knew that he belonged to me. Anyway, this morning a call came in, it was early in the morning so I didn't answer it as I didn't recognize the number. They left a message but then called back. Sen Sen had gotten into one of the buildings of the complex next door. The man said that he had seen my poster and that the cat looked just like him, only he wasn't "fat". I went over there to see and sure enough, there was my kitty. He's had a rough time, he's probably lost more then 50% of his body weight, his pads are frost bitten, he's got a hole on one of his legs, but he's happy, eating, drinking, and purring and going to the vet today. Thanks Homeagain for the posters that saved his life!

Pet Grooming – Tips on Giving Your Cat a Bath

Ariel — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:39:00 GMT

The story of a cat named Claudius

I went with my friend, D., to a pet rescue in northern New Jersey to look at a six-week-old kitten he had found on PetFinder.com. D. hoped to adopt the youngster, named Phil, so his cat Simone would have a companion. Simone’s brother and lifetime cohort, Jean-Paul, had mysteriously passed away one morning devastating her and D.

I intended to be completely neutral, providing moral support and letting D. adopt whichever pet he wanted. Nevertheless, when a six-month-old longhair tuxedo cat crawled into my lap and refused to leave, I melted.

We both knew Phil wouldn’t have a problem finding a home and the longhair tuxedo, Claudius, was going home with D. When he asked me what I thought, I mentioned that owning a cat with four inches of fur would require lots of grooming.

That didn’t stop D., not that I thought it would, but he did ask the rescue workers to give Claudius a bath before he took him home. I remember watching the two women struggling with the unhappy cat in the sink and thinking that D. was in for a world of trouble.

Longhair grooming tips

Now, I know better. By watching D. taking care of Claudius and doing some research, I learned a lot about grooming longhair cats. I also learned that baths aren’t always a disaster.

Animals with long fur need more grooming than shorthaired pets. Even though cats are always cleaning themselves, longhairs are prone to tangles and stuff in their fur they can’t get out.

Whenever Claudius sits still (and that isn’t often), D. brushes him. This removes knots and loose fur that he’d otherwise lick off himself. And we all know what happens to hair that your cat can’t digest – it becomes hairballs that they leave around the house. So, if you don’t like these “gifts,” brushing your fluffy feline is important.

Waste also sticks to his fur sometimes after he uses the litter box. I suggested D. use unscented baby wipes, and it is a lifesaver. D. uses a wipe without dye, perfume, or lotion to clean his fur. There are pet wipes available, but they’re much more expensive.

Some owners choose to give their longhair cats a lion cut to save time grooming. D. realized that clipping Claudius’ fur where the waste would stick was enough to eliminate the problem.

Giving your cat a bath

D. is very careful to keep Claudius clean, but there are still times when he needs a bath.

Most domestic cats hate water. I’m not sure why this is, but they are not big fans of getting wet and he tries to avoid baths whenever possible.

When your cat needs a bath, get all your supplies ready before bringing the cat into the bathroom. Make sure your towel, brush, and wipes are within arm’s reach. This way, you can move quickly and minimize the stress of bath time. I find that having two people makes the process much easier.

D. always wears a long-sleeved shirt and he holds Claudius (who still has his claws) while I shampoo. If you get a pet shampoo you can pre-mix in a cup of warm water, you only have to wet the cat’s fur and apply the lather. Also, you need to use a pet shampoo that your cat can safely ingest.

It’s important that you stay calm and reassure your cat. D. keeps the water running in order to rinse out the shampoo quickly. The sound scares Claudius, but D. keeps his voice low and calm even when he gets clawed.

After a bath, I wrap him in a towel and dry him off as much as possible. Claudius and Simone both lick any excess water off afterwards.

What I learned when D. got Claudius was that cat baths should be a last resort. Regular brushing and using pet-friendly wipes can save you a ton of wet clothes and clawed arms.

So tell me…

Have you ever given your cat a bath? What is your normal grooming routine? Why do you think cats hate water so much?

Everything I Need to Know I’ve Learned from Garfield

Ariel — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:05:00 GMT

What a fat, lazy cat can teach us all about living

Anyone who has read Jim Davis’ comic strip, Garfield, knows the orange tabby has a one-of-a-kind personality. At least, that’s what the world of cat owners is hoping. But, beneath his gruff and sarcastic exterior, the Paws, Inc. character has taught us many lessons on how to live our lives to the fullest.

You can find comics, quotes, and instances here where Mr. Davis has kindly collected every single Garfield comic since the fat cat’s premiere July 19, 1979.

It’s all about perspective

Garfield reminds us that everyone views the world differently and we have control over how we see things. For example, if you look at a chart and realize you should be six foot tall for your current weight to be healthy, it doesn’t mean you’re overweight—you’re under tall! Besides, no one can push you around when you outweigh a small car.

About love

Garfield points out that love comes in many different forms. A mother’s love is when she piles your plate high with food and says, “eat, eat, eat.” A man’s love is shown by his willingness to watch a cheesy chick-flick on Valentine’s Day.

Even when you’re not in love, it can be fun being around people who are in love. Watching your dear friends fret over the little details of their relationship can be a great spectator’s sport.

The truth about food and dieting

Many Garfield lessons are all about food, and I’ve compiled a short list of the valuable insights Garfield has taught me about eating:

We should all enjoy our food and eat every meal as if it were our last.
Life is too short. Therefore, eat dessert first.
Food just tastes better when you’re on a diet.
Almost everyone has a love-hate relationship with food—skinny people love to hate it, fat people hate to love it.
No matter what, we must always be adventurous and open to new experiences. At least, that is, as far as food goes.
We often eat to suppress a deeper emotional need. It’s called hunger.
You are what you eat, so avoid fruits and nuts.
Misery loves company—especially on a diet.

And most importantly—cats

What greater lesson could Garfield have than to tell us the truth about cats? The cartoon’s creator, Jim Davis, said, “Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.” And nobody shows that quite like Garfield. Our feline friends are like people, with a bit more fur and sharper teeth. Each cat has a unique personality and most seem to love napping and food.

Yet, the relationship we have with cats is different from the one we have with dogs. We own dogs, and they shower us with love and affection. Garfield warns humankind, “You never really own a cat. You can only make him happy and hope he won't leave you for someone better, like the pizza guy.”

The cynical ramblings of a cartoon cat have certainly changed my outlook on life. I look at cats, constantly napping and snacking, and see a little bit of Garfield in every one of them. When they look back, I can’t help but to think they know just the right way to live life—and that maybe the joke’s on us.

Black Dog Blues

jocelyn — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:08:00 GMT

What is Black Dog Syndrome?

Black Dog Syndrome, as it’s known in the shelter world, is the name given to describe the significantly lower adoption rates of black dogs in shelters. Informal statistical data gathered at shelters all across the country supports this strange phenomenon, and if you ask most shelter workers and volunteers, they’ll tell you just how true this sad reality is firsthand. People just aren’t adopting black dogs, and these homeless pets are euthanized much more often than their lighter-color comrades.

This syndrome isn’t just reserved to dogs, either. Black cats face an equally difficult time of getting adopted in shelters.

Who’s afraid of big black dogs?

A lot of people are apparently “afraid” of black dogs, especially big black dogs, or BBDs, as they’re known in shelters. Some of the aversion to BBDs does come from a genuine fear that’s possibly propagated by mythical black dogs in popular culture—think The Hound of the Baskervilles. Other reservations come from the actual size of the dog, as not everyone has enough room for a big dog. And finally, some apprehensions are simply cosmetic; people don’t want black dog hair strewn all over their light-colored home interiors. These reasons for not adopting a black dog may actually be the hardest to combat because people have definitively made up their minds. But there are other reasons people don’t adopt BBDs that can be remedied.

Combating black dog discrimination

First, it’s important to think about the environment of a shelter. These places are typically industrial sites with cement floors and florescent lights. In this landscape, many black dogs fade into the background and become sadly unnoticeable to people looking for a pet to adopt. Black dogs become even more difficult to notice if they are positioned next to each other in cages and kennels. Many shelters have made a concerted effort to separate the black dogs, and some have even painted their kennels a lighter color so that black dogs really pop out.

Shelters report that people say that it is hard for them to “read” the expressions of a black dog. They can’t tell if the dog is friendly or not because its features are harder to pick out. Black dog owners will certainly tell you that their dogs have very distinct features and expressions; it just might take longer to notice them. So shelters have taken to adorning black dogs in scarves and other costumes to give them more personality and draw attention to their best, and often overlooked, features.

Finally, one of the simplest ways you can combat black dog discrimination is to adopt a black dog. These animals make great pets, and none of the scary-dog stereotypes is the least bit accurate. Of course, if you’re not in the market to adopt another pet, you could kindly spread the word. Tell your friends and acquaintances looking for a dog about Black Dog Syndrome, and you may just change their perspective before they visit the shelter. With a little bit of a communal effort, we can make a difference for black pets in shelters everywhere.

Plants That Are Poisonous To Pets

Ariel — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:01:00 GMT

Some plants are obviously harmful to pets, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac. But there are many common plants and flowers that pose a big danger for dogs and cats as well. Seasonal bouquets, in particular, often contain flowers that are lethal to pets. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a good time to read up on the plants and flowers that are dangerous for your pets. This article will help you keep an eye out for both indoor and outdoor dangers.

Dangerous plants you find indoors

Some popular holiday decorations can make pets very sick. American and English Holly are toxic to animals. The ASPCA believes that the unpleasant taste keeps animals from eating a lot of the plant but recommends keeping pets far away from them. Mistletoe is also poisonous.

Different flowers in the lily family are extremely poisonous to pets. Cats are more common lily poisoning victims than dogs, but they are toxic to both species. They are also extremely popular bouquet items. Lilies, Tiger Lilies, Easter Lilies, Tulips, and Calla Lilies are just some of the toxic plants found in the lily plant family.

Other bouquet favorites are also likely to make your dogs and cats sick if eaten. Keep flower arrangements that include these plants where your pets can’t get at them:

Baby’s Breath
Bird of Paradise
Carnations
Daffodils
Dahlias
Daisies
Irises
Peonies

You can still keep your favorite flowers inside where you can appreciate their beauty, but lock them away when you’re not at home and keep a close watch when your pets are near the bouquet. By being aware of the danger and taking proper precautions, you can keep your favorite flowers and pets safe.

Poisonous outdoor plants and trees

It’s not advisable to let pets out unsupervised, but we can’t watch them every second. You can help keep your pet healthy by knowing which plants and trees are toxic in your area.

Azaleas, Buttercups, Chrysanthemums, Gardenias, Gladiolas, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangeas, Mums, Primroses, Rhododendrons, and Sweet Peas are popular garden items that are poisonous. That’s just another good reason to keep your dogs away from your neighbor’s award-winning flower bushes.

Trees like Yews and Red Maples have toxic leaves. Wilted Red Maple Leaves are especially dangerous and the ASPCA states most poisonings take place between late summer and early winter.

Gorgeous climbing plants, like Ivy and Wisteria should be off limits to your dog. Even medicinal and recreational plants are unsafe. St. John’s Wort, Aloe, Tobacco, and Rhubarb plants are no good for dogs or cats.

Pet Licenses for a Reason

Elizabeth — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:21:00 GMT

Many pet owners wonder why they should bother licensing a pet that is just going to be living in their house and not bothering anyone. But, pet licenses are required by cities for a reason.

Licensing a pet, first and foremost, allows your town to keep track of you and your pet. That way, if your pet gets lost, the town can find you and return your animal to you. Some towns also hold animals with pet licenses longer if they end up in a local shelter, or they may provide licensed pets with medical care in an emergency.

Dog licenses, in particular, are also a way for a municipality to keep track of important animal vaccinations. When you register for dog licenses, you usually have to certify that your dog has been vaccinated for rabies, and dog licensing is an important rabies control measure. Rabies control is a major reason that cat licenses are issued as well. Many people don’t realize that cats play a big role in the spread of rabies in the United States.

The fees from pet licenses are often used to improve the lives of pets across an area. For example, in many jurisdictions, licensing a pet that has not been spayed or neutered costs more than licensing a pet that has been “fixed.” The extra fees that are collected help to support spay and neuter problems and work to control issues of pet overpopulation. Pet licenses also help pay to return lost pets to their owners and support the shelter system.

Although there are many day-to-day reasons why licensing a pet is a good idea, pet licenses are particularly useful in the event of a disaster or emergency. Not only do they help animal control officials reunite displaced pets with their owners, but pet licenses can also help towns keep track of any animals that they need to be concerned with during a disaster. For example, a town in a hurricane-prone area may require a license for an animal to be evacuated through a pet-friendly evacuation center.

Licensing a pet with your town may seem like a lot of trouble, but it usually requires only a small investment of time and money. Check your town’s website or call your local municipal offices to find out what forms you need. You can also talk to your veterinarian. She will generally have all the information you need, and she will also be able to provide you with any proof of vaccination that the town requires as part of the process of applying for pet licenses.

Responsible pet ownership isn’t always cheap, but licensing a pet usually is. Furthermore, it’s worth it. Pet licenses help you keep your beloved pet safe, and make the world a more secure place for both pets and people.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Pet Treats

Ariel — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:21:00 GMT

How can you show your special pet just how much you love him or her this Valentine’s Day? Treats, of course! So while you’re busy in the kitchen cooking up your favorite human treats, why not whip up something special for your four-legged friends?

There are pet treat recipes out there for all skill levels, even kitchen disasters like myself. I picked two of my favorites that are quite healthy and simple to make. Just make sure you have your favorite heart-shaped or Cupid cookie cutter on hand to make the moment extra festive.

Bacon balls

What dog doesn’t love bacon? Now you can spoil him with these pet friendly treats.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup bacon grease
5 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup beef broth
2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet with either 1 Tablespoon (Tbsp.) of bacon grease or vegetable oil. Combine all of the remaining ingredients and mix well. With clean hands, roll the dough into ½-inch to 2-inch balls and place them 1-inch apart on your greased cookie sheet.

If you want to share the Valentine’s Day spirit with your pup, roll the dough out to a ¼ - ½-inch thickness and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make fun shapes.

Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown. Baking times will vary based on size of the bacon balls, the altitude, and your oven.

Cool the cookies on wire racks, as far away from your dogs as possible, and then store them in the fridge or freezer for puppy pampering a la Cupid.

Kitty cat tuna treats

We can’t forget our favorite feline friends on Valentine’s Day, and I’ve got just the recipe to send Kitty into a roaring, heartfelt purr. Cats go crazy for this mix of catnip and tuna!

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup soy flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup dried catnip
1/4 cup canned tuna (water packed) – drained
1/2 cup juice from drained tuna – add water if needed
1/2 cup corn oil
1 egg – lightly whisked

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Then add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until the mixture becomes stiff dough. If the dough seems too sticky, just add more whole-wheat flour. Mold the dough into a large ball and place on wax paper.

Roll the dough out until it’s about ¼ to ½ inch thick and cut into fun shapes with your cookie cutters. Then, combine all the leftover dough into a ball and reroll to cut more shapes until all the scraps are used.

Bake the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet for about 25 minutes and store in a plastic bag, tightly wrapped, in the fridge until feeding time.

Pet treat tips

I prefer to use whole-wheat, brown rice, or soy flour. If you are not sure what to use, check with your vet and learn what is healthiest for your animals.
Replacing water in a recipe with broth or low-fat milk is a good way to add flavor. Check with your vet to know how much milk, if any, your pet can have.

I love making my favorite pets treats around Valentine’s Day to show my pets how much they mean to me, and I hope you enjoy it too. Not only can it be a great bonding experience for you and your pets, but you can get your kids in the kitchen and involve the whole family.

Become a HomeAgain PetRescuer

jocelyn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:27:00 GMT

The free and easy way to protect pets in your nabe

Not every pet lover has as much free time to donate to their local animal community as they might like. Helping save animals in need demands a lot of time and attention, and sometimes, we all know that life can get really busy. But if you’re still missing that sense of community with other pets and pet lovers in your neighborhood, we might just have the thing for you. Sign up to be a HomeAgain PetRescuer, and you can help make a big difference for lost pets just by reading your email. It’s that easy, honestly.

Signing up to be a PetRescuer

Anyone can become a HomeAgain PetRescuer and help keep a lookout for lost pets in their neighborhood. PetRescuers sign up to receive Lost Pet Alert emails that describe pets that have gone missing nearby. Most of the alerts contain a photo of the missing pet and a description of the disappearance—area last seen, time of day, direction headed, etc. PetRescuers simply read the alerts and keep a lookout during their daily routines. When they see a missing pet, they call HomeAgain.

Your PetRescuer profile is customizable to the area that you live in. When you fill out your profile, you set your alert area and decide how much distance (from 5 miles to 25 miles) your Lost Pet Alerts emails should cover. This is really handy for making the most out of the time you spend searching and keeping a lookout. PetRescuers in rural areas typically travel a greater distance during the day, and therefore, a larger alert area (10 – 25 miles) makes more sense for them. PetRescuers in metropolitan areas, on the other hand, may travel a shorter distance during their daily routines, so it makes more sense for them to have a smaller alert area (5 miles or less).

Your support really does matter

It’s a very difficult time when a pet goes missing. Pet owners are most often deeply affected by anxiety and fear for their missing family member. When you’re in that situation, it can be difficult to know just what to do to make sure your lost pet has the best chance of coming home. Knowing that you have a network of caring pet people willing to help keep a lookout for your lost pet makes a big difference.

Join the HomeAgain PetRescuers Network and help give lost pets a fighting chance.

Can Cats And Dogs Live Together?

Ariel — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:08:00 GMT

How to create harmony in the house

When two different species are living in the same home there is bound to be some tension. However, it is possible to create a happy living environment for all humans, dogs, and cats involved in your household. Just remember to stay positive and patient.

Start young

It’s best to introduce pets when they are kittens and puppies. Older animals have developed a set way of doing things and are much less likely to welcome change—even if it’s especially cute and cuddly. Also, neither kitten nor puppy has an existing claim on the shared territory. The downside of this is that you will have two baby animals full of curiosity and energy in your house at one time, and that can be a bit of a handful. Luckily, it’s still possible to successfully introduce older animals.

Before adopting a second animal

You can take some steps before you bring home a new furry family member to make the introduction easier. Ask the shelter or rescue workers if they have a dog that has lived with cats before, or see if you can arrange to witness the dog with a cat before you adopt him.

If your dog is the established pet and you’re looking to rescue a cat, arrange for some pre-adoption training sessions. Make sure you can control him on a leash and he responds well to sit and stay commands. Don’t forget to give him lots of praise and attention.

Day 1

The first day is crucial. You can’t just throw the pets in the same room and hope for the best. You need to introduce cats and dogs to each other gradually.

First, make sure to keep your cat in an enclosed area. Even if your cat is the existing pet in the household, it makes sense to sequester her since cats usually require less space. Keep her in a bathroom or bedroom with food, water, toys, and a litter tray for the first few days.

This way, you can slowly let the animals get accustomed to the strange smell of a different species. Rub a towel over the dog and let the cat smell it, and then vice versa. There may be some barking or hissing if they can smell each other through the door, so make sure they’re far enough away so they don’t get too stressed.

On the second day, let the pets switch places for a little while. This will give the cat a chance to explore if she’s the new addition to your family.

Day 3

Put your dog on a leash and open the door to the cat’s room, allowing the animals to see each other face to face. Make sure you have complete control of your dog and don’t let him play with the cat, chase her, or try to chew on her. Hissing and baring their teeth is normal. They should also be curious about each other.

The cat should always have a way to escape the dog, since dogs are usually bigger than cats and can usually do more damage. Just make sure the cat can hide under a bed or get to a room where a childproof gate stops the dog in case she feels threatened. When the pets behave, praise them both lavishly.

Continue to keep your pup on a leash until they are less interested in fighting, and then you can allow them more freedom. I’ve noticed that cats prefer high places, so try a bookshelf or cat tree to give the cat a place free from any dog interference and to give the dog the space he needs as well.

Barring any rare, unsolvable animosities, you and your pets have many years of cuddling and mutual affection ahead of you. If you remain patient and praise them both equally with love and attention, you can create a peaceful home for everyone.

Shop Online and Save Animals—Really!

jocelyn — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:20:00 GMT

It’s the little things that really add up—making lattes at home, walking to the video store, staying in on family night—and eventually, you’ve stretched your monthly budget to a more comfortable and sensible end. You might not know it, but you and animal shelters have a lot in common in terms of fiscal sensibilities. You both know how to stretch a dollar and make sure every cent counts. But luckily for both of you, Bring Pets Home has thought of a way that animal lovers on a budget can still support animal shelters without changing their normal shopping or spending routines.

Online shopping revolutionized our relationship with the products we buy. Convenience, competitive pricing, and 24 hour availability liberates us from the humdrum of standing in line at stores or rushing crosstown only to discover that must-have item sold out ten minutes ago. Now, we shop when it’s convenient for our lifestyle and race to the comfort of the den or office when a not to be missed sale begins. Bring Pets Home took this shopping revolution to heart when developing its online shopping portal. With the participation of major retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Walmart, iTunes, and Amazon and specialized niche shopping in dozens of categories like Sports & Fitness and Hobbies & Collectibles, Bring Pets Home delivers convenient click-through shopping for a good cause. A portion of every purchase made through the portal is donated to animal shelters all across the country at no additional cost to the shopper. Helping save animals is as easy as doing your seasonal shopping with online convenience.

Bring Pets Home also offers its users the option to personalize their shopping experience. Anyone can set up an account at the site (of course it’s free) and select a favorite shelter to receive their donations exclusively. This gives people the freedom to support their local shelter, select a shelter that supports a particular cause, or not choose a single shelter but donate to the collective fund instead. As a non-profit charity organization, Bring Pets Home donates 100% of all of the proceeds generated from the site. Make the most of the portal by remembering to begin your routine online shopping at Bring Pets Home. Sign in and click through to your favorite stores, and shop as you normally would knowing that your smart shopping is making an impact.

Ultimately, the animal lovers at Bring Pets Home want to make it easier and more affordable for other animal lovers to donate to helping save homeless pets in need. And they’ve managed to devise a scenario where shoppers become benefactors without forking over any additional cash. That’s not a bad solution, especially in economic times that are continually in flux. Animal shelters need financial help to confront growing problems like overpopulation and disease control, and you really can make a difference just by shopping online. Each purchase, big or small, brings us one step closer to a world with happier and healthier pets. Thank you for your support, and happy online shopping!

Finding a New Vet for Your Pet

jocelyn — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:36:00 GMT

Whether you’ve moved to a new area or just recognize a need for change, finding a new vet for your pet is usually a detailed, perky-eared kind of task. Choosing the right vet is a big part of keeping your dog or cat healthy and safe, and proper veterinary care can lead to a longer and more comfortable life for your furry pal. We know you want the best for you pet, so we’ve compiled a list of helpful suggestions for finding and vetting (pardon the pun) a new vet for your pet. Keep reading for the dish on what to look for in a vet and what questions you need to ask any potential candidate. Happy hunting!

See what your friends are barking or meowing about. The best way to start looking for a vet is by talking to friends and acquaintances whose pet-care routine aligns with yours. Ask them about their vet, and find out if they have any recommendations for you.
Get those paws up on the keyboard. After you’ve found a few vets that have sparked your interest, do some research online to see what other pet owners have to say about them. It’s true that you can’t believe everything you read on the internet, but a slew of bad reviews is a good way to narrow down the competition.
Drop by the office. Taking the time to make a quick visit to the office will give you a pretty good picture of what kind of care your pet will receive. Does the level of cleanliness meat your standards? Is the office chaotic, or is it running smoothly? Is the staff friendly and helpful? How many people are in the waiting room? How long do you have to wait before you are greeted? Look for a place where both you and your pet will feel comfortable.
Delve into specifics. At some point, either over the phone or in person if you stop by, you need to ask your vet candidate specific questions about her education and experience. Find out where she went to school and what kind of board certifications she has. If your pet has special needs or a pre-existing condition, it’s important that you find out if she’s ever cared for a pet under similar circumstances. Having this conversation with a candidate also lets you know what it’s like to communicate with her. If she’s helpful, easy to understand, and has solid credentials, you may just have yourself a new vet.
Ask about office protocol. Another deal-breaker or deal-maker you need to uncover is whether the vet’s office protocol jibes with your schedule and lifestyle. What are standard appointment times? How do you make appointments? Will you communicate via email or telephone? Where and how do you contact your vet in case of an emergency? All of these things play a big role in deciding if a vet is right for you and your pet.

Demystifying Cat Myths and Misconceptions

Ariel — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:38:00 GMT

The truth about cats?

Cats always land on their feet. Cats are dangerous to expecting mothers. A black cat crossing your path is bad luck. Keep your cat at home with butter on her paws.

Cats fascinate us, and in an effort of trying to understand them, people have succumbed to creating so-called facts about them for centuries. With so many misconceptions floating around out there, it was hard to nail down just four cat myths to debunk.

Cats have 9 lives

I’m sure that very few people actually believe this myth, but it’s important to reiterate that it’s not true. Cats are living creatures, and they have one life, like any other animal. I think this myth stems from cats getting themselves into some very dangerous situations and managing to survive them, unscathed but perhaps looking a little foolish.

I remember hearing a story about a kitten that was up for adoption at a local shelter that rescuers found trapped in a car. Not inside the car, mind you, but underneath the hood, stuck in the machinery. But the little kitten was saved and turned out to be the sweetest thing you ever met, despite her brush with death.

Cats always land on their feet

This myth is close to being true but isn’t completely accurate. A cat won’t land on its feet every single time in every single situation. Cats have an extremely flexible spine and an instinct that helps them quickly position themselves in preparation for a landing. But, there is a minimum height range that they need in order to perform the moves to land on their feet.

This is another cat phenomenon I’ve witnessed firsthand. My friend’s adopted cat, Claudius, loves the bookcase. When he scratches his chin on the corner, he gets very excited and seems to forget his hindquarters attach to the rest of him. He wiggles right off the bookcase. Sometimes, he’ll land successfully on his feet. Many times, though, he’ll land square on his butt and accuse whatever human is nearby with a plaintive meow and wide-eyed stare.

Cats are a danger to babies

This simply isn’t true. Cats are usually a little miffed by a new addition changing their routine, but it doesn’t mean a well-behaved cat will suddenly turn vicious. When you have a new baby in the house, you have to introduce your cat to your child, and let them get to know each other properly. Always watch your children when they’re around cats, and if you’re careful, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Keep your cat at home with butter on her paws

I don’t know where this one started. I think it was a joke that went too far, and people started to believe it. The myth states: if you butter your cat’s paws, she won’t run away from home or get lost. This is just silly. The only thing you will get if you butter your cat’s paws is a greasy mess and, perhaps, a brand new cat-scratch on your arm.

There is very little that will prevent a cat from wandering away from home given the right circumstances. If you want to keep her from getting lost, a microchip with all your contact information is your best option—not butter.

There are many myths, misconceptions, falsehoods, and superstitions about cats, but you can find the truth with a little common sense and research. Don’t let these untruths keep you from loving your furry companions as much as possible.

To read more about black cat myths, see our Scary Black Cat Myths blog. They’re purrrfectly ridiculous.

Top Ten Pet Reunions of 2009

jocelyn — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:51:00 GMT

Some stories are just too good to keep to yourself, especially when they’re joyous stories about lost pets finding their way back home. At Bring Pets Home, we love to hear about happy and safe pet reunions because they make us feel good and give us hope, even in seemingly impossible situations.

We’ve gathered our top 10 pet reunion stories of 2009 selected for various reasons. These aren’t really ranked because, after all, no reunion story is really better than another. They were selected because each one has a particular lesson or insight about the continual responsibility of pet ownership.

New Year’s Miracle

What’s the best way to spend New Year’s? How about finding out your lost dog has been found—after two years! Read this amazing story and learn how simple twists of fate sometimes reunite us even after we’ve given up hope and moved on with our lives.

Puddy Found after Seven Months

Persistence pays off in this incredible story about a 10 year-old cat who was lost on a routine camping trip. Sometimes you just have to keep on trying—even when it’s tough. Your best friend will thank you for it later.

Where Is My Family?

What do you when an adorable Pekinese shows up on your doorstep with no collar tags or visible ID? In this story, people did the right thing, and it kind of restores your faith in fellow pet lovers and owners.

Our Baby’s Back

It doesn’t really matter how long your pet is missing, the sense of worry and loss is still immediate and equally torturing. But what does matter in this story is having a resource for when your pet gets lost and understanding how that guidance can lead to a speedy recovery.

Our Dog Comes Home after 4 Years

Mauley, a rare breed dog, becomes even more unique in this amazing story of a long-lost pet reunion, and teaches all of us that, even in the most unlikely of circumstances, there’s a reason to hope.

O Happy Day

Being a pet owner comes with changing duties because each new season poses potential dangers and obstacles for keeping our pets safe. This reunion story, in particular, reminds us how holiday celebrations have a big impact on our best buds.

Found after a Month 200 Miles Away

Appropriately named Mr. Boo, this kitty gave his owners the surprise of the year when they got news he was happy, healthy, and safe—200 miles away! Oh boy, if cats could talk, this one would surely have a story to tell.

Reunited after Eight Long Years

This charming story is about taking the long way home, and being welcomed after 8 long years of separation. Read about Luther (aka Chip) and renew your faith in happy chance circumstances at work out there in the world.

Miracles Do Happen!

When you’ve got four dogs, it’s a big relief when the animal shelter calls to tell you one of them is safe and waiting for you. But it’s a total shock when the dog they’re calling about went missing five years earlier.

Never Give Up

Traveling with a cat in the car is really touch and go. Some kitties are naturals, and some just never get used to it. The cat in this story was more of the former, and a routine stop at a rest area took a disheartening turn. But don’t worry there’s a happy ending after all.

Get a Permanent Pet ID with a Pet Mircrochip

Elizabeth — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:38:00 GMT

Permanent pet ID methods were developed because there are few things more frightening to pet owners than coming home to discover an open door or gate and their pet nowhere to be found. Although collar tags are a wonderful tool for identifying lost pets, animals can slip off their collars, and many dogs and cats don’t wear their ID tags when they’re inside the house. Permanent pet ids, such as pet microchips, solve that problem because, unlike your pet or his collar, they can never get lost.

When you microchip your pet, your veterinarian will use a small device to insert the pet microchip under your pet’s skin, and then check to make certain it is readable with a portable scanner. (At this point she will also check that the microchip’s ID number is the same as what was printed on its package!) That, however, is only the first step of the pet microchipping process. It’s not enough to simply microchip your pet. After the chip is inserted, you have to register your pet with a pet recovery/pet microchip database. Your vet will provide you information about recommended pet microchip databases when she inserts the pet microchip, so that you can link the microchip’s ID number to your contact information, your vet’s information, and other information that could be relevant if your dog becomes lost and is found by a well-meaning rescuer.

Pet microchips and pet microchip lookup devices have become so common that, these days, one of the first things shelters and veterinarians do with a lost pet is scan the animal for a pet microchip. They then can search the pet microchip databases in order to find the owner’s information and any other notes that have been placed in the animal’s electronic file. This is more efficient than some other forms of permanent pet id, such as tattoos. It is much more difficult to convince a frightened animal to let you search their body for a tattoo than it is to scan for a pet microchip and look it up online.

Recently, the American Animal Hospital Association created a tool to make the pet recovery process even easier. Their universal pet microchip lookup tool queries multiple pet recovery and pet microchip databases to see which one(s) any given pet is registered with. Then the rescuer can start trying to find a pet’s owner by looking at the most recently updated record first. This saves time and energy for rescue personnel who no longer need to visit multiple pet microchip websites to try and figure out which one a dog or cat is registered with or which one has the most recent information. It also saves money, since the sooner a pet can be reunited with its owner, the smaller the burden on the system.

The permanent pet ID process is constantly evolving and advancing. The AAHA universal pet microchip lookup tool is only one sign of how dedicated veterinarians, rescue personnel, animal shelters, companies, and owners are continuing to improve the ways in which lost animals are identified so that they can help bring pets home.

New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Pet

Elizabeth — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:47:00 GMT

If most of December is a time of year when people choose to indulge themselves shamelessly, then the last few days before the new year are when they take a moment to sit back and think about what they’ve done. There’s nothing like the turning of the calendar to inspire people to change bad habits or pick up good new ones, which is why New Year’s resolutions can be such a great way to start out on a new foot. Here are ten ideas for New Year’s resolutions that keep both your and your pet in mind. Remember, you may not be the only one whose life is in need of a little improvement.

Quit Smoking. You know that smoking is bad for your health, but did you realize that it’s also bad for your pet? Second-hand smoke isn’t just a health hazard for people, you know.
Exercise More. Walking is a great form of exercise, and also a great way to spend quality time for your dog. If you only go for one real walk a day, try figuring out how you can expand that to two. Your legs, and your pooch, will thank you.
Pick Up a New Hobby. Sometimes when life gets a little dull, it’s great to have a hobby that holds your interest. Knitting might be a good choice for you, but agility training is a much better option for your dog.
Eat More Healthfully. Watching your waistline? You should also keep an eye on whether Pookie is putting on a few too many holiday pounds. Extra weight can cause health problems for both you and your pet.
Learn a New Skill. Teaching your dog or cat a new skill, like fetch or stay, is a great way to spend time with your pet while improving everyone’s quality of life. Whether they’re learning a new way to play, or a skill that will help keep them safe, training is a fun way to keep your pets engaged in the world around them.
Help Others. Thinking about incorporating volunteer work into your New Year’s resolutions? Consider letting your pet come with you. Look into training your dog or cat (or ferret) as a therapy animal so that they can share their love with people in need.
Get A New Look. Planning on a new regimen of monthly hair cuts and personal care so that you always look your best? Don’t forget about your pet. Regular grooming isn’t just a matter of aesthetics for a pet, it can also be important for good health.
Take Time To Play. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy… and Jill a tired girl. One of the great things about living with animals is how much fun they bring to your life. Next time you resent your dog asking to play fetch because you’re trying to get one more piece of work done, throw down the pen and take some time to have a ball.v
Travel More. You may be imagining a few more out-of-state vacations, but expanding your horizons can be as simple and fun as taking a new route on your morning walk or going to a new dog park. Imagine all the exciting sights and smells you and your pet could find on your new adventures.
Appreciate What You Have. Hardly any of us spend enough quality time being present with our family and our pets. Always remember that sometimes the best way to improve your life is simply to live it. It could be that the best resolution is to resolve to do nothing at all.