Bloggers Uniting To Promote Dog Rescue!

Today I'm taking a break from MMGM to talk to you about the plight of abandoned and abused animals. When I was researching for my book Madison Morgan:When Dogs Blog I became painfully aware this problem. So today I wanted to write about some of the things that I've learned.

“His name is not wild dog anymore, but the first friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.” --Rudyard Kipling

1. Shelters are overcrowded.There are 80 million dogs owned in the U.S. alone.

2. Dogs end up in shelters because pet owners don't realize how much responsibility caring for a pet can be.

3. While there are plenty of cases of blatant pet abuse, many times animals suffer because owners either don't understand what's required or don't have the resources to properly care for a pet.

4. Once the puppy becomes a dog, pet owners get frustrated because they don't know how to train their dogs.

5. There are still puppy mills operating around the U.S. and they are now advertising online.

6. Puppy mills are places where dogs are crammed into small cages, forced to have litter after litter and then are thrown away like an old pair of shoes.

These are just a few of the issues. I believe it is our responsibility to care for the animals in our world.

If you're looking for ways that you could get involved check out my July 15th post. Be sure to check out all the other bloggers that are participating.

Do You Have A Pet Emergency Supply Kit?

National Animal Disaster-

Preparedness Day  

May 12, 2012. 

 Are You Ready?

Whenever there are national disasters, there are animals that are effected. We often think about being prepare ourselves but what about your dog or cat. What happens if you have to leave your home in a hurry, will you have the things you need to take care of your pet?

If you're not sure what to do the folks over at Pet Camp have some great suggestions. The following list of supplies is from their website. 

Prepare a Pet Emergency Supply Kit 

Just like you need to prepare an emergency supply kit for yourself, you will also need one for your pet. Make sure you use plastic zipper bags to store items and then place them into a larger waterproof container. Here are items to include in your kit:

• Food & Water: Keep at least 3 days’ worth. If your pet eats canned food get some cans with tops that don’t need a can opener. Make sure you rotate this food and water every few months so that it’s ready for use in case you actually need it. 
• Food & Water Bowls: Include something light and easy to clean. 
• Medicine & Medical Records: If your pet is on regular medicines, keep an extra supply in your kit. Put a copy of your pet's most recent medical records in your kit should you need to have your pet stay elsewhere. 
• First Aid Kit: Include the basics like: cotton bandages, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves, tweezers, saline solution, and a basic pet first aid book.
• Leash & Collar: Keep an extra leash and collar in your kit. If you have an extra set of ID tags put them on the spare collar. Ensuring that your pet is microchipped will assist in identification if you and your pet are separated.
• Crate or Carrying Case: Have a crate or carrying case for your pet. If your kit is small and you have a smaller pet, consider adding an all-cotton pillow case so that you have something to contain your pet. You may want to consider a crate on wheels or a pet stroller to make evacuation easier.
• Cleaning supplies: Depending on your type of pet, you may also need litter and a litter box, paper towels and plastic trash bags. Consider using aluminum roasting pans because they are light and can be thrown away. Include some liquid dish soap and disinfectant. 

Being prepared isn't only for national disasters or catastrophic events. Often it's small local events that can mean you have to leave your home. Thinking about your pets before it happens will ensure that their welfare will be taken care of. Fires, water mains bursting, chemical or gas leaks can all force you to make a quick exit. 

Bankok Flood Emergency

Have you had to leave your home in a hurry? What other things should pet guardians be aware of?

FURRY FRIDAY: There Can Only Be One Photo Contest

lampeace.com

What: This is a photo contest. Send in any photo of an animal that you think is cute or funny. Entries must be your own original photo. Please include your own caption for the photo.


How: Send your photo to Pam. Be sure to include FURRY FRIDAY PHOTO CONTEST in the subject line. All entries must be received by April 20, 2012 to be included in the contest. 


When: On Friday April 27th all photos will be posted along with the caption that the entrant included. Commentors will be encouraged to vote and write captions for any of the photos entered. Two winners will be drawn, one from the photo entries and another from the commenters. 


Prizes Include: Winners will be announced on May 1st. Each winner will recieve a $25 dollar gift card to PETCO. A sneak peek at Project Madison and will be featured in the first newsletter. 


So dig out those silly photos. If you think you have a unique one of a kind pet and a snappy caption send it in. The reality is our pets are one of kind and they each have their own brand of funny. Don't miss this chance to share the love.