If you insist on a purebred – you should still go to your local shelter. On a recent visit, I saw one Great Dane, 2 German Shepherds, 2 Dalmatians and 3 Labrador Retrievers that were most definitely purebreds. They end up in a shelter because of owners who don’t know how to train them – or have no time for them. Labs in particular are often dropped off at shelters for “chewing things up” – but that is the nature of that breed when young. They are “mouthy” and will chew everything in sight until trained what is and isn’t permissible as a chew toy. Many Lab owners take drastic steps to control this chewing behavior, buying special gates and pens or confining the dogs to special rooms when the owner is absent.

Although it’s true that a few dogs may end up at the shelter due to barking or antisocial behavior, those problem animals are usually not considered adoptable by shelter personnel. Most shelter dogs simply need a bit of obedience training to become valuable companions.

Some shelter dogs may have been through various situations before landing at the shelter. They may have been mistreated, abandoned by a roadway, become lost and wandered alone for some time. They will not understand at first why they are being moved to another new location – they will not know that you are giving them a forever home.

The best method of helping your new dog adapt to your home and family is to establish a regular schedule for the dog and adhere to it for at least a few weeks. Regular feeding times, regular walks and/or play time will help your new pet fit in easily and quickly. Dogs are quick to adapt to the schedules of their people and some canines seem to have their own internal clocks. Many dogs have been documented going to the door where their owner will enter – and doing so while the owner is still miles away.

Dogs also can set their own schedules. Your dog may want to play early in the morning and again in the late afternoon – and may insist on bringing you his toys and trying to get your attention at those times of the day. For that reason, the schedule you have should be adjusted as you see what best fits your dog.

When disciplining a shelter dog, you should start with the barest minimum of correction – using your tone of voice to indicate approval and disapproval. That is often all that is needed as a disciplinary tool. Remember that some dogs may have been mishandled or mistreated. If you quickly raise an arm or make a sudden movement and notice your dog will cringe or growl – you know there is some history there to overcome. Kindness and patience will solve the problem but it will take time to gain the total trust of the animal.

From the first day you bring your adopted dog home, put your hands on him often. Look at his ears, his paws; look closely through his fur or at the skin of his belly. What are you looking for? Nothing. You are letting the dog know from the first meeting that you will be touching and looking at him closely. Many dogs will become very nervous at this attention but it is important to establish your “right” to do this as ease of grooming, dog baths and veterinarian visits depend on being able to handle the dog in this way.

You also start basic behavior training the moment you bring the dog home. Spoil him with doggie biscuits – but make him “sit” before getting each biscuit. Take him for walks – but always go through a doorway first to establish yourself as his leader. Let the dog know what is expected of him and through your voice let him know what is good and bad. Knowing what is expected of him allows a dog to settle in and learn to trust his new owner.

As an example, a charity in the UK—Give A Car, works with more than 250 charities, 70 of which support and care for animals. In the US, Donate A Car offers the same opportunities to donate to 55 animal charities.

In the US, these donations are tax deductable and according to the Donate A Car website, in the year 2000, 733,000 US taxpayers reduced their taxes by $654 million by donating cars.

Several years ago, my husband and I followed this advice and donated a car to the US charity. It wasn’t in sufficiently bad shape to be scrapped; instead they sent to a community college that ran a training program for aspiring auto mechanics. They fixed it up and in due course it was sold at auction. The money it realized was donated to the charity of our choice and we received the requisit paperwork for our tax return.

Both the charities I feature are reputable and deserving of your support. In the current economic crisis, charities are all reporting alarming dips in contributions, so donating your unwanted scrap vehicle is an excellent way to help without actually dipping into your wallet. It will make you feel good!

Here are links to the two organizations featured above:

• Give A Car—UK Charities
• Donate A Car—US Charities

While greyhounds remain in training, they are generally treated well. The very nature of the sport demands that they are well fed and kept in optimum condition. At the end of their racing careers, some of them find their way to excellent re-homing and greyhound adoption organizations whose caring and knowledgeable staff prepare them for new lives as pets and coach potatoes.

Breed Description
The greyhound is a tall, lean hunting dog that was traditionally bred for racing and coursing game. Greyhounds are smart, agile, and with very powerful legs they are built for speed. The males usually measure from 28-30 inches tall at the withers, and weigh between 60-88 pounds. Females are typically smaller, with the height between 27-28 inches at the withers and weigh between 60-75 pounds.

Coat
The greyhound has a coat that is short, soft and dense, wrapped around their tight and fine skin. Coat colors are commonly black, fawn, white, orange, or a mixture of these colors that may or may not have white markings. It doesn’t shed much and brushing with a firm bristled brush and dry shampooing or bathing when necessary should be enough to keep it in good condition.

Activity
The greyhound is a somewhat languid breed in spite of their great speed. They love to run, and require moderate exercise every day. A secure, fenced area should be provided and long walks should be given to keep the breed active and fit. Due to their hunting instinct, these dogs have the inclination to chase anything that runs, although contrary to popular belief, with care, they can also live quite happily with cats.

Temperament
Despite their reputation as a racing dog, the greyhound is not high-energy breed. People often do not realize that a standard greyhound can usually only race for up to 30-35 seconds. They are generally great with children, and almost always enjoy being with other dogs.

Overview
Also known as the English Greyhound, Greyhounds are known to be one of the world’s fastest breeds. These dogs have continuously increasing popularity as great family pets. But, anyone adopting one may need to keep it on a leash at all times when outside because of their chasing instincts.

Care and Training
The greyhound is a pack animal; it is a social creature that conforms to a hierarchy. Socialization is especially evident with this breed because they spend their lives in the company of fellow greyhounds throughout their racing lives.

Greyhounds are generally amiable and composed. They are relaxed when in the house and may even be considered lazy. As well as being an intelligent breed, the greyhound is very sensitive, so experienced handling may be needed. As with all dogs, obedience training is recommended, but an owner should always follow a training routine of “positive reinforcement”. The breed needs to be handled gently and consistently and it will flourish in its new environment. An adopted greyhound tends to bond tightly with his or her new family.

In short, these beautiful creatures have an amazing capacity for love and make wonderful pets. They are loyal, intelligent, affectionate and so laid back!

Useful Resources

• Adopt A Greyhound
• Retired Racing Greyhounds My personal favorite…

You see these types of dogs in shelters all of the time because, in the outside world, people see other family-oriented dogs that are calm and sweet and think they naturally come that way. They don’t realize how much time it takes to get these dogs to that point, and they give up because the drive and the high energy level is more than they are willing or able to deal with.

Many otherwise well-behaved dogs act wildly in shelters, not because they are always that way, but because of their situation. When you adopt a dog from a shelter, what you see isn’t always what you get. If the dog is wild and jumping up, it could be crying out saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m a friendly dog! Pick me, Pick me!”

On the reverse behavior, if you see a dog that is really quiet, it could just be overcome by the noise and all the changes it has just experienced.

Why Are These Popular Dogs There In The First Place?

Popular family dogs you can find in the shelter may have been dropped off because many families found that they could not tolerate the typical behaviors that came up, such as the incessant need to chew and an energy level that sometimes seems unquenchable.

Dogs bred for fieldwork (hunting) can have even more energy and drive than other breeds. Their exercise needs may seem impossible to meet, so many of these guys and gals end up in animal shelters or in rescue groups without ever having had any training.

Constantly shifting from one home to another and having to endure long periods of confinement in small spaces can make inappropriate behavior even worse, simple because the dog isn’t getting the exercise or attention it craves.

When an adolescent or adult dog has never received any formal obedience training, he may seem incorrigible, and that’s not what people expect from an adult family-type dog. Take the Labrador Retriever as the perfect example – one major reason why people adopt adult Labs is to avoid a lot of the work that comes with a puppy.

These people have heard that adult Labs are calm and they think this adult dog will be no problem at all. But if the Lab was never trained, you can have real problems, such as a Lab that has never learned to stop the habit of puppy mouthing or jumping on people. It’s one thing for a puppy to do those things but when a large adult dog does them, somebody could get hurt.

Recommended additional reading >>Rescue Matters<<

Conventional wisdom says no, but representatives of both enterprises say that’s not always the case. In fact, many puppies are given up and not adopted for a while. For example, one pup named Tiger was dropped off at a local San Diego shelter when he was just 12 weeks old and is still waiting to be adopted. He is 8 months old now.

You can find a lovely puppy at a shelter. Some of these puppies come from backyard breeders or from people who find themselves saddled with “oops!” litters – when an unexpected litter of puppies results when a female dog is impregnated by accident.

Still, the availability of puppies at a shelter or breed rescue group may depend on what breed is involved. Rescue groups rarely get puppies, let alone purebred Gold Retriever puppies, for example. In another group located in New York, there have only been three litters of puppies of the nearly 800 dogs that have been placed.

In any case, breed rescue groups and animal shelters have identical missions: To match homeless dogs with people who will love them and give them permanent homes.

Shelters generally accommodate all breeds and mixes. Many are run by local governments. Some have a policy of euthanizing dogs who are not claimed or adopted after a certain period of time; others will keep adoptable dogs indefinitely. Generally, all adoptable dogs that come to a shelter are given health examinations and any immunizations needed, and may be spayed or neutered. Many shelters also perform special tests to determine what type of temperament a dog has, and some offer training programs to help increase a dog’s chances of being adopted.

Breed rescue groups focus on serving one breed or mixes in which that single breed predominates. Volunteers for these groups identify dogs in need, take them into their own homes for foster care, attend to their medical needs, and provide remedial training to help the dogs become more adoptable.

Typically, adoptable dogs remain with rescue groups until a permanent home is found. Sometimes, that permanent home turns out to be that of the foster care provider.

Often, shelters and rescue groups work together on a dog’s behalf. For example, if a dog’s time is running out at an animal shelter, staff workers there might contact a rescue group and ask if that group can provide foster care for the dog. Such cooperation literally can be a lifesaver for a dog who needs a little more time to find a forever home.

Activity

When visiting a cat shelter to choose a new feline friend, the first thing to do is to simply observe all of the cats and kittens. While observing them, just to get an idea of how active they are and what type of attitude they have. If the cat is hunched in a corner or appears lethargic, it might not be too healthy. The last thing a new pet owner needs is to adopt a sick cat that will rack up the vet’s bills. Similarly, a pet owner looking to add a new cat along with the pets he or she already has doesn’t want to bring home a sick cat that will spread illness to the other cats.

Observing the cat while it is in its cage is helpful in determining the attitude of the cat. Some pet owners are looking for playful cats that will scamper about the house and chase and play with toys. On the other hand, some pet owners would like a cat that is a little more docile and that will spend hours cuddled up in the owner’s lap. Watching the cats in their cages will help determine which type of personality they have. Of course, a cat that is sleeping doesn’t provide much information about its personality, because all cats sleep the majority of their day away. For sleeping cats, it will be necessary to rouse them to get an idea of their unique personalities.

Look at the Cat

After the selection of potential adoptees has been narrowed down, the remaining cats should be looked at more closely. To do this, the attendant should be asked to release the cats from the cage, one at a time.

A good place to begin the physical examination is to look at the cat’s eyes. It is a good sign if the eyes are bright and clear. There also should be no discharge or running eyes, as both are signs of illness.

After inspecting the eyes, the nose should be looked examined. It should be clean and slightly moist. Again, there should be no discharge. The ears should also be clean. Ears that are extremely dirty are potentially contaminated with ear mites. Ear mites can be very difficult to get rid of and can easily spread to other cats at home.

Finally, the cat’s fur should be clean, shiny, and free of fleas. Fleas can be particularly bothersome to both the cat and to the owner. Furthermore, getting rid of fleas once they infest the home can be very difficult.

Listen to the Cat

Of those cats remaining, the next step is to listen to the cat. First, listen for signs of illness. A cat that coughs, sneezes, or sounds congested can be quite ill and should be avoided. Also, listen for sounds of contentment. A cat who is purring is likely happy and healthy. If the cat is meowing, the sound of the meow can often indicate trouble or contentment. A long, pleading meow could indicate the cat is ill. On the other hand, a playful meow could mean the cat is already developing a bond with its potential new owner!

After handling each cat, it is important to wash up with an antiseptic. That way, any illnesses one cat might have will not be spread to the other cats.

Play with the Cat

After finding a couple of healthy cats that appear to have the appropriate personality, it’s time to play! Get the last couple of cats out of their cages and set them on the floor. See how they interact with one another to get a feeling for the cat’s disposition. Seeing how the cat gets along with other cats is especially important for pet owners who already have a pet cat at home.

Also, take out a string or car keys and dangle them in front of the cat. The one that seems most alert and active is likely the better choice. Of course, both cats can be adopted if the decision is just too hard to make!

Strangely enough, it was the dogs themselves who led us to the idea of using the avocado as a supplement to the canine diet. It seems that avocado growers’ pet dogs were competing with the growers for any fallen fruit. The growers became curious and decided to compare the nutrients that this amazing fruit contained with those needed by canines.

According to a Veterinary professor at Iowa State University, this fruit enhances hair quality as well as skin tone, with which avocado growers have reported in their dogs is most likely due to the amount of linoleic acid of the fruit when added to the dog’s diet.

Of course, this fruit alone could not be recommended as the only nutrient source for dogs. But an avocado, in small quantities as a supplement, might be helpful if adequate amount of fat were not available from other sources.

A dog’s requirement of fat depends mostly on the amount of activity he engages in. For instance, an active working dog needs up to twenty percent fat in his diet, while the average household dog that walks a few blocks everyday needs only five to eight percent of fat in his diet. The very thin dog should get a diet rich in fat until his weight and health improve. The pregnant and nursing female dog also needs greater amounts of fat in her diet.

The majority of canine canned foods contain adequate fat to satisfy the need of an average household dog. However, if the dog is fed a diet strictly of dry meal, it might be moistened with additional sources of fat.

Avocados are an excellent source of fat for this purpose. And for canines that get most of their fat from canned foods, this tasty fruit also serves as an occasional treat. Avocados might be alternated with other occasional food supplements to add variety to the dog’s regular diet. Simply put, dogs love avocados and they are good for them!

Word Of Warning: Documented evidence suggests that some dogs, as well as other domestic animals like cats and cattle, can be severely harmed and prove fatal when they eat the avocado pit, skin, leaves, and bark of the avocado tree. Therefore, when supplementing your dog’s diet with avocados, make sure to only give him the meat of the fruit.

A lovely greyhound named Bronze fit the bill. Just several days later Bronze was welcomed with loving arms into his new home.

Bronze didn’t know a lot of small things right away, such as how to climb stairs or comprehend a see-through glass doors, windows, etc. He did not know how to play and was very wary of people, particularly tall, thin males. And something especially peculiar – he was literally afraid of his own shadow!

Any of these things caused fear in Bronze, and his resulting reaction was aggression; snarling and growling. Elizabeth was worried that his behavior would go beyond this response, and develop into biting or attacking.

Soon Bronze showed fear towards another specific occurrence: Anytime Elizabeth’s brother came to visit, wearing his usual leather jacket and ball cap, Bronze would again start his aggressive stance and snarling. The same thing happened when Elizabeth’s sons came home with their noisy friends.

The Cause Of Bronze’s Fear

As you know, Bronze was an ex-race dog, so Elizabeth decided to contact a canine psychologist. The doctor was able to identify the problem right away. He had asked Elizabeth to obtain a picture of the dog’s ex-trainer, who turned out to be a very tall, skinny man who wore a long black coat, along with a hat that resembled a baseball cap.

Add to this evidence the obvious experiences of the dog having raced at the track: crowds of noisy people, confinement, guns firing, running, more confinement, lots of harsh training commands from his trainer – it was no wonder Bronze reacted the way he did when he was adopted.

Managing these issues was not going to be an easy task. It required Elizabeth to have constant vigilance. The doctor instructed her to remove the noisy teenagers from his presence, teaching Elizabeth to be cautious of how she gave commands to Bronze, as well as have her brother take off his black leather jacket and ball cap when visiting.

In time, Bronze was able to calm down. Within 12 months he was less afraid of noise and the appearance of any man resembling his past trainer became less of a threat. Bronze lived to be thirteen years old and because of his new owner’s love and care and learning how to communicate, he was a lucky dog – one that enjoyed the right that every canine has – to be loved and part of a real family.

What You Can Learn From This Story

If you are also considering bringing home an adult dog that has had a history of competing in sports, such as a racing dog, you should prepare yourself by taking lessons from the above story. It will not only teach you how to communicate with your problem dog, but could also save him or her from being sentenced to a lonely life and eventual death at a pound.

Where can you learn more about adopting an ex-racing greyhound yourself?

• By far the best advice I have come across is in Regan Black’s “Adopt A Greyhound Guide”. If you want more information before deciding which greyhound to choose, or even to help you decide if you should get a greyhound, then this guide is exactly what you need. Click Here for full details.

• Greyhound Rescue and Rehab
• Adopt A Greyhound
• National Greyhound Adoption Program
• Golden State Greyhound Adoption
• Retired Racing Greyhounds My personal favorite…

What type of pets are we talking about? Any dog that was trained for or actually worked a “career” by leading the blind and helping other disabled people is a prime example.

You Have 3 Choices Of Service Dogs To Choose From

When looking to adopt a professionally trained career dog, your choices come in three different forms: dogs that are retired from being guides, “career changing” dogs, and finally, there are the canines that for some reason did not make it through the training program, or simply put – flunkies.

Guide Dogs No More: Just like people, service dogs cannot work their jobs forever. As these animals get older, they become slower and are no longer effective in helping their owners. The average amount of time that a service dog can work is approximately 8 years. At this point they become prime candidates for adoption by people like you and me.

Dogs That Had Multiple Careers: Many dogs can be taken out of one service job and then trained for another. The reasons for this can vary. It may be because of temperament issues, medical concerns, or perhaps a dog was just not a suitable match for its owner. For example, a dog may be retired from guide service and then prepared and transferred to work at a rehabilitation hospital or a nursery home. Sometimes these types of animals are even assigned to children’s homeless centers in order to play with the kids.

Just Didn’t Make The Cut: Finally, we have our flunkies. Now before you consider a flunky to be a negative thing, reconsider that notion because quite the opposite is true. Thousands of dogs are trained every year by organizations which lead them into service jobs.

Not all of these dogs make the cut and move on to work with people. They are considered flunkies for whatever reason, whether it is from temperament problems, health problems, or perhaps were a little too excitable for service work. However, the important aspect to remember here is that these dogs are still a cut above any other pet you may find elsewhere.

Just to get accepted into these types of programs for training preparation means they already had natural first-class qualities and characteristics which made them ideal candidates. These dogs are typically between the ages of one and two years old. Most are very gentle and loving and have had some type of extensive obedience training during the beginning of the program.

Useful Resources

• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Adopting From Service Dog Organizations
• Caring For America’s Canine Heroes
• Military Working Dog Adoptions
• The Dog Adoption Network
• Retired Sled Dogs For Adoption
• Adopt A Greyhound
• Retired Racing Greyhounds – My special favorite…

These pets, typically cats and dogs, are being dropped off at already crowded shelters, or worse, left in the homes that have been foreclosed. They are left alone with no food, water, or the comfort of a temperature controlled environment. In conditions like these, a dog can easily become dehydrated within 24 hours and can die in extreme conditions. Those thoughtful enough will take their pets to a shelter, and while this is not ideal, with the overcrowding of shelters forcing many of the animals to be euthanized, they at least have the chance of living healthy lives and being adopted into new homes.

It’s unimaginable to most with a conscience how these poor creatures can possibly be left to suffer and die with no care from their owner. Sadly it’s a cruel fate for these pets that have been casualties of the many foreclosures across the country. The owner may argue that while they were desperately thinking of ways to take care of themselves, they just didn’t take into account the responsibility they have for their pets. And due to the helplessness and depression that can be caused by something as life altering as a foreclosure, pet owners who wouldn’t normally do so become indifferent to those around them, including their family pet.

When it comes to defenseless animals which were once warm in their beds and had bellies full of good food, everyone that can help, should. This includes doing something as simple as asking those you know dealing with foreclosures if their pets have another home waiting for them. And most importantly, if you find a pet that has been abandoned due to a foreclosure, to provide it with water and call your local animal shelter for more help. These animals need all the help they can get.

Guest Post by: Sarah Harris of Adiamor Diamond Engagement Rings. Adiamor offers a large selection of engagement ring settings, loose diamonds, and other fine diamond jewelry at affordable prices.

For starters, you should think about why you want to adopt a pet in the first place. Maybe you are seeking companionship, or looking to enhance your life. Or maybe you feel very strongly that animals are not meant to live in cages, and you’re on a mission to save them from the loneliness of living in a shelter (plus inevitable euthanasia). Maybe you just think you are capable of providing a loving home for another creature that might otherwise go unnoticed. Or perhaps you had a beloved pet as a child and want to relive that experience or share it with your own children. Likely your reasons for adopting are a combination of these and other factors.

But consider this. Puppies and kittens have no problem getting adopted. They are not going to last very long in a shelter before they get snatched up since most people want an animal they can be the first to name and train (concurrent with the common misconception that pets from previous families might somehow be ruined). If you really want to help an animal in need, it is the older ones that are far less likely to be chosen. And with the recent spike in home foreclosures, more animals than ever are being abandoned or dropped off at shelters. These pets need a loving, stable home!

Furthermore, puppies and kittens are a lot of work. They require attention around the clock, whereas older animals don’t tend to be nearly as needy (or rambunctious). If you leave a puppy home alone all day while you’re at work, you can expect to return to accidents on the carpet and a closet full of chewed shoes. Kittens will just claw the heck out of your furniture. Many older pets are already house trained, box trained, or just plain trained, and as such, they will probably stick to chewing their toys rather than your personal possessions. Also, calmer pets will naturally be a better fit for kids.

And if you’re still not sure a mature animal is the pet for you, simply go to your local animal shelter and take a look. Full-grown pets also have fully formed personalities, so what you see is what you get (unlike a newborn, whose personality will only develop over time). So you’re sure to find a wonderful pet that is compatible with both your personality and your lifestyle. As a bonus, you get to rescue a deserving animal and give them the life they were meant to have, as a member of a family.

Guest post by Sarah Harris, of Zen College Life, the premier directory for online schools. Find out more information about criminal justice degrees

If your dog’s breed has an “oodle” or a “poo” in it—you are the proud owner of a designer dog. Question is—did you pay a breeder up to $2,500 or visit your local shelter?

In the past ten years, some dog breeders have joined a brilliant marketing campaign and now offer for sale pets that are haughtily referred to as “designer dogs”.

Some of them are just look at the dollar signs such dogs represent while other long time breeders are weary of producing purebreds that have been indiscriminately bred with focus only on appearance and have thus developed more and more potential health problems.

The dogs resulting from this cross breeding often have the best traits of both breeds and are healthier as a result. The public has enthusiastically adopted these stylish pets but animal lovers are vocal in their opposition to what they see as greed-driven opportunism harmful to dogs.

Why the controversy? The claims made by those selling designer pets are familiar to many of us.

1. Healthier dogs

2. Best traits of both breeds

3. Better personality and friendliness traits

4. Reduced instances of hyperactivity and problem behavior of the purebred

Well – YES. That is exactly what dog lovers have been saying for years … about SHELTER PETS. Proponents for adopting unwanted animals rather than purchasing purebreds have missed one valuable marketing strategy—a fancy name for branding!

If you think there is a big difference between shelter dogs and designer dogs check out the quiz at http://www.grumpybumpers.com/dogs/ and see if you can tell the difference. You’ll be surprised at the results.

At a shelter you may see a small friendly curly haired dog and ask “what is it”. The answer “spaniel/poodle mix” is not nearly as exciting as being told:

“It’s a cockapoo“ yet the mixes found in shelters are often the same as – and perhaps superior to, the mixed breeds being commercially produced by some breeders.

The poodle is often used in designer cross breeds in an attempt to pass on its non-shedding coat – and often it works. Breeders are discovering what many dog lovers have known for years—a mixed breed dog is often superior to purebreds in habits, personality and in health.

For some strange genetic reason, mixing two breeds often results in the personality of the friendliest breed being passed on as well as the coat of the most attractive breed and the result can be a marvelous pet

There is a serious danger in this cross breeding as breeder must take into consideration the traits of two breeds. Crossing two dog breeds known for having serious eye problems may well exacerbate the problem in the pups produced and cause blindness. Likewise, crossing two large breed dogs where both breeds are prone to hip dysplasia can result in a litter of deformed or unsound puppies. This is the same problem seen in some shelter pets where the temperament is vicious or overly shy and is a result of accidental breeding of dogs with aggressive tendencies or nervous characteristics.

Saying “mixed breed” around a designer dog person is blasphemous. It’s not a mixed breed – it’s a Doodleman Pinscher. Though many will roll their eyes at this, to breeders and owners it makes sense. Unlike shelter mixed breeds, the owner knows exactly what breeds are “in” her pet. The argument could be made that when a shelter adoption looks exactly like the Designer Dog, that’s a pretty good clue as to what the breed of the parents was.

There are Eskapoos and Boxerdoodles, Goldadors and English boodles….and don’t forget the Pomchi and the Whoodles. If you allow your mind to wander, you can create some unique Designer Dogs…

• Pointer and Setter – Poinsetter
• Terrier and Bulldog -Terribull
• Labrador and Rat Terrier – LabRat
• Collie and Lhasa Apso – Collapso

The dogs themselves are often adorable and owners have fun comparing names. The poodle is so often used in cross breeding they are listed separately on many “dog for sale” sites. In the smaller dogs, Pomeranians, Pekingese and Cocker Spaniels are often included in the mixture.

What has yet to be explained is what the “breed” is when two designer dogs are crossed. Does that result in a “mixed breed” or a Malti-Pom-Puggle? If you cross a Pekepoo with a Goldendoodle…do you get a GoldenPekedoodlepoo? It can be confusing.

Dogs that are crossbred intentionally are treasured pets. They are often spoiled and pampered unlike their mixed breed shelter cousins. It’s understandable as Designer Dogs sell for up to $2,500 per pup! In high income areas of various cities you will see these unique animals carried, toted in a bag or a shoulder sling or even pushed in a doggy carriage.

Anyone can own a designer dog. Look at the Saint Berdoodles and Beagapoos available from breeders online—and then go to your local animal shelter. You will find dogs that look just the same. Adopt a shelter dog and proudly give it a designer name. No one but you will know the difference. It’s the ultimate in living rich for less – and you get to perform an act of kindness, too.

To that end we have compiled here a list of the five top pet and animal charities. All are worthy of your support and there are bound to be at least one or two that become the thankful recipient of your donation dollars, volunteerism, or fundraising efforts.

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals

The PDSA has been providing care for injured and sick animals owned by people in need for 93 years. The organisation was founded by Maria Dickin in 1917 in order to provide humane veterinary care as well as a cemetery for beloved pets for those too poor to afford it.

The PDSA is funded entirely by donations and volunteer support. Today, the focus has expanded beyond preventive medicine and injury and illness care; pet health and responsible pet ownership initiatives promote a solution to problems before they occur.

The Blue Cross

The Blue Cross provides “a lifeline for animals”. This animal welfare charity provides complimentary veterinary treatment to ensure that all pets are adequately cared for. Its members are active in finding homes for any pets that have been abandoned and they are also available to talk to schools, animal facilities, and veterinary colleges.

The current aim of The Blue Cross is to spread their resources and services further across the UK in order to help additional animals in need.

The British Horse Society

Focusing on the needs and interests of the four million amateur riders and horse-drawn vehicle drivers in the UK, the BHS is involved in a number of worthwhile activities. In addition to providing numerous educational resources, the Society strives to keep horses and their riders healthy and safe and influence legislation that pertains to animal welfare. Facilities that harbour equines are encouraged to maintain exceptionally high standards regarding their care. Abuse and neglect prevention are also large parts of their focus.

The greater the number of members the BHS can recruit, the more influential their campaigning efforts.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

For nearly 150 years, the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has helped pets in all areas of the UK. On an annual basis, the organisation takes in approximately 12,000 cats and dogs, caring for lost or abandoned pets until a new family can be found for them. No animal is turned away from any of the three centres located in London, Berkshire, and Kent.

During a pet’s stay at the centre, they are treated to veterinary care and worked with to encourage good behaviour, making them more easily adoptable. Additionally BDCH does everything possible to reunite lost dogs and cats with their grateful owners.

RSPCA UK

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the oldest animal welfare charity in the UK. With a focus on emergency rescue, rehabilitation efforts for ill and injured animals, and prevention of cruelty through campaigning and legislature, the RSPCA strives to make “life-changing differences” in the lives of all animals and wildlife. Finding “forever homes” for abandoned or neglected pets is another part of the wonderful work this organisation performs.
The problem of neglect, abuse, abandonment, illness, and injury in animals large and small is rampant across the UK. If you’re looking into donating or volunteering then these five charities are certainly worth supporting.

This is a guest post by Charles Cridland, who writes at the Animal Adoptions Blog, where you can find out more about animal charities and endangered animals.

But don’t use your hard-earned money to send aid to just any charity; to help you make a more informed choice check out these five organisations considered among the best in regards to accomplishments and funds distribution.

Alley Cat Rescue

The main focus of award-winning charity Alley Cat Rescue is rescuing and caring for abandoned and unwanted cats. They seek to educate owners about the importance of spaying and neutering by offering low-cost clinics. ACR also provides Trap-Neuter-Return clinics so residents can help feral cats receive immunisations and sterilisation surgery.

Their efforts encompass all levels, with local, national, and even international initiatives to help domestic, stray, and feral animals. Through a local, Maryland-based program, cats are also put up for adoption.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The ASPCA is well known for its efforts to fight animal cruelty, touted as “the first humane organisation in the Western hemisphere”. In just the past year, members of the ASPCA rescued more than 2,000 dogs from puppy mills. They lobby extensively in Washington, D.C. for stricter federal laws concerning the care of animals. Their Law Enforcement Department fields enquiries regarding possible animal cruelty reports.

An online database contains contact information for hundreds of animal shelters with adoptable pets across the U.S. A portion of donations to the organisation are used to provide grant funding for animal welfare agencies.

Animal Legal Defence Fund

The ALDF’s tagline is “winning the case against cruelty”. This organisation is comprised of attorneys throughout the U.S. with a goal of influencing American law in regards to humane treatment of animals. These attorneys provide legal assistance at no charge to any prosecutors spearheading cases of cruelty involving any type of animal, not just pets.

In addition, efforts to educate the public and make them aware of the need for ALDF’s services are promoted through workshops and seminars open to the public.

Best Friends Animal Society

A sanctuary for displaced and rescued pets, a disaster response team, and a variety of country-wide educational programs are just some of the great things the Best Friends Animal Society offers. Built around the motto that kindness to animals makes a better world, this organisation instituted a grassroots efforts back in 1980 to place homeless pets with caring families.

Today, spay and neuter clinics for dogs and cats help eliminate additional unwanted animals from being added to an already burgeoning population along with their other efforts. The Society’s ultimate goal is to ensure that no pets are left to die in shelters, abandoned, or neglected.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

“Hope and renewal” to thoroughbred horses unable to compete in races is the offering of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Often, horses that were once at the top of their form are neglected, abused, and even killed after their days at the track are over. Horses are expensive to care for and maintain; those owners who cannot afford this expense traditionally had little recourse until the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation was founded in 1982. The organisation maintains expansive facilities throughout the U.S. where retired steeds are provided exceptional care until their natural demise.

No matter what type of animal you are most concerned about, this list of pet charities should provide at least one if not more excellent charities worthy of your donations.

This is a guest post by Charles Cridland, who writes at the Animal Adoptions Blog , where you can find out more about animal charities and endangered animals, including orangutans, polar bears, and black rhinos.

What I am talking about is adopting a dog or puppy from your local animal shelter. There is no better service you or I could make in terms of raising a dog than by providing a positive, loving home to a perfectly good shelter animal.

For some of you, the idea of adopting a shelter dog will instantly cause you to become negative or feel defensive toward these animals. You have too many preconceived notions and assumptions that could be stopping you from saving a dog’s life, one that would make a great house pet if you just had the open mind and a little bit of extra time to train it.

Have I Talked You Into Adoption Yet?

I’m sure it may take a bit more persuasion for some of you to open up your hearts and minds to adopting a shelter dog, but for the rest of you who have decided that you want to visit your local animal shelters to find a dog or puppy who needs a good home, make sure that you approach the staff with a few questions before making your decision.

Ask about what kind of medical treatment the dogs receive. Most organized animal shelters will at least provide the minimum care necessary needed for a dog to go home with you, however, there are some places that unfortunately neglect important medical guidelines.

What To Look For

Any organization that handles animals should have a licensed veterinarian on staff at all times. This veterinarian will provide vaccinations in order to prevent hepatitis, distemper, and other health issues. Ask the staff, or talk with the veterinarian if possible, if these dogs have had their blood checked for heartworms. And is the skin clean of fleas and other parasites?

These are just the basic medical requirements that every person should look for when adopting a dog from an animal shelter. Other needs may be a bit more complex.

For example, do you have your sights set on a dog that has been injured in the past, or is currently healing from an injury? What type of injury is it? What type of medication and treatment has the dog received? Ask about the cost of future treatment and medical needs that will arise.

And Don’t Forget…

Another important set of questions and research that you should talk with your local animal shelter about is whether or not they have a professional who evaluates each dogs’ temperament. Most shelters have this information posted on the front of each cage that is designated to the specific dog, or other animal.

It is important that you take this information and assess whether or not it is detailed enough so that the dog can be trusted with your family set up. The staff should also know how the animal reacts with children and around outside stimulants such as moving cars, other people, etc.

This information is valuable in determining whether or not the shelter dog you are considering will be a good match for your home situation. In addition, ask the staff specific questions regarding a dog’s attitude towards being submissive or dominant. Are they overprotective of territory? How often does aggressive behavior occur and for what reasons? The more questions you ask, the better you will feel when you take your adopted shelter dog home.

But if your heart is set on a purebred, this can still be achieved at your local shelter. When I visited mine recently there were two spaniels, two black Labradors, one golden retriever and a Boston terrier that were without question, purebreds. As far as I could see they were all great dogs and were only dumped at the shelter because their owners had no idea how to train them properly – or had little time to devote to them.

Another way to find a great purebred dog in need of a caring home is to search on the breed name + rescue on the Internet. Many breed specific organizations maintain connections with pounds and shelters and move quickly to pick up dogs, then hold them for adoption into permanent homes.

The majority of shelter dogs need little more than a ton of love, attention and some time spent in obedience training to become trusting, affectionate companions. It’s my experience that shelter dogs are inevitably more devoted and loving than dogs that have never experienced abandonment and hardship.

Some pound and shelter dogs may have had to endure assorted unhappy circumstances before arriving there. Possibly they were mistreated, abandoned by their previous owners, or wandered the streets alone for some time. Initially they will be confused and won’t understand why they are being taken to yet another new location – they will have no way of knowing that this time you are taking them to their new forever home.

The method I recommend to teach your rescue dog to settle in and adapt quickly, is to immediately set up a regular schedule and stick to it for several weeks. Set feeding times, exercise, walks and play times will all help your new friend fit in as quickly as possible. Dogs can be especially quick to adapt to the schedules of their owners and many seem to have well defined internal clocks. I had one dog who without fail went to sit next to the door from our garage into the house at five o’clock every day, waiting for me to arrive home.

A perceptive owner may discover that his or her dog wants to set his own schedule. Your dog may prefer to play early in the morning and again in the late afternoon. To indicate this he could start bringing you his toys and trying to gain your attention at those times in the day. Never be inflexible, you should be able to adjust your schedule to whatever best fits your dog.

Should it ever be necessary to discipline your shelter dog, you should always start with the minimum amount of correction, just relying upon your tone of voice to indicate your disapproval. Usually that is all that is needed as a disciplinary tool. Remember that some dogs may have been mishandled, mistreated and even abused. Any sudden or threatening movement on your part will confuse and frighten your dog and he may cringe or growl. Should this happen it will tell you immediately there are some issues to overcome. Kindness and patience will resolve the problems and heal the mental wounds, but It will take time to gain the total, unquestioning trust of the animal.

Beginning the day you arrive home with your adopted pet, handle him and communicate with him frequently. Examine his ears and his paws; inspect the skin underneath his coat closely. Why? What are you looking for? Nothing really. What you are doing is conveying the message to your dog that from now on, you will constantly be touching him and looking at him closely. It’s quite common for a dog to become very anxious with this attention but it is crucial to establish your “right” to do this. In fact, grooming, bathing and trips to your veterinarian will depend upon you and others being able to handle the dog easily.

You should also begin behavior training immediately you arrive home for the first time. Lavish him with treats and dog biscuits, but gently insist that he sits before receiving each reward. Take him for walks – but establish that you are his “leader” by always going through the doorway first. Through your voice and its tone, make sure the dog knows exactly what is expected of him and when he has done wrong. Never rebuke your shelter dog for anything unless you actually catch him in the act. Follow this advice and your dog will understand what is expected of him and he will quickly settle in and learn to trust you as his new owner.

Adopting a shelter dog can be an amazingly rewarding experience. Shelters all around the country are bursting at the seams with dogs that have been cast aside for no better reason than their owner didn’t have time for them any more, or the child they had originally been bought for had moved on to another fad. Many dogs are abandoned at shelters because their owners never made the effort to train them properly. The cute little puppy grew into a boisterous youngster with no manners. Dogs love to please but they were never given the opportunity to learn how to do so. For much more help and information about training dogs of all breeds and ages, please take a look at the only product I put my name behind with a recommendation:

Clicker Training—the 4 Secrets of Becoming A Super Trainer

Far too often, dogs are purchased or adopted to fill an empty space in the life of a person. They aren’t meant to be temporary accessories to show off to friends or to fill the void left by divorce or job loss. Many shelter dogs were once spoiled pets – for a short time. They were pampered and petted and cared for only until their owner moved on to a new relationship or found a new hobby. This type of owner is less likely to provide structure and behavior training for their animal – and the most likely to drop the pooch at a shelter or, worse, by the side of the road.

Responsible pet owners know that adding this new canine member to their household is a long term commitment. They understand that teaching the house rules is a process that requires patience and understanding. Grooming, feeding, fresh water and playtime are not optional but are daily commitments.

The life span of pets varies with breeds. You may be surprised to learn that the larger breeds have a significantly shorter average lifespan. Awkward and funny when young, the Great Dane will be an oldster at age eight while a small terrier breed may not show any signs of advancing age until many years later. Good nutrition and health care will extend the life of your pet and each stage of their life has something to offer to you as their owner.

The little Fido you brought into your home will play and chew up everything in site, bark at every new experience and be constantly underfoot. The potential is there for him to grow into a friend that will follow you everywhere, fetch balls, do tricks, and even protect you and your property. Responsible pet owners will also treasure the old age of their canine companion as his movements become slower and his main occupation is sleeping at your feet.

Whether purchased or adopted, give your dog a forever home.

If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe to my RSS Feed? See the link to the right.

The story of their friendship and Nubs’ eventual transition from dog of war to laid-back California pet is so extraordinary Dennis ended up writing a children’s book about it. The book, “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle,” was just published by Little, Brown Young Readers.

The German shepherd-border collie mix that was rescued in Iraq and nursed back to health by Maj. Brian Dennis and fellow Marines, arrived safely in San Diego to begin a new life last Friday.

After a layover and check-up in Chicago, where Nubs was examined by an Egyptian veterinarian, able to read the veterinary reports written after Nubs’ earlier stop in Jordan, Nubs landed in California amid a media frenzy. He was greeted by ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and a crew from the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which is expected to air scenes of his arrival.

Graham Bloem, a certified dog trainer with West Coast K9 in Encinitas, California, will help Nubs transition from the alpha male in a pack of wild desert dogs to mellow beach dog. He will train Nubs and work on his socialization at a dog park.

“Socialization is what Nubs needs,” said Bloem. “This isn’t Lassie, but a wild dog from another part of the world. He will meet new animals and people. He will hear new sounds and a new environment.”

Many rescues groups are only able to take in as many needy animals as they have fosters for. Rescue groups work tirelessly to find homes for the animals in their care and to network the ones in municipal shelters, but all too often the time needed to find a home exceeds the time an animal has left. Foster homes provide the critical time needed to connect the dots between an animal in need and an adoptive home.

Foster homes help not only by saving lives, but in other ways too. By getting to know a pet’s personality, a foster helps the rescue group properly place that pet into a suitable home. A brief stint in a safe environment can also help provide the socialization needed to facilitate a smoother transition into a new home.

And let’s not forget the fun part! A foster parent gets to have a furry fix for a stint without the life-long commitment that may not suit their lifestyle.It’s like getting to spoil your niece and nephew when they come to visit!

Anyone interested in exploring foster should contact a few rescue groups in their area (click here to find rescues near you). The rescue can share info on their requirements and schedule a time for a home visit. Ask them to help you establish the kinds of animals you can accommodate and a time commitment that meets your lifestyle. If you’re partial to a certain breed, you can also consider fostering for a breed rescue.

You can also sign up to volunteer on Adopt-a-Pet.com’s volunteer registry, and select “Fostering” as one of your interests.

What a great way to advocate for the animals!

Happy fostering!

Contributed by AdoptaPet.com Blog

The company will pay for all shipping costs associated with transporting the food from its manufacture facility to organizations that can use it.

Any 401c(3) animal rescue organizations in regions affected by the wildfires interested in receiving the food are invited to contact The Honest Kitchen directly via email at info@thehonestkitchen.com with their organization’s complete name, location, proof of charitable status and information on their work. While the company cannot guarantee that a donation can be made to every organization that inquires, every effort will be made to distribute the food to as wide a range of charities as possible.

About The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen is a holistic, human-grade line of dehydrated, raw pet food, gourmet treats and herbal supplements. Founded by Lucy and Charlie Postins in 2002, The Honest Kitchen provides all-natural pet products that promote nutritional awareness, environmental responsibility, and a sustainable community. All of their products are packaged in artistic, eco-friendly and bio-degradable boxes. For more information, please visit www.TheHonestKitchen.com.

Ted DuPuis, founder of Cloud Nine Rescue Flights, has been saving the lives of animals for the last four months.

The average flight costs about $2,000 dollars…DuPuis says he’ll always fly the animals to safe shelters, even if he doesn’t have the funding yet.

“I’m not gonna say no to it, if I can at all avoid it. But these flights aren’t paid for so we need to get donations in to help pay for these flights,” says Ted DuPuis.

After landing, these animals were given to local shelters and rescue homes in the area. One of those dogs was a 2 year old Border Collie, Dustin, who was very excited for his first car ride with new friend.

“To me, I’ve got it two-fold because I’m saving a dogs life, and then I train it a little bit, so it’s not just a wild dog out of a kennel to someone’s home, home pet and part of their family,” says Jo Roy from the organization Dogs Deserve Better.

For many of the dogs and cats rescued here today, it gives dogs like Dustin, a second chance. “It’s a desperate situation, you can’t not be involved. Once you see these faces and you know that if you weren’t there they’d be euthanized. It’s a pretty hard cold fact. And you feel like you need to make a difference in these animals lives,” says Julia Ryan, Co-Founder of Animal Rescue Flights.

Cloud Nine rescue flights flew into the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott. Organizers says donations are key in making the rescues possible. If you’d like to help, log onto www.cloudninerescueflights.org.

Animal Acres
Acton, CA

http://www.animalacres.org

9/1 12:15am – found a more uptodate site with the evacuations and how to help Animal Acres here: http://kcdisasteraid.wordpress.com/ latest update 8/31 says they are “recruiting/managing standby volunteers for Animal Acres” for a 2nd evacuation, as where they were 1st evacuated to is now in the path of the fire.

Baldwin Park – Los Angeles County Animal Shelter
4275 N. Elton, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
The nonprofit that organizes help for this shelter is Animal Advocates Alliance http://animaladvocatesalliance.org/category/adopt-now/
8/31 11:55pm: “The fires have burned away from Baldwin Park’s service area and as of right now we are actually not that inundated. However a lot of our resources are at the fire and anything and everything could change at any moment. So I guess what we’re really most in need of is adopters to help empty the kennels! Kindest regards, Ric Browde”

Basset Rescue Network
Acton, CA
Main website: http://www.bassetrescuenetwork.org (see Latest News)
Fire updates & donations: http://www.firstgiving.com/ActonFire_BassetRescueNetwork
They have 100 basset hounds and mixes.
2:44 AM, 9/1/09, Kennel Manager updates: “We are safe as of 2:44AM. Here from the property we would evacuate all animals with the assistance of several neighbors as during an evacuation it’s unlikely that non area residents could get through.” The shelter needs money for the expenses that comes with the smoke, ashes, fire and pending evacuation.

Gentle Barn
Santa Clarita, CA
http://gentlebarn.org (for donations)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Gentle-Barn/54967149038?ref=ts

8/31: they are taking in animals from the fires, as they are currently not in the evacuation area (but close by). “Jay headed out to the fires in Acton with our stock tailor to see if anyone needed help. So far we have four new horses and two new donkeys from the fires. we shall see who Jay brings home next.”

Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618

http://www.cityofirvine.org/cityhall/cs/animalcare/default.asp

8/31: This shelter took in 40+ dogs from the Pasadena Humane Society to make room for fire evacuees. Those dogs need adopters, and they accept online donations too.

Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation
Acton, CA
Fire update page: http://lindablairworldheart.org/?p=749
(FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acton-CA/The-Linda-Blair-WorldHeart-Foundation/70244399672?ref=ts )
8/31 8:56pm: “Our first and biggest need are donations. We need financial donations to help us with the many costs that can/will arise from this crisis situation. We are also in need of donated crates, at least 42? in size as our doggies are large. We can always use blankets and dog bowls as well…. If you are willing to help load dogs in crates and transport to our evacuation spot and don’t mind getting called in the middle of the night please let us know. You can email worldheartvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.”

Pasadena Humane Society
361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena CA 91105
http://pasadenahumane.org then click on “Donate Now to Fire Disaster Relief!”
8/31 4pm update: they currently have all the supplies and volunteers they need. Monetary donations are still being accepted.

Villalobos Rescue Center
Canyon Country, CA

http://www.vrcpitbull.com

8/31: have heard rumors they were evacuated, but have been unable to confirm – does anyone know?

Wildlife Waystation
14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd 91342 (818) 899-5201
9/1 update: http://www.scpr.org/blogs/fire-updates/2009/08/31/wildlife-way-station-receives-abundance-volunteers/

DO YOU NEED HELP getting your animals to safety? Please contact the Kinship Circle Disaster Aid Network. They stand ready to deploy volunteers. You can reach them at 917-596-9040 or http://www.kinshipcircle.org

Need wildlife help? Contact Valley Wildlife Care, a nonprofit, volunteer organization. They will intake ANY wildlife from the fires. http://www.valleywildlifecare.org 818-346-8247

All of the above information was kindly shared with us by AdoptAPet.com. The Post was written by Jennifer

“He is just perfect for our family, and is so sweet and loving,” said Sherry Phillips, who adopted Lenny after a flight coordinated on the Pilots N Paws Web site gave him a second chance.

Animal shelters in “high kill” areas such as Lenny’s home state of Georgia and other parts of the South deal with too many stray animals to house or find homes for them all and euthanize many unclaimed or abandoned pets. Pilots N Paws connects animal shelters and pet rescue groups with volunteer pilots who take animals to facilities in areas where their chances of adoption are high. This September, the site has set a goal of saving 5,000 animals in a week using general aviation.

Pilots N Paws 5000 will take place Sept. 12 through 20 and is designed to raise awareness of the need to transport animals to areas with homes available—and the vital role of GA in accomplishing that goal.

Co-founders Debi Boies and Jon Wehrenberg created Pilots N Paws 18 months ago after Wehrenberg flew a rescued Doberman from Florida to South Carolina so that Boies could adopt it. Boies, who is not a pilot, explained the long and arduous journey of ground transportation, and Wehrenberg asked if there was a need for pilots to take animals to different parts of the country. Now, more than 600 pilots have helped rescue animals with flights coordinated on the Pilots N Paws message board.

“They go above and beyond whatever’s called for—it’s not just flying,” Boies said. She said some pilots have even temporarily fostered dogs or driven the animals when the flight had to be delayed or canceled because of bad weather. “It touches me every time I think about it.”

Boies said areas with ineffective spay and neuter programs and pet ownership responsibility laws have animal overpopulation problems, but other areas have shelters with adoption waiting lists. General aviation can transport pets to areas with adoptive families more quickly than ground transportation, and without exposing the animals to as many strangers. Onerous security requirements and crippling fees threaten this successful way to transport animals, the Pilots N Paws Web site states.

“Let’s face it—if you’re not a pilot and don’t know someone who is, you don’t know what general aviation does for this country,” Boies said.

She said shelters and pet rescue groups have already posted requests for the Pilots N Paws 5000 event, many of which are still looking for pilots to connect the sending and receiving facilities. Journeys of 300 miles or less can usually be done in one flight, while longer distances can be covered in two legs, with pilots coordinating their flights to cover the whole distance. While most of the animals transported are dogs or cats, other passengers have included bunnies, a boa constrictor, and even a potbelly pig.

Pilots can find out more about volunteering for Pilots N Paws and about flights needed in their area on the Pilots N Paws Web site.

By Sarah Brown

Apricot came with a free “multipoint inspection” including spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, behavioral evaluation and grooming. And you can’t beat the price: As the Certified Pre-Owned Cats campaign poster says, with no money down, no financing and no payments, these cats are “better than new!”

The Michigan Humane Society’s clever ad campaign is an effort to draw attention to a problem that shelters all over the country are dealing with: the large number of adult cats looking for homes.

Mike Robbins, director of marketing and communications for the Michigan Humane Society, says that in the shelter world, “summer has always been known as cat season.” With cats normally breeding in the warm weather, shelters are deluged with kittens and have trouble finding homes for their adult cats.

Economic conditions seem to be aggravating the problem this year. At the Animal Protection Society of Durham, N.C., director of community outreach Simon Woodrup says that the number of pets they took in June, for example, is up to 825 this year, from fewer than 700 last year.

At the Santa Fe, N.M., Humane Society, they’re calling it “Summer of 100 Cats,” and adoption supervisor Mark Young says “we probably should have called it 500.”

Kittens still get adopted quickly, says Dori Villalon, vice president of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, but it’s harder to find homes for adult cats than for kittens or dogs.

“Cats outnumber dogs three-to-one at our shelter,” she says. “The pet overpopulation problem in this country has really become a cat overpopulation problem.”

Simon says that the economy seems to be a factor in many cases, judging by owner-surrender questionnaires. “The one thing that we have seen a lot of is people saying I can’t afford it,” he says.

Part of the problem is that people who are forced to move, either because of foreclosure or simply needing to downsize, can have a hard time finding pet-friendly apartments, Young says. These owner surrenders are likely to be the adult animals, which are harder to place.

As a result, shelters all over the country have been inspired to offer special no-fee or reduced fee adults cat adoption specials. In the past, shelters worried about whether no-fee adoptions would reduce the value that people placed on their pets, and Robbins said that the Michigan Humane Society considered this carefully before offering their program.

In fact, in their trial program, and in a study conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there was no difference between people who’d adopted for free and those who had paid a fee.

“We’ve found there’s been no increase in return rates, which are already low as it is,” he says.

Robbins attributes this success to the fact that they use the same thorough adoption process to make sure that the animal is going to a home that’s a good fit, as in the case of the Boehringer family. It was the adoption counselor’s assistance and detailed questions that brought them together with a cat that will play fetch with his 17-month-old son.

“They actually roll around on the ground together,” Boehringer said. “When the cat wants to play it jumps on my son and they go off running.”

The Michigan Humane Society is so pleased with the success of the no-fee program that they’re extending it for the foreseeable future. And all over the country, shelter owners are hoping people will check out their own pre-owned cats, “certified” or not.

By LINDA LOMBARDI For The Associated Press

IMHO, dogs are perhaps the most entertaining and lovable creatures around. All dogs are cute, loyal, curious and sensitive friends to mankind. Some people decide that they must have a thoroughbred dog, preferably with papers.

Off they go, searching through the classifieds and pet shops for that paragon of a dog. While I like thoroughbreds too, I find that a visit to a pet shelter tugs at my heartstrings. Most often, these dogs aren’t thoroughbreds, but what we commonly refer to as ‘mutts’, a mix of breeds. To my mind, these mutts are the best!

While thoroughbreds are perfect to show off, they can be quite temperamental, aggressive and neurotic which are qualities that you would definitely want to avoid in a family pet. But, if you look in a shelter, you are sure to find a variety of the cutest and most lovable mutts, each with their own adorable personalities from which you could choose one that tugs at your heart.

While the designer puppies are sure to find equally fancy buyer, shelter puppies can be put down if they do find a home. So when you decide to adopt a shelter puppy, you are actually saving its life.

This reminds me of the Disney classic, ‘Lady and the Tramp’. Tramp was the pirate, the adventurer, full of fun, daring and with personality to burn. When Tramp and his friends stole some sausages from the butcher, where did they end up? In the pound. Fortunately, he was broken out and escaped his otherwise inevitable fate. In the end, the family of thoroughbred Lady ‘adopted’ Tramp and they all lived happily ever after. Now how cute were their puppies? When you adopt a puppy from the shelter, you’re giving a big thumbs up to the puppies borne by Lady!

Mutts have a more stable temperament than thoroughbreds and it is much easier to housebreak and train them. Moreover, mutts are the most loyal and lovable of all dogs. Though Tramp was encumbered by some genetic flaws, mutts are free from any of those flaws.

If you are still in dilemma about adopting a shelter puppy, here are some more fact to tilt your scale in favor of a mutt: that picture perfect thoroughbred is definitely going to cost you a fortune. A shelter puppy on the other hand, is going to become the most loved member of you family for a song.

If you are still doubtful about adopting a puppy from the pound, here is something to think about: a thoroughbred can put quite a big dent in your pocket. But in addition to picking up a mutt for a pittance, you will be bringing home a friend who will become a most loved member of your family in no time at all. Whats more, he is so darn irresistible, that if you take the time to step inside a shelter, you will never leave without adopting one.

About the Author:

Looking for useful tips and information on how to take care of a dog or maybe you want some dog training basics. Don’t fret we have it all available for you, pay a visit to our site now. While you are there you can sign up for our free weekly newsletterThe newsletter covers dog training tips and some great general advice for the dog enthusiast.

Those of you who want a Golden Retriever but aren’t ready to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Golden. Older Golden Retrievers are mature, and prove to be great in homes where they need to spend a quality amount of time by themselves. They are a very adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter how old the Golden may be, he will quickly become a valued member of your family in little to no time at all.

Many times, breeders will have older dogs for sale. There are several reasons for this, which include show dogs that have lost their potential, studs that have been used for breeding, female Golden’s that have been bred a few times then retired, or other types of special conditions where a breeder is helping a friend get rid of his Golden Retriever. There are other reasons as well, although whatever they may be – the adult Golden Retriever will be available for anyone who wants him.

Most older Golden Retrievers are already housebroken, and know a lot of behavior patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving family. Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and patience, he’ll be just fine. You need to keep reassuring your new Golden on a regular basis, and let him know that you are his new owner and that you love him and you are glad he’s a member of your family.

Before actually making that decision to adopt a Golden,do give the matter some careful thought. Meet the dog first, and find out as much as you can about him or her. Find out their eating habits, and whether or not they get on with children, and old people, and do they enjoy going for walks in the country or in the town and so on. Ask if you can take them out for a walk, and make sure that you introduce him to the other members of your family, so that they too are happy about the decision.

If you had a guest staying with you in your home you would of course take some time to show them where everything is, where the bedroom is and the bathroom and so on, and it is just them same when you introduce an older dog into your family. Allow some time in your busy schedule to ease them in to your home and routine, and this will pay dividends in the long run.

People often ask me how long it will be before your new Golden is comfortably settled in to your family routine, and I would like to suggest that it takes about a month, give or take a week or so. After this do consider taking them to a dog obedience training class somewhere because you will find that this pays handsome dividends. Yes, they will probably have been trained already before they came to you, but this will act as a sort of ‘top up’ training.

All Golden Retrievers, regardless of their age, love attention. Older Golden’s on the other hand, may have medical problems that you aren’t aware of. You shouldn’t let this stop you from getting one though, simply because the rewards that you’ll find are far greater than any cons that may come to mind. Although many people don’t give a lot of thought to getting an older Golden Retriever – they are perfect for families who don’t want to put up the time and troubles of raising a puppy.

About the Author:

Before you buy any other dog training aids make sure you visit John Charles excellent dog training website

German Shepherds are not only beautiful, but they are also intelligent, loyal and easy to find in many countries of the world. Unfortunately, they are not the right breed of dog for everyone. Each year, thousands of German Shepherds (also known as Alsatians) and German Shepherd mixes are abandoned or surrendered to animal shelters. Most of these dogs wind up there through no fault of their own. Many people are not aware of the significant time and money investment needed to care for German Shepherds.

German Shepherds, although incredibly popular, also are abandoned in incredible numbers. Most people are not aware of the needs this intelligent, active (and shedding) breed has before they bring one home. They might want a German Shepherd just because of the looks, or to have as a status symbol. Unlike their owners, volunteers at German Shepherd rescues across the nation get to know the dogs in their care.

Good German Shelter rescues will work very closely with each dog in their care and take time to get to know the dog’s preferences and quirks. Good German Shepherd rescues will never let you adopt a dog right away. You will have to fill out a lot of paperwork, often give them a letter on your character written by your vet, and answer a lot of questions about your (possibly lack of) German Shepherd information. Be very suspicious of any organization that calls themselves a German Shepherd rescue and that ships dogs to you without asking you any questions. The dogs for sale might be stolen or very sick dogs.

There is no parent German Shepherd breed organization or even a national directory. The American Kennel Club and the Humane Society of the United States are really too busy to help you out. In order to find a good German Shepherd rescue in your local area, you will have to sniff them out yourself. You can also expect to fill out a lot of forms, meet with many different dogs and maybe even get a character reference from a veterinarian before your application for adoption is accepted.

Always contact the German Shepherd rescue before you visit. Don’t drop in unexpected and expect to drive off with a dog. The best German Shepherd rescues will have you fill out a questionnaire and quiz you about your knowledge of German Shepherd information.

They will usually give your home and your personal references a check, too. They want to be absolutely sure the dog will find what every dog deserves ? a forever home.

They usually have websites, though. Petfinder.com is quickly becoming the most comprehensive resource on the web for matching homeless animals with those people looking to adopt. First, you will talk on the phone or via e-mail, and then you will fill out a lot of paperwork.

While the adoption process crawls on, be sure to read up on all the German Shepherd information you can find to insure you know what to expect from your new furry friend.

About the Author:

Jan Ryan is a passionate lover of the German Shepherd and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved German Shepherd. Among other topics there, you will find out more about German Shepherd Rescue plus a whole lot more.

Sometimes just a little time out of your day can make all the difference in the world to a pet that has been abandoned or abused. If you know of a Pug in an abusive situation like that then you need to do the humane thing and contact a local Pug rescue organization to come get the animal the help it needs.

Any local vet is a great resource for animal rescue contact information and if you know a vet, or have a vet for your own pets, then contact them to find the information you need to find a Pug rescue. If you do not know a vet, or do not use the services of a vet, then you can just grab a phone book and give one a call. Any vet would be glad to get you the information you need if they have it available.

The first place you can start to find Pug rescue information is a vet. If you have pets then contact your vet and see if they know of any Pug rescue organizations in your area that you can contact. If you do not have a vet then any vet out of the phone book will be able to assist you. If they have the information they will be glad to pass it on to you.

Your local newspaper has been a collection area for important local contact information for many years and they may be able to help you find the local Pug rescue groups in your area. In some cases the local paper even publishes this contact information on a semi-regular basis but even if they do not make the information public that does not mean they do not have it. Call your local newspaper and ask them about Pug rescue contact information.

It never hurts to ask and if they do have the information for you then you wound up looking in the right place for this very important information that can make all the difference in the world to an abused or abandoned pet.

Most people look at the Internet as a way to find only national or international companies but this is certainly not the case. There may be a Pug rescue group local to you that hosts a website and you can find all of their contact information that way.

You can contact the national groups and see if they have any local offices close to you that you can contact for assistance. If you put some thought into it web searches can be a very invaluable resource.

Never let an abused or abandoned pet go without getting it help. Pets deserve to be treated humanely and allowing a pet to suffer is not the humane thing to do. If you know a pet in need of assistance then use the resources available to you to contact the proper animal rescue group and get that pet the help it needs.

About the Author:

About the author: Jenny Donaldson is an avid lover of the Pug and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Pug. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Pug Rescue Information plus a whole lot more.