A Kenneling Alternative

adopt

Celebrate Canines During National Dog Week

by Leave a Comment

Canine lovers, prepare! National Dog Week returns September 18th and runs through the 24th!

What is National Dog Week? According to Petfirst.com, it is a “week-long celebration of man’s best friend [that] focuses on educating dog owners and the public, raising awareness about dog care, and helping lost, homeless, or abused dogs find homes.”

National Dog Week got its start in 1928. World War I veteran and canine advocate Captain William Lewis Judy decided to create a week that would educate people about the responsibilities of dog ownership. In that era, it was not uncommon to find a significant number of dogs chained up in backyards with their dog houses.

Judy was a founder of the Dog Writers Association of America and used his platform to educate and celebrate the many benefits from canine companionship. 

Let’s cover some ways that you can take part in celebrating this week. We will give you tips, inspired by PetFirst.com, that you can use whether you have a dog or not. 

If you have a dog:

  • Play with your pooch for an extra 10 minutes.
  • Extend your walk time by a few minutes.
  • Hire a pet photographer to do a photoshoot of you and your dog.
  • Adopt. Dogs are social creatures and most enjoy the company of another canine. If you dog spends a great deal of time alone at home and their temperament (and your budget permits) consider adopting a shelter pup.

If you don’t have a dog:

  • Look into adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization.  Help a friend adopt a dog in need of a loving home.
  • Donate to a local shelter. You can donate your time, cash, or items.
  • Volunteer for a rescue or a shelter.
  • Walk shelter dogs. Time spent with an animal at a shelter provides them with companionship and love.
  • Gift a toy or treat to a friend’s dog.

No matter how you approach the week, do something special for either your own or an adjacent dog. Consider ways you can enhance dog education in your community. Or just offer some extra love to the canines in your orbit. Tell us about your adventures this week. 

January is Adopt A Rescued Bird Month

by Leave a Comment

Did you know that you can adopt a rescued bird rather than buy one? Yup! Its true. And January is Adopt A Rescued Bird Month.

So, what do you need to know before adopting? 

The typical concerns for any pet adoption, generally. Consider the expense for food, toys, veterinary care, and commitment time and energy. Birds are social creatures and some breeds can live for many decades. 

Fortunately, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) devised a list to help you make a decision. By scrolling through a list of statements, you can find the match that makes the most sense for you. 

To decide what breed would fit most effortlessly into your household consider some of these suggestions from the ASPCA: 

“I don’t have much space.” Choose any bird, as long as you allow for a large enough cage and time out of it almost every day.

“I am concerned about how my new bird will get along with other pets and young children.” Adequate space and close adult supervision will promote harmony among birds, children and other pets. You will need a room in which you can close off your bird for his or her protection when you are not present, even if you are just in another room. If you have a very large bird, such as a macaw, you may need to protect your children and other pets from the bird if he has been provoked inadvertently.

“I don’t like a lot of mess.” Choose small birds, such as parakeets, canaries, finches or lovebirds.

For other ideas, visit their website by clicking here.

No matter what type of bird you choose, you can feel good about bringing a rescued pet into your life. 

Be Kind To Animals Week

by Leave a Comment

When you take part in Be Kind to Animals Week, you become part of a celebration of one of the longest commemorative weeks in U.S. history. According to American Humane’s website, they began the event in 1915. It is celebrated the first full week of May annually.

This year, the week kicks off May 3rd and runs through the 9th.

American Humane suggests several different ways that you can get involved this year. They include:

  • Taking a kindness pledge;
  • Adopt from a shelter or rescue;
  • Commit to year round kindness; and
  • Showing support on social media.

By visiting their website you can select one of four (or all) of the kindness pledges available. You complete your name and email and will receive your pledge electronically.  [Read more…] about Be Kind To Animals Week