In July 2013, my cat Edison ran away. Everything about it was my fault and I continue to hold onto the guilt. Although I still cry over Edison, I want to save other pet parents from the heartbreak I go through everyday because of his loss. I share my story of Edison running away in hopes of educating others on how they can keep their pets safe. For Lost Pet Prevention Month, I want to revisit Edison’s story and suggest ways that you can save yourself from every pet parent’s worst nightmare. I’m giving away an ID collar and tags so you can keep your pups and kitties protected at all times!
Happy National Tabby Day! #NationalTabbyDay
I’m in bed watching a movie. Joey is laying on his Armarkat kitty condo in front of the open window. It’s sunny and 74°. There’s a slight breeze. Joey’s sprawled over the top of the condo, his crazy paws resting in front of him. He’s chirping at the birds as he slowly closes his eyes with every burst of wind that picks up. Joey’s orange fur glistens in the sun as he goes for a big stretch. Joey is very special. I’ve never had a tabby cat in my life until 2012 when I adopted him. I didn’t think I’d ever have a disabled cat but I was lucky enough to find him!
Dog Mom Problems: The Challenge of Having Three Dogs
It was a typical September day. The weather was still hot and I was spending another day working at home. When it came time for me to take a break, I walked into my bedroom and my phone went off. It was a text message from the manager of Happy Pets Palace & Playground. I’ll never forget the moment. I looked down at my phone to see a photo of the cutest white fluffy dog I had ever seen with the caption “Know anyone who wants a puppy?” This beautiful baby girl had been left by someone at the facility. When I laid eyes on the little ball of fluff, my heart melted and my life forever changed. At that moment, my life went from revolving around one dog to having to split my time between two.
Fast forward – now I have three dogs and it is more of a challenge than I ever expected. I love my crazy household but having more than two dogs has definitely presented it’s difficulties.
Overcoming the Fear of Dogs
I used to be scared of dogs. Let me rephrase – I used to be TERRIFIED of dogs. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? In the animal community we don’t often hear about people being afraid of our canine companions, but it does exist. And I was one of those people.
How to Help a Fearful Dog
I scour the euthanasia list from our local county animal shelter every night. Since both locations of Maricopa County Animal Care & Control are kill-shelters, about 40% of the animals who come in each year are put to death. It’s horrifying and sad, but the East Valley shelter alone takes in almost 150 animals a day. Each. Day. The Maricopa County facilities need a lot of help. Many people turn the other way because they are “kill shelters.” Well in reality, they wouldn’t have to euthanize so many animals if there was more funding, help, and foster/rescue homes. Oh yeah – and less idiots surrendering their dogs.
I’ve been involved with MCACC for about nine years and I just recently rescued a dog off of the euthanasia list. I came across her photo online on 11/22/15. She was an unknown breed, put at risk for euthanasia due to “fear.” She was set to die the very next day. As much as this angered me, I immediately had her “pulled” from the list. The shelter was right, she was extremely fearful. And I was going to have my hands full. [Read more…]