Get Involved With World Spay Day 2012

by Melissa on February 21, 2012

In 1995, the Doris Day Animal League created Spay Day, and this program became part of the Humane Society of the United States in 2006 when DDAL partnered with HSUS. Spay Day is an international day of activism devoted to promoting the spaying and neutering of pets. The celebration of Spay Day is part of recognizing that over four million animals are euthanized in shelters every year, and the spay/neuter procedure prevents even more unwanted pets from being born and suffering the same fate. According to HSUS, Spay Day has celebrated several successes since the first year, including spaying and neutering over 1,457,200 animals.

There are many ways to participate in World Spay Day. The event is held on the last Tuesday of February. All over the world, veterinarians participate in sterilization events at low-cost or free. This year, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has teamed up with the Dane County Friends of Ferals group (in Wisconsin) to spay and neuter 200 feral cats.

Another humane organization, the Acadiana Humane Society in Cajun County, Louisiana, is participating in World Spay Day by using their funds from the month of February to provide half off or free spay/neuters for the pets of low income people and families. To be considered for this program, it is necessary to submit an application. If funds are not available, the AHS will help redirect people to other, similar programs in the area.

Veterinarians and humane societies aren’t the only ones that can participate in World Spay Day. Even if you aren’t part of a rescue organization or the animal medical community, there are many ways to get involved. Even simple tasks like talking to people and handing out information on the importance of spaying and neutering go a long way. It is easy to forget that not everyone understands that spaying and neutering pets is one way to save lives in the future, and that the procedure also calms down the hormones of male dogs and cuts down on the risk of cancer in female dogs. Another way to help is to volunteer at shelters and rescues that are participating in World Spay Day. They will need help transporting animals, cleaning the facilities, and processing spay/neuter participant paperwork.

This year’s World Spay Day happens on February 28, 2012. Spread the word!

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Does the Neuticles Procedure Promote Neutering?

by Melissa on February 19, 2012

With millions of shelter of animals dying every year, spaying and neutering is more important than every. Unfortunately, some people don’t like the idea of altering their male dogs, and some companies have noted this and turned it into big business by offering testicular implants for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Is this a good alternative that supports alteration, or does this further continue the message that male dogs are not cosmetically desirable if they are neutered?

Neuticles are the most well-known testicular implant, made in the United States with “FDA medically-approved solid silicone.” They are not made from the gel or saline silicone implants. The implants imitate the look and feel of the animal’s testicles in “size, shape, weight, and feel.” Neuticles offers four different models for customers to choose from, and suggests that the implants be done when the pet is neutered. They are careful to note that this should happen at eight months of age in order to get the right sizing, but implants can also be done up to five years after the neutering procedure. The procedure is considered an easy and uncomplicated one.

Neuticles argues that this is not just a cosmetic surgery, but that it saves lives. They state that:

Neuticles go far beyond ‘cosmetic surgery’. Each day we receive calls or emails from delighted pet owners telling us in one way or another that ‘I would not have neutered had it not been for Neuticles.’ As a result, pet owners are not only helping to control pet overpopulation- but now have a happier, healthier pet which will live a longer life.

Testimonials from veterinarians also agree, that if it is something that helps people have their dogs neutered, then this procedure is a positive. One veterinarians offering a testimonial for Neuticles claims that these implants boost the dog’s self-esteem.
Neuticles also has a very famous celebrity client: Rocky Kardashian. When the neighborhood complained about wandering Rocky and his drive to mate, Kim and Kris Kardashian found Neuticles to be the perfect trade for getting Rocky neutered.

Have you heard of the Neuticles procedure before, and what do you think about it? Does the procedure encourage people to be responsible with their pets?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Famous Twitter Cats

by Melissa on February 14, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, what you’ve heard is true: Cats are taking over the world and the internet. Not only are cats the most popular pet in the United States (you read that right, dog lovers), there are also the very famous LOL Cat memes, and cats that have their own Twitter accounts. If you’re on Twitter, consider following these famous kitties!

Anfield Cat: This guy is a bit of a sensation already as he made his debut when he ran out onto the Anfield Stadium soccer field in Liverpool on February 6, 2012. Just hours after he dashed out onto the green, Anfield was on Twitter with over 13,000 followers. If you’re a fan of soccer, this is the cat to follow!  Anfield’s tweets have a bit of fun teasing to them too: “Fernando Torres reportedly jealous…I got a bigger cheer than he has all season.”

Sockamillion is easily the most famous cat on Twitter with over a million followers! Sockamillion was even nominated for a Shorty Award, which is an award given to influential people (and pets!) on Twitter for best short content. Sockamillion’s tweets are amusing to fans everywhere with gems like this one: “JUST GRABBING A QUICK NAP BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP no idea how I fit all this in TRULY A MODERN CAT zzzzz”.

Penny Cat is also hovering around 13,000 followers, and is a sister and pal to Sockamillion. One of her more famous tweets mimics Casablanca: “Of all the litter boxes in all the world, he (@Sockington) had to walk into mine.” Penny and Sockamillion are also the leaders of a website called Sockington.

Simon’s Cat: Simon’s Cat is a YouTube sensation that made his way to Twitter and now has over 50,000 followers. A creation of English animator Simon Tofield (who has four cats!), Simon Cat has been the subject of numerous books, videos, and comic strips. Simon Cat is most famous for the film Cat Man Do, which is a short animated film that can be seen here.

If you’re on Twitter, do you follow any of these famous felines, or do you think the Twitter trend is ridiculous and silly?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Neem Oil for Pest Control

by Melissa on February 8, 2012

Neem oil has a lot of uses for both humans and pets, and is widely known for its ability to repel pests. With history dating back 3-5000 years ago to India, neem oil has been used in cosmetics, greenhouses, and as an Ayurvedic medicine. Neem comes from the leaves, bark, and natural oils of the neem tree, and is a wise organic choice when it comes to pest control in pets, and also benefits the immune system, and skin and coat health.

Neem oil is a wonderful pest repellent thanks to the terrible odor of the oil. If you use it, prepare to smell something disgusting! NaturalNews.com recommends adding 1/2 ounce per eight ounces of shampoo when using as a flea or tick shampoo. The oil can also be mixed with water for use as a flea and tick spray. The spray can also be used on the pet’s bedding to keep fleas away. Neem leaves and turmeric have been documented for use as a mange remedy in dogs.

These methods should not be used on cats. Neem oil should not be left on the skin of cats as it can be ingested, but it is safe to use as a shampoo that is rinsed off. Because of the poor smell of neem oil, it is often mixed with other oils, like tea tree, to make it smell better. Many essential oils (including tea tree) is not safe for cats, so it is best to purchase 100% pure neem oil and add it to the shampoo mixture.

Neem oil should never be used without being diluted, as the oil is strong. It can be diluted with water or oil (almond, olive, sunflower). When purchasing neem oil, make sure it is from a reliable brand and that it is certified organic. Some products state “with neem oil”, when in reality the concoction is filled with toxic chemicals. Always read labels for safety, and ask a holistic veterinarian if neem oil is something that you want to try with your pets.

Have you used neem oil before? Would you consider using it?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Make Way for Puppy Bowl and the Kitty Half-Time Show

by Melissa on February 2, 2012

On February 5th, 2012, one of the most anticipated events of the year is happening. For some, it’s the Super Bowl, but for others, it’s Puppy Bowl VIII! Unfamiliar with the event? Puppy Bowl is an annual show on Animal Planet that mimics the Super Bowl with frolicking puppies that wrestle around inside of a football stadium stage.  Although it is cute, and to some a bit silly, there is a lot more behind Puppy Bowl than one might expect.

In 2011, Puppy Bowl registered 9.2 million viewers throughout the 12-hours the show aired (It’s a two-hour show that aired continuously for 12 hours). For the first Puppy Bowl, there were 1.7 million viewers, according to Entertainment Weekly. During the airing of Puppy Bowl, information is presented about the dogs, many of them mixes, that are up for adoption or were rescued. Puppy Bowl also features the “Kitty Half-Time Show”, where cute kittens frolic under laser lights and play with sparkly toys, yarn, and a feline jungle gym.

As the popularity of Puppy Bowl grew, new elements were added to the show, including a “live water cam” that has a camera under the water bowl, tailgate parties, and celebrity audience members that included some of the dogs from Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. Another fan favorite of puppy bowl is the referee. The original referee was an Animal Planet producer, Andrew Schechter. In an article by The Wall Street Journal, Schechter describes the production of Puppy Bowl:

It’s a long day, a 12-hour day. But we’re all very careful about making sure the animals aren’t on set for too long, or getting to tired. After 30 minutes under the hot lights, the dogs get a break and we have a veterinarian on the shoot as well as representatives from the shelters and the humane association. All the animals are available for adoption. We get the puppies by sending out mass messages to shelters.

This year, there is a new referee by the name of Dan Schachner. Schachner has done voice over work for Capital one, Subway, Showtime, and was an announcer for the Nate Berkus Show, so he is no stranger to the business. He states that when he saw Animal Planet was looking for a referee, he “grabbed my camcorder and sent in an audition tape highlighting my puppy refereeing skills and sense of humor.”

It’s incredible how much Puppy Bowl has grown in popularity. Will you watch it this February?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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The Dog Bark Park: Home of the World’s Largest Beagle

by Melissa on February 2, 2012

The Dog Bark Park: Home of the World's Largest Beagle

Do you want to see the world’s largest beagle? Pack your bags, because it’s time to take a road trip to Cottonwood Idaho and visit the Dog Bark Park Inn Bed and Breakfast, located in North Central Idaho. With a population of just 924 people, Cottonwood is located in the Camas Prairie. The Dog Bark Park Inn was featured on Petcations on the Travel Channel in December 2011, and promises to offer “a glimpse into those bygone days with all the comforts of our modern days.”

The Dog Bark Park is home to Toby and Sweet Willy, the world’s biggest beagles! Toby is twelve feet tall and built by resident artists Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, a husband and wife team of artists who took their carvings to the next level after they were sold on QVC in 1995.  Here’s what they have to say about the experience:

We did nothing but carve wooden dogs for 18 months (our children barely remember seeing us during those days!), made what seemed like a bundle of money, invested it all in developing and building Dog Bark Park. Here, visitors will find us happily creating our art until, like the pine we use, life returns us to the earth.

Today, the media stories have expanded to include features on HGTV, Rachael Ray, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, and CNN. Sweet Willy is the beagle who is actually the Dog Bark Park Inn, and sleeps four people. The amenities are quite charming, and include “The Prairie’s Best Fruited Granola” made from a top secret recipe, fresh breakfast, books and games, and air conditioning.

While visiting the Dog Bark Park Inn, you can also visit the Chainsaw Art Gift Shop, which specializes in folk-art wood carvings and includes over sixty breeds of dogs. Sullivan and Conklin are also happy to work on custom carvings based on photos of pets. Don’t let the small size of Cottonwood deter a visit. Surrounding areas include the Lewis and Clark trail, whitewater rafting, and the Monastery of St. Gertrude and Historical Museum.

For just $92 per night, the Dog Bark Park Inn sounds like an experience that won’t be forgotten.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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$0.50/1 Newman’s Own Organics Dog Food Printable Coupon

by Kristy on February 2, 2012

Newman's Own Organics Dog Food

Newman’s Own Organics has some great new printable coupons available, including a new dog food coupon!

$0.50/1 Newman’s Own Organics Dog Food Printable Coupon

Coupon expires 3/30/12.

Happy Modern Pet Savings!

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High Jump for Dogs

by Melissa on January 29, 2012

Did you know that the high jump is not just for human track and field events? Dogs can compete in high jump events all over the world. A brindle greyhound known as “Soaring Cindy” was crowned the Guinness World Record holder of doggie high jump in 2006, beating her 2003 record of five feet, six inches with a jump of five feet feet, eight inches. An article from DogsInTheNews.com states that this award-winning pup “was the result of an unscheduled breeding between two Greyhound racing dogs, and as a result, the track had no use for her.”

How do you get started with the high jump? First, evaluate if the breed you have is a good candidate for the high jump, including their energy drive, weight, and height. Generally, tall, lightweight dogs are ideal for the high jump, but some high-energy breeds have proven to be good jumpers, like the border collie, german shepherd, and Australian shepherd. If your dog is a good candidate for the sport, the next part is to acquire some gear.

To jump, an agility bar (or a handmade version with a broom and two chairs or blocks) is needed. The bar should easily release if it is hit, which is for safety. In competitions, there are two people that handle the dog. One releases the dog, and the other motivates the dog with a toy or treat. That doesn’t mean you need two people to practice. To start, set the bar at a low height. The dog will probably be reluctant to jump at first, so use treats to motivate the dog from the other side.

As the dog begins to gain confidence, keep raising the bar gradually. This process will not happen in one day, and may take time. As the bar gets higher and higher, you will have to invest in more equipment, like a thick landing mat so the dog is not stressed upon landing. Supplements for the joints may also be needed, like glucosamine and fish oil.

There are many competitions for high jump, including the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, which has multiple agility events. Even if your dog does not master the sport of high jumping, practicing with an agility bar at low heights is a good bonding experience for you and your dog, and provides the dog with a sense of accomplishment.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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