Charitable Gifts for the Pet Lovers on Your Shopping List

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During the holiday season, it's rewarding to give the animal aficionados in our lives something special to share with a furry companion. So what about combining a unique gift with a charitable giving opportunity? 

According to Harris Interactive and World Vision, 83 percent of Americans say they would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else instead of a traditional gift such as clothing or electronics. However, the percentage of people giving charitable gifts as presents has fallen. Consider thinking outside of the box with a gift that will please both humans and animals. Here are some perfect opportunities: 

A Symbolic Gift from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) allows you to benefit needy animals while making the gift recipient feel great, too. The option you choose comes with an ASPCA greeting card, educational brochure and personalized Certificate of Appreciation, all sent to your gift recipient. Choices include Scholarships for Therapy Cats ($60);  Transport of an Animal Rescued from Cruelty or Disaster ($25); Hospitalization for Victims of Cruelty and Abuse and Pet Owners in Need of Financial Assistance ($50); and many more.

The Animal Rescue Site offers fun pet-themed gifts that earmark 3% to 50% of each purchase price to help needy animals through charities such as the Petfinder.com Foundation, the International Fund for Animal Rescue, the Humane Society of the United States and Rescue Bank. Gifts include The Paws Galore Cookie Baking Set ($7) with baking sheet and paw-shaped cookie cutters (perfect for making biscuits for dogs or humans!); Paws Galore Ultralite Rain Boots ($18) that offer a plethora of rainbow-hued paw prints and thick traction soles to get people and pooches through the most precarious puddles; and the Stainless Steel Travel Mug ($17) with a paw print design, "All-My-Children-Have-Paws" exclamation and a drip-proof seal to prevent spills on the way to the dog park.

Based in Kanab, Utah, Best Friends Animal Society is best known for their 3,700-acre sanctuary where approximately 1,700 animals receive medical help, socialization and love to help turn their lives around.  While searching for their forever homes, they live in a scenic, healing environment among human and animal friends. Best Friends makes it easy to send a tribute gift online to help the sanctuary and will send a card of acknowledgment to the person you designate.

Of course, there are many more options out there. So while planning your holiday purchases for animal lovers, consider a charitable one. A lot of friends, family and animals will undoubtedly appreciate the gesture.

Small NC Town Finally Opts Out on Opossum Drop

HankHenley.com

Lowering a possum into a crowd of approximately 2,000 celebrators near New Year's Eve has been a tradition in Brasstown, N.C., for 21 years.  But after pressure from People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA), a recent court ruling prohibits the use of wild animals for pets or amusement, nixing the annual possum drop. According to FoxNews.com, the man behind this festivity—Clay Logan—describes it as "good, clean, family fun."

However, PETA begs to differ, saying it's "illegal and cruel." Logan counters that the possum is lowered in a plexiglass cage and eventually released into the woods.

PETA maintains that "Opossums are shy animals who are terrified of humans—their primary predator—and vulnerable to stress-related conditions because of captivity, including capture myopathy, which can result in death days or even weeks after release back into the wild."

Senior Administrative Law Judge Fred G. Morrison Jr., according to Peta.org, found that in North Carolina, citizens "are prohibited from capturing and using wild animals for pets or amusement" and that the "Wildlife Resources Commission has no authority to issue any permit to Logan for the unlawful public display of a native wild animal at the Opossum Drop event." 

Whatever your take on the situation, it is official that Logan's opossums have been dropped for the last time...for now. Logan maintains that he will find a way to continue the tradition—without breaking the law. 

The Biggest Domestic Cat in the World?

At three times the size of the average cat, most would think giant pet Rupert has done enough growing for now. But the super-sized 20-pound feline could claim to be one of the world's biggest cats. Rubert is only half grown and is set to gain more weight.The giant breed Maine coon is only half its possible size at nearly 3 years old. He is expected to put on another 11lbs.

Where does Rubert want to sleep? Hmm...
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Dangers During Summer's Dog Days

Humane Society of the U.S.

While temperatures hover near triple digits across the U.S,  it seems that common sense would dictate not to leave a pet in a parked car. But it still happens. 

Fortunately, The Humane Society of the U.S. is offering a new flyer to help educate people about how dangerous the dog days of summer can be. Tips on the backside include what to do if your pet becomes overheated (cool, wet towels around the head, neck and groin and get to a veterinarian immediately); what to do if you spot an animal locked in a hot car (get the tag number, have the nearest store page the owner, call the police); and how to safely transport animals in your vehicle.

The flyer is available in a 100-pack for $15 at http://marketplace.animalsheltering.org/product/288

Stars and Stripes Celebrate Birthdays on July 4th

David Rothage loves cats. When he found two young feral females in Towson, M.D., he brought them inside, tamed them, named them after the American flag in honor of their Independence Day birthdays and was inspired to use their story to help felines nationwide.

Rothage self published A New Beginning for Stars and Stripes in 2010. After nearly two years in the making, the book is now for sale and proceeds are directed to nonprofit animal welfare groups nationwide.

In honor of the cats' fifth birthdays this July 4th, Rothage has announced a "Five Stars Birthday Celebration" and asks that people honor the sisters by "liking" them on Facebook at starsandstripescats.

For photos, more information and excerpts from the book, visit http://www.starsandstripescats.com/

Happy birthday, girls!

Pointers to Keep Fido Safe this July 4th

TPPC.tv

A warm Independence Day evening is a fun time to bring your pooch to the backyard barbecue or off to a fireworks show. Unfortunately, there are potential dangers that pet owners should watch for.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:

• Never leave alcoholic beverages in reach of animals. If ingested, pets can be seriously poisoned.

• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestion can cause stomach irritation and inhaling oils can cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

• Never use fireworks around animals. The outlook could include burns and trauma. Unused fireworks are potentially dangerous as many contain potassium, nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

• While it's tempting to bring pets to the extraordinary light displays on Independence day, please leave your companion friends in a quiet escape-proof area at home if you're going to a fireworks celebration. The crowds and noise are stressful and frightening to animals.

Furthermore, the Humane Society of the U.S. points out that animal shelters nationwide report an influx of July fourth dogs who run away during fireworks displays. Please be sure to check your pets' ID collars and make certain that your address and phone is correct and visible.

Also if your pet is stressed out by thunderstorms, fireworks can be just as anxiety producing—or worse. Consult your vet before July Fourth for ways to alleviate their anxiety. There are also natural products available online to help this holiday be stress free and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Does My Feline Fuss to Drink From the Faucet?

Lisa Crosby

Even though you keep water down for your cat, does he or she turn into a commando when you turn a sink on? Water in a small bowl gets warm and stale quickly. Water trickling from the tap is oxygenated and cold. It tastes different and better than water sitting in a bowl. 

If you want to encourage your cat to drink from a bowl, make sure the container is ceramic, glass or stainless steel—and rinse and refill it at least twice daily. Don't use plastic bowls for water or food. Plastic is a magnet for odors and bacteria—a big turnoff to a cantankerous kitty (and not healthy either).

Something else to consider: Drinking fountains for pets will likely keep your cat off of the counter. These fountains simply plug in and you can adjust the flow of constantly running water. The water is recycled through a replaceable charcoal filter to make it even more inviting. After years of use, when my fountain eventually broke, I caught my cat licking the faucet, trying to get a drink. 

Check your local pet store and you should be able to reclaim your faucet...and encourage your cat to drink adequate amounts of water.

Hunters or House Dogs? The lowdown on the Nose-To-The-Ground Hound

Lisa Crosby

With 32 types of dogs classified in the "hound" category, according to the American Kennel Club, these dogs range from the diminutive miniature dachshund to the colossal coonhound, blood hound and Irish wolf hound. Of course, there are all sizes in between.

When adopters ask me to recommend a canine that would be great with cats, dogs and children, I recommend a hound.

Animal shelters face an abundance of hounds in the South. When a hunting dog doesn't track rabbits it is often left behind in the woods to fend for itself. These dogs—especially beagles it seems—end up at county shelters.

If you need a happy-go-lucky canine pal, may I recommend a hound?

Alternative to Euthanasia of Feral Cats is Approved in Wake County

albcat.com

On June 4, Wake County, NC, approved a measure that offers an alternative to the county's previous policy of mandatory euthanasia of feral cats. The new ordinance allows individuals and animal welfare groups to trap, sterilize and vaccinate wild cats and then return them to their original habitat.

This "Trap-Neuter-Return" method (or "TNR) is considered by animal advocates to be more effective in controlling cat populations than euthanasia. There has been much scientific evidence supporting this theory. Removing cats from an area is pointless. Scientific research, years of failed attempts and evidence from animal control personnel prove that catch and kill does not permanently clear an area of cats.

According to Alley Cat Allys, each time cats are removed and killed, the population will rebound through a natural phenomenon known as the "vacuum effect," drawing the community into a costly, endless cycle of trapping and killing. Any cats remaining after a catch and kill effort will produce more kittens and at a higher survival rate, quickly filling the habitat to capacity.

Municipalities engaged in any type of catch and kill efforts are fighting an endless, losing battle against nature that is a gross waste of taxpayer dollars. TNR management of the cats in Wake County will be financed and carried out by local nonprofit groups and is expected to save the county money through a reduction in trapping and euthanizing the animals.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/06/05/2112459/wake-board-approves-feral-cat.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/06/05/2112459/wake-board-approves-feral-cat.html#storylink=cpy

Downtown Greenway is Doggone Fun for Dog Walkers

Lisa Crosby

Stretching from Lee Street to Spring Garden Street in Greensboro, the Downtown Greenway's first quarter mile is open. Eventually planned to span 4 miles and loop around downtown, the Greenway will connect with other trails offering miles of exercise. My dogs thoroughly enjoy the wide paved corridor and vibrant scents of verdant grasses, brilliant flowers and decorative shrubbery. What a pleasant change from our regular walks.

If you live downtown or near Greensboro College or UNCG-Greensboro, this is a chance for a sunny jaunt with your pooches right around the corner from home. For updates, visit http://www.downtowngreenway.org/