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Caring For Pets When You Travel

julia_farinas128 — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 01:18:39 CST

If you're a pet owner planning a business trip or vacation, the decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. While it may be tempting to take your furry friend with you, keep in mind that some animals are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness, or physical impairment. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian. If you determine it is best for your pet to accompany you, you will need to devote extra time to prepare for the journey. For example, you'll need to have all of the supplies necessary to keep your pet comfortable while he's away from home, and you'll need to familiarize yourself with any pet-related restrictions or requirements imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, hotels, etc. Reading our guidelines for traveling with a pet will help make the journey a safe and enjoyable one for both you and your companion.
If you decide that your pet should not travel, consider the alternatives: Have a responsible friend or relative look after your pet, board your animal at a kennel, or hire a pet sitter.
If a friend or relative is going to take care of your pet, ask if that person can take your animal into his or her home. Animals can get lonely when left alone. Be sure that your pet is comfortable with the temporary caretaker and his or her home, not to mention any pets that person has.
If you choose to board your pet, get references and inspect the kennel. Your veterinarian or local shelter can help you select a facility. You can also read our online tips for choosing a boarding kennel.
If you are hiring a pet sitter, interview the candidates and check their references. (A pet sitter may be preferable if your pet is timid or elderly and needs the comfort of familiar surroundings during your absence.) Be sure to check out our online guidelines on how to choose a pet sitter.
Whatever option you choose, your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations and in sound health. If you arrange for someone to care for your pet while you are away, provide the caretaker with the telephone number where you can be reached, the name and telephone number of your veterinarian, and your pet's medical or dietary needs. You should also make sure that your pet is comfortable with the person you have chosen

Ask the Experts: Doggy Q&A

julia_farinas128 — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 03:43:47 CST

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Dog Central

julia_farinas128 — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 03:42:09 CST

Whether you're looking for general pet-care guidelines, information on pets and animals or advice on coping with the death of your beloved companion, you've come to the right place. Our pet-care information will help you develop and maintain a long and rewarding relationship with your animal companion.

Home

julia_farinas128 — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 03:41:09 CST

We have:
Pet Finder- we will give you the pet you are looking for (we will send it to your house)
Pet Library- (ask on line) you can borrow pets for 5 days and return them when due. E-mail us!!!
Ask the Petties' Carers- Ask for advice on stuff about your four-legged friend! e-mail us!
Advice From Others- Questions that may be answered by other people
Pet Sitting- (for [manila] Philippines only) do you have to go out and uncurl some where and you can't bring your pet/s? Count on the cutiepawz crew! We will tend your pet for just Php 20.00 an hour. To hire a pet sitter e-mail us
JATTS (Julia and Trixie's Training Specialty)- We train dogs to do tricks and get a better behavior

E-MAIL 1: petties_carers@yahoo.com
E-MAIL 2: the_front_door_is_locked@yahoo.com
Info. E-MAIL(if you need more info on anything in this site): lollipop_julia@yahoo.com

History Of Dogs

julia_farinas128 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 09:01:00 CST

History of Dogs

From primeval wolves to today’s pampered pooches, dogs have long co-existed with humans—and have even earned eventful histories in their own right. The Russian dog, Laika, for example, was the first living creature to orbit the earth.

The New York Times Science section recently reported that the latest genetic studies suggest that all domestic dogs evolved from the Gray Wolf.

Dogs are widely regarded as the first animals to become domesticated around 14,000 years ago—though some researchers suggest the canine-human friendship began as long as 150,000 years ago.

Historic artifacts found throughout the world indicate that dogs were generally held in high esteem by their human companions. For example, Roman consul Quintus Aurelis Symmachus wrote his brother in A.D. 391 to say thanks for the gift of seven Irish Wolfhounds. His letter said that "All Rome viewed them with wonder".

Types of Dogs

Dogs have evolved from selective breeding to serve human needs over thousands of years. Dog breeds can be categorized according to their purpose:

Protection – Certain dogs were bred to guard either their owners or the property of their owners. This includes dogs as different in appearance as the Lhasa Apso and the Doberman Pinscher
Hunting – includes pointers, setters, retrievers, spaniels, hounds and terriers, such asAfgans, Beagles, and West highland Terriers, Rat terriers.
Working – typically larger dogs such as the Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky, and Great Danes
Fighting – Some breeds were developed to fight one another, or other animals, also known as “baiting”. These breeds are generally bulldogs, Mastiffs, and terriers. The Conquistadors used Mastiffs to instill fear and terror in the hearts of those they conquered.
Companionship – usually smaller dogs such as Shih-Tzus, Bichon Frise, and the ever-popular Yorkshire Terrier.
Traveling – Some breeds were developed to run beside and guard horse-drawn carriages, such as Dalmatians, Collies, and Sheepdogs. Or to run the barge as in the Skipperke or "Little Captain".
Herding – Border Collies, sheepdogs, and German Shepherds are part of this group
Assistance – Certain breeds have been trained to help people with various physical or mental disabilities. These breeds are usually Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.

Allergies To Pets

julia_farinas128 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 05:21:45 CST


©2002	Whim Whams Illustration Studio

Being a pet owner is never easy. While pets bring us joy and companionship on a daily basis, they also require training, veterinary care, time, love, attention, and even tolerance. Tolerance is especially necessary when a pet owner is allergic to his or her companion animal. Studies show that approximately 15% of the population is allergic to dogs or cats. An estimated one-third of Americans who are allergic to cats (about two million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. In a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets, only one out of five did. What's more, 122 of them obtained another pet after a previous one had died. It's clear the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies for many owners. Living comfortably with a companion animal despite being allergic to him requires a good understanding of the allergic condition and an adherence to a few rules.All cats and dogs are allergenic (allergy-causing) to people who are allergic to animals. Cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs for allergic people, although some people are more sensitive to dogs than cats. Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats; even hairless breeds may be highly allergenic. Dogs with soft, constantly-growing hair—the Poodle or the Bichon Frise, for example—may be less irritating to some individuals, although this may be because they are bathed and groomed more frequently. One dog or cat of a particular breed may be more irritating to an individual allergy sufferer than another animal of that same breed.
The source of irritation to pet-allergic humans? Glands in the animal's skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens, that linger in the animal's fur but also float easily in the air. Allergens are present in the animal's saliva and urine, too, and may become airborne when saliva dries on the fur. The severity of reaction to these allergens varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma, and can be complicated by simultaneous allergies to other irritants in the environment.If your or a family member's allergies are simply miserable, but not life-threatening, take these steps to reduce the symptoms:

Create an "allergy free" zone in the home—preferably the bedroom—and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it. Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner (available at almost any home and garden store or discount department store) in the bedroom. Consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows because allergen particles brought into the room on clothes and other objects can accumulate in them.
Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Use a "microfilter" bag in the vacuum cleaner to effectively catch all the allergens.
Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergens on fur by as much as 84%. Although products are available that claim to reduce pet allergens when sprayed on the animal's fur, studies show they are less effective than a weekly bath. Even cats can become accustomed to being bathed; check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about how to do this properly, and use whatever shampoo your veterinarian recommends.
Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Ask your allergist to specifically test for allergies to pet dander, rather than making an assumption. And understand that allergies are cumulative. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. So if you're allergic to dust, insecticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, and cat dander, you'll need to reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy. For example, you may need to step up measures to remove cat dander from your home and carefully avoid cigarette smoke during spring, when it is difficult to avoid exposure to pollen.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can improve symptoms but cannot eliminate them entirely. They work by gradually desensitizing a person's immune system to the pet allergens. Allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person's skin, triggering the body to produce antibodies (protective proteins) which block the pet allergen from causing a reaction. Patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks to months (depending on the severity of the allergy) and then can often manage with one injection per month.
Additional treatments for allergies to pets are symptomatic, including steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. For asthma, there are multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers available. It is important to find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches—medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy—is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets.

Of course, if you do not currently have a pet and are considering one, and know you are pet-allergic, be sure to consider carefully whether you can live with the allergy before you bring a new pet home. Except in the case of children, who sometimes outgrow allergies, few allergy sufferers become accustomed to pets to whom they are allergic. Too many allergic owners obtain pets without thinking through the difficulties of living with them. And too often, they end up relinquishing pets, a decision that is difficult for the owner and can be life-threatening for the pet.

Advice From Others

julia_farinas128 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 05:07:47 CST

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

FAQs

julia_farinas128 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 05:06:39 CST

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Caring For Your Dog: The Top Ten Essentials

julia_farinas128 — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 04:25:15 CST


	HSUS

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.
Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

Coping With The Death Of Your Pet

julia_farinas128 — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:38:05 CST


©2002	Whim Whams Illustration Studio

When a person you love dies, it's natural to feel sorrow, express grief, and expect friends and family to provide understanding and comfort. Unfortunately, the same doesn't always hold true if the one who died was your companion animal. Many consider grieving inappropriate for someone who has lost "just a pet."
Nothing could be further from the truth. People love their pets and consider them members of their family. Caregivers celebrate their pets' birthdays, confide in their animals, and carry pictures of them in their wallets. So when your beloved pet dies, it's not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. Animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love during the time they share with you. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you've already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss: knowing that it is okay to grieve when your pet dies.
Understanding how you grieve and finding ways to cope with your loss can bring you closer to the day when memories bring smiles instead of tears.
What Is the Grief Process?
The grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another. The process typically begins with denial, which offers protection until individuals can realize their loss. Some caregivers may try bargaining with a higher power, themselves, or even their pet to restore life. Some feel anger, which may be directed at anyone involved with the pet, including family, friends, and veterinarians. Caregivers may also feel guilt about what they did or did not do, and may feel that it is inappropriate to be so upset. After these feelings subside, caregivers may experience true sadness or grief. They may become withdrawn or depressed. Acceptance occurs when they accept the reality of their loss and remember their animal companion with decreasing sadness. Remember, not everyone follows these classic stages of grief—some may skip or repeat a stage, or experience the stages in a different order.
How Can I Cope with My Grief?
While grief is a personal experience, you need not face loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online Internet bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles. Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:

Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it.
Don't hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear.
Write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem.
Call your local humane society to see whether it offers a pet loss support group or can refer you to one. You may also want to ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter about available pet loss hotlines.
Explore the Internet for pet loss support groups and coping information.
Prepare a memorial for your pet.

What Can I Do for My Child?
The loss of a pet may be a child's first experience with death. The child may blame himself, his parents, or the veterinarian for not saving the pet. And he may feel guilty, depressed, and frightened that others he loves may be taken from him. Trying to protect your child by saying the pet ran away could cause your child to expect the pet's return and feel betrayed after discovering the truth. Expressing your own grief may reassure your child that sadness is okay and help him work through his feelings.
Is the Process More Difficult if I'm a Senior?
Coping with the loss of a pet can be particularly hard for seniors. Those who live alone may feel a loss of purpose and an immense emptiness. The pet's death may also trigger painful memories of other losses and remind caregivers of their own mortality. What's more, the decision to get another pet is complicated by the possibility that the pet may outlive the caregiver, and hinges on the person's physical and financial ability to care for a new pet.
For all these reasons, it's critical that senior pet owners take immediate steps to cope with their loss and regain a sense of purpose. If you are a senior, try interacting with friends and family, calling a pet loss support hotline, even volunteering at a local humane society. If you know seniors in this situation, direct them to this web page and guide them through the difficult grieving process.
Will My Other Pets Grieve?
Surviving pets may whimper, refuse to eat or drink, and suffer lethargy, especially if they had a close bond with the deceased pet. Even if they were not the best of friends, the changing circumstances and your emotional state may distress them. Give surviving pets lots of TLC ("tender loving care") and try to maintain a normal routine. It's good for them and for you.
Should I Get Another Pet?
Rushing into this decision isn't fair to you or your new pet. Each animal has his own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you lost. You'll know when the time is right to adopt a new pet after giving yourself time to grieve, carefully considering the responsibilities of pet ownership, and paying close attention to your feelings. When you are ready, remember that your local animal shelter is a great place to find your next special friend.

Choosing A Pet Sitter

julia_farinas128 — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:34:32 CST


	Corbis

Pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you're away from home. A good pet sitter also spends quality time with your pet, gives him exercise, and knows how to tell if your pet needs veterinary attention. What's more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, turning lights on and off, and providing homes with a lived-in look to deter crime. But just because someone calls herself a pet sitter doesn't mean she's qualified to do the job. This information will help you find the best pet sitter for you and your pet. Why hire a pet sitter?
When you must be away from home—say for travel or an emergency—and don't want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If you're like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in your pet's bowls. But is this what's best for your pet? There's a good chance that your friends and neighbors lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while you're gone. So what is the solution? Consider hiring a "pet sitter"—a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet.
A pet sitter offers both you and your pet many benefits.
Your pet gets:

the environment he knows best.
his same diet and routine.
relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).
attention while you're away.

You get:

happier friends and neighbors, who aren't burdened with caring for your pet.
the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don't know you're away.
someone who will come to your home so you don't have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.
other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.

Where do I find a pet sitter?
Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, or dog trainer. Check the Yellow Pages under "Pet Sitting Services." You can also contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222) for a referral. Both organizations offer pet-sitter accreditation to those who demonstrate professional experience, complete pet-care-related home study courses, attend professional conferences, and abide by a code of ethics set by the organizations.
What should I look for?
It's important to learn all you can about prospective pet sitters' qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:

Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)?
What training has the pet sitter received?
Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?
What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?
Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training, and play time?
Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees?
If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?
How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?
Will the pet sitter provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, it's important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet—does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer periods. How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?
Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven't also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:

Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.
Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
Affix current identification tags to your pet's collar.
Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
Leave pet food and supplies in one place.
Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than planned.
Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.

Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitter's phone number in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.

Photo Gallery

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:38:33 CST

Gifts 4 Petz

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:20:19 CST

The best fits of all are the ones that are made with love. Help create a list of thoughtful dog gifts that you can make at home for your favorite dog or dog lover. Add your ideas and recipes to our list of homemade dog gifts.

Dog Treats

Whip up a batch of delectable dog delights. Tasty dog biscuits or homemade snack mix.

All Dressed Up

Also an easy gift for a child to make for his or her favorite pooch, create a swag for your furry friend. Cut a piece of cloth out in a suitable size for your dog to wear as a bandana. Embellish or adorn with trim or other items to dress up your pal. Make sure that embellishments are securely fastened to avoid choking hazards. If you prefer, embroider or letter your pooch's name with fabric markers, and fasten around Fido's neck. You can also take this same idea and embellish a store bought collar or leash. Add your dog's name, or embellish with satin flowers from a fabric store. You can personalize your dog's collar and make your dog shine!

Personalized Pet Bowls

Next time you visit a ceramics studio, choose a bowl suitable for Fido's dinner or water. Paint and personalize with your dog's name & Fido will have his own personalized dinnerware set!

Knitted gifts

If you can knit or crochet, there is a wealth of free knitting/crocheting patterns for blankets, dog toys, sweaters, and much more on the Internet! Knitting Pattern Central has a big collection of free pet patterns here.
Lion Brand Yarn also has many free pet patterns, you'll just need to create a free account with them to access them.

Disaster Preparedness Quiz

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:17:31 CST

Are You Prepared? Find out by taking our test:

Imagine that a police officer knocks at your door. A hurricane is quickly approaching, and you have 45 minutes to evacuate. If You Have Pets:

Can you gather all your pets and put them into pet carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all your pets?
Are all your pets wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number?
If your cat escapes the cat carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a photograph?
Do you know where you can go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know of any animal-friendly motels nearby? Do you know where your local emergency animal shelter is located?
Do you have your veterinarian's telephone number on your list of emergency numbers in case your dog or cat becomes ill?

If You Have Horses

Can you have your horses loaded on the trailer ready to leave in time? Will your horse trailer hold all your horses?
Is your horse wearing a halter with her name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number on it?
Do you know where you can go with your horses in the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know where your local emergency equine shelter is located?
Do you have your horses' Coggins tests in your emergency packet to present to the officer at the emergency shelter?
When you arrive at the emergency shelter to pick up your horse after several days, could you provide identification photos and descriptions from your emergency packet to prove ownership?

If You Have Farm Animals.

Can you evacuate your animals in time?
2. Have you mapped out an evacuation route?
Do you have a safe place to shelter your animals on your property if you cannot evacuate them?
Do you have materials on hand to reinforce your barn and outbuildings?
Do you have a backup plan for feeding and watering your animals should your power supply be cut off?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, we can help you. e-mail which will show you how to protect your animals when disaster strikes.

June: A National Preparedness Month For Animals

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:56:12 CST

May 28, 2002

WASHINGTON - Without question, we are living in different times. With the prediction of bizarre weather for the upcoming hurricane season and the threat of terrorism and biological assaults still a daunting concern, caring for a pet now carries more responsibility than just proper feeding, exercise and veterinary care. Pet owners must also be adequately prepared in the event of disaster and/or emergency evacuation. June is National Disaster Preparedness Month for Animals, and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is attempting to educate pet and animal owners about the need for being prepared for emergency situations. Whether caused by a natural disaster such as flood, wildfire or hurricane, or whether from an act of terrorism, emergency evacuation may become a reality for many pet owners and many are simply not sufficiently prepared. Clearly their pets and animals are at risk.
The HSUS is offering free information about disaster preparedness and evacuation planning for animals, including three brochures, Disaster Preparedness for Pets, Disaster Preparedness for Horses and Disaster Preparedness for Livestock. Working with key local, regional and national organizations, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), The HSUS is working to ensure the safety of all animals in the event of a disaster or the need to evacuate.
Take The Test, developed by The HSUS for pet owners, poses a plausible scenario and a series of questions designed to help pet owners assess their level of disaster preparedness.
Take The Test (for Pet Owners):
An officer arrives at your door. A truck has overturned down the road and is leaking toxic chemicals. You have thirty minutes to evacuate. You may not be allowed home for several days.
1. You run to find the dog and cat carriers and try to get the dog and cat into the car. Do you have carriers for all your pets? Are leashes easily accessible?
2. You decide to evacuate to a motel. Do you know which hotels take pets? Do you know where the local emergency shelter is for pets? Do you have a plan for where you will go and the route to take?
3. As you arrive at the emergency shelter, your cat somehow slips out of the carrier and jumps out the car window. Do you have photos and descriptions of your pets in your emergency kit so you can show them to emergency workers?
4. You need to tell the shelter workers what to feed your dog and when to give his medications. Did you remember to bring your dog’s medication and written directions for feeding and giving the medication?
5. You are at work when the evacuation order is given for your neighborhood. Have you made prior arrangements with any of your neighbors to evacuate your pet or to notify emergency workers that your home has pets inside? How will you get to your pets once your neighborhood has been barricaded off?
If you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, you are not prepared to care for your pet in a disaster. You need to develop a disaster and evacuation plan that includes all your pets and animals.
Animals do depend on us, so please care enough to plan. For more information about disaster planning, including brochures on disaster preparedness for pets, horses and livestock, contact HSUS Disaster Services at 202-452-1100.

Preventing Horse Barn Fires

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:47:49 CST

Barn fires are one of horse owners' biggest nightmares. In just a few minutes of heat, smoke, and fury, thousands of dollars of saddles, bridles, hay, grain, and equipment can be lost along with the barn. That your horse could be trapped inside is almost too painful to imagine.
Most barn fires are preventable, and a new booklet from The Humane Society of the United States, Making Your Horse Barn Fire Safe, will help horse owners prevent tragedy and protect their horses and barns from fire. This booklet is full of helpful information including precautions for existing barns, how to respond to a barn fire, building a fire-safe barn, and where to find additional resources.

Be A Life Saver: Disaster Planning Can Save Your Pet In An Emergency

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:44:09 CST

The scruffy-looking dog without a collar almost didn't make it. Sixty days after the hurricane had hit he was still lingering at the Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood, Florida, waiting for his family to claim him. But that morning in 2004, on a whim, Debra Parsons-Drake, executive director at Suncoast, decided that the aging pooch would be one of the dogs featured on a live news segment designed to showcase animals that had been displaced during the storm. A few minutes after the segment ended, Parsons-Drake received an anxious phone call—the dog's guardian had seen the program and she was eager to be reunited with the family's beloved pet. It was the same day that her 9-year-old son was scheduled to see a therapist to help him deal with their personal tragedy. The family had lost everything—everything, except their dog.

Expect the unexpected. The phrase is repeated so often that it has lost its power and gravity. Does anyone really expect, let alone plan for, that one day when their home, vehicle, possessions, and all means of communication will suddenly be gone? Does anyone expect to find themselves in the same position as that poor family in Florida?
Yet that's what happens to many people every year during hurricane and tornado season. No matter where you live, the unexpected can occur. Disasters come in all forms. From blizzards to wildfires, earthquakes to hurricanes, terrorist attacks to floods, emergencies occur in all parts of the country, which means that everyone should have a disaster plan for their family—including one for pets.
"It's crucial to make plans ahead of time to ensure your pets' safety in times of emergency," says Betsy McFarland, HSUS director of communications for the Companion Animals section. "Whether it's a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, you must have a plan in place. Pets depend on their caregivers to provide for their safety and well being. Putting a disaster plan into place is just part of being a good pet caregiver."
Remember that good disaster planning takes every possibility into consideration. For example, traffic accidents involving hazardous trucks can close streets and neighborhoods many miles away. What will you do if you can't get home to care for your pet? Make plans ahead of time. Arrange for a trusted neighbor who is frequently at home to evacuate your pets if an evacuation order is issued and you are at work. Keep a three-day supply of your pet's food, medicines, leash, veterinary records, and other necessities altogether in a pet carrier that's ready to go.
Many disasters occur without warning. But if advance notice is given—whether it's two days or two hours—always take the necessary precautions. "We recommend that people err on the safe side when it comes to their animal's and their own safety," says Suncoast's Parsons-Drake. "During the hurricanes in 2004 many people said that they waited too long to get out of the area, and by the time the storm was there they couldn't find their animals."
Parsons-Drake also suggests that, in the case of a severe weather alert, pet guardians should put a piece of duct tape on their animal's collar with the name and number of a friend or relative living out of state since disasters can wipe out landlines and cell phone service for several days. "We could have saved so many more animals if people would have realized that all forms of communication can completely shut down indefinitely, making it nearly impossible for people to contact you."
Horse guardians are equally susceptible to disasters, particularly barn fires. A new booklet from the Humane Society of the United States, Making Your Horse Barn Fire Safe, will help horse owners prevent tragedy and protect their horses and barns from tragedy. The booklet can be downloaded.
Whether it's a tornado, a traffic accident or a terrorist attack, preparedness can help save lives. Pets are part of the family, and it's imperative that they be included in all family disaster plans. Remember, they're counting on you.

Create A Page For Your Dog

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:19:33 CST

Share your dog with others by creating a special page. Include photos, embellish with Photobucket slideshows and YouTube or Google videos.

Invite friends to join and link your pages!
Make a page for your dog.(www.wiikifido.com/page/Dog%20breeds)

Calendar

julia_farinas128 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:02:34 CST

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	Add to the Dog Pile!	Think YOUR dog is cute?

What We Can Learn from Our Dogs	Funny Favorites	Precious Puppies

When Cloning Goes Wrong

Cutie Pawz - Recently Updated Pages

Caring For Pets When You Travel

Ask the Experts: Doggy Q&A

Dog Central

Home

History Of Dogs

Allergies To Pets

Advice From Others

FAQs

Caring For Your Dog: The Top Ten Essentials

Coping With The Death Of Your Pet

Choosing A Pet Sitter

Photo Gallery

Gifts 4 Petz

Disaster Preparedness Quiz

June: A National Preparedness Month For Animals

Preventing Horse Barn Fires

Be A Life Saver: Disaster Planning Can Save Your Pet In An Emergency

Create A Page For Your Dog

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