National Pet Month is a celebration of the benefits that pets bring to our lives and vice versa! In the UK it is celebrated in April, in the U.S. it is celebrated in May.
National Pet Month’s aims are to:
Promote the benefits of pet ownership
Support Pet Adoption
You can do this by visiting websites such as Petfinder, where you can find over 300,000 adoptable pets from over 13,000 adoption groups!
Make people aware of the benefits of pets for people and people for pets!
When you own a pet they can help ease depression and lower blood pressure! To see more ways owning a pet can help you, watch the slideshow here
National Pet Month also hopes to:
Increase public awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals
Raise awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of working companion animals.
Fairfax Pets On Wheels connects pets with people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. (The Sheltie in the video looks like Dakota, but it isn’t him!)
My life would not be complete without the love of my pets
and I am sure that you feel the same!
DAKOTA’S DAD UPDATE:Thank you to those who emailed and/or left comments offering support and good wishes. Dakota’s Dad is doing well! Thank you so much for the power of positive thinking! Dakota and I love you all!
Love is in the air, and there’s nobody who loves you quite like a furry friend. Show them you care by supporting the Michigan HumaneSociety’s 2013 Valentine’s Telethon, presented by Purina.WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Action News Anchor Alicia Smith will host the event, airing Thursday, Feb. 14, between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Alicia Smith and doggies, photo courtesy of Michigan Humane
“There are so many animals out there who need the Michigan Humane Society, and sadly, this need has never been greater,” said Cal Morgan, MHS President and CEO. “We rely on the support of pet lovers across Michigan to help us care for animals who are homeless, hungry, neglected and abused. On Thursday, Feb. 14, please say ‘I do’ to saving animal lives.”
The 17th annual MHS Valentine’s Telethon will feature adoptable pets and stories that show how your support can make a lifesaving difference for animals in need. As a private, nonprofit agency, MHS receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any national humane organizations, relying instead on the generosity of its supporters to help save animal lives.
MHS Valentine’s Telethon donations can be made online at www.michiganhumane.org on or before Thursday, Feb. 14, or by calling 855-MHS-GIVE (647-4483), 24 hours a day.
In addition to Purina, sponsors of this year’s Valentine’s Telethon include Jim Riehl’s Friendly Automotive Group, US-Mattress.com, Center for Computer Resources, Meijer, Grid4 Communications, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Petco.
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.
Hi everyone it’s Dakota! I cannot believe an entire year has passed and this weekend it is time again for the:
Michigan’s largest Dog Show – the family friendly 2013 Michigan Winter Dog Classic – Hosted by the Oakland County Kennel Club and Livonia Kennel Club, dog lovers can enjoy the four-day event packed with can’t-miss exhibits, entertainment, educational seminars and the newest feature, “My Dog Can Do That.” The 2013 Michigan Winter Dog Classic returns to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan January 17-20, 2013.
The Michigan Winter Dog Classic showcases more than 7,000 dogs, 160+ breeds of “man’s best friends” throughout the course of the event, including several breeds getting ready for the country’s premier Westminster Kennel Club Dog show in February 2013. Dogs will be judged in accordance with the American Kennel Club.
New Feature – “My Dog Can Do That” – Can Have Your Dog Be Part of the Action At This Year’s Event
For the first time in the history of the Michigan Winter Dog Classic, the annual event will feature the AKC’s attraction, My Dog Can Do That! This unique attraction allows owners to bring their dogs and let them try some of the fun competitive events (Saturday, January 19 & Sunday, January 20) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It is FREE to take part in My Dog Can Do That! Participating dogs must be at least 6 months old and have proof of rabies vaccination. No pre-registration is required for My Dog Can Do That!
During My Dog Can Do That!, professional trainers will show owners how to get their dog started in the exciting sport of agility, which is an obstacle course for dogs. They will help owners try beginning agility equipment with their dog – plus give them some helpful obedience tips. They will also have information on where to find professional dog training classes in the local communities.
In addition to trying agility with your dog, you can test your dogs’ manners and basic obedience at the AKC Canine Good Citizen tests from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. For more information on My Dog Can Do That! and the AKC Canine Partners program, access www.akc.org/mixedbreeds, email akccaninepartners@akc.org or call 919-816-3749.
Some other “can’t-miss” attractions the entire family will enjoy are:
educational demonstrations
obedience & conformation judging
breed seminars
Access to many of the 160+ breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Oakland County Kennel Club and the Livonia Kennel Club and sanctioned by the American Kennel Club
Photo Courtesy of IMJ Communications, LLC
The 2013 Michigan Winter Dog Classic is scheduled to run from:
10 a.m.-6 p.m. ~Thursday, January 17
9 a.m.-6 p.m. ~ Friday, January 18, Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, January 20th.
Admission for the 2013 Michigan Winter Dog Classic is $10/adult, $8/children ages 7-12 and seniors, and FREE for children 6 and under. A family admission plan ($35) is also available and includes admission for two adults and three children. Group discounts are also available for a school group, scouts, senior citizen club, or ANY group of 12 or more. For more information on this year’s event, visit www.themichiganwinterdogclassic.com
Last year Mom was lucky and was able to go, this year she isn’t sure if she will be able to attend. Mom enjoyed herself immensely and bought some really cool things there! Here are some photos that Mom took from her visit last year!
A Sheltie being groomed!
A parade of Sheepdogs!
I am upset because Mom is telling me she thinks that we can’t make it. I wanted to try my paw at agility!! For those who CAN make it, this is gonna be a barking GOOD TIME!
Former Red Wing greats Kirk Maltby, Ken Kal to ‘assist’ at Dec. 19 pet food drive
Every year, too many struggling pet owners are forced to give up their pets because they can no longer afford to feed them. This holiday season, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is teaming up with the Detroit Red Wings for a “Fill the Truck” event to support MHS’ free pet food bank and help keep families together. MHS is asking for the public’s support of this pet food drive to help keep its pet food bank stocked throughout the holiday season and beyond. The “Fill the Truck” event takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care.
“Every day, our lobby is full of people who love their pets, but have fallen on hard times and can no longer afford to care for them,” said Debby MacDonald, MHS Chief Cruelty Investigator and MHS Detroit facility manager. “Our free pet food bank program feeds thousands of hungry pets every single year. That’s what MHS’ Keeping Families Together program is all about – helping those most in need in order to keep pets in their loving homes.”
During the event, an empty truck will be parked outside the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care at 7401 Chrysler Drive. MHS needs the community’s help to fill it up for local pets in need. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., MHS will be joined by former Detroit Red Wing great Kirk Maltby, and the voice of the Red Wings, Ken Kal, to help fill the truck. All members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to drop by with donations of food and to lend their support.
Unopened bags of pet food are preferred. If a bag is opened, it can still be accepted as long as the food is in its original manufacturer packaging and includes the expiration date. All dog and cat food donations will support the MHS free pet food bank program. For more information, visit www.michiganhumane.org or call
1-866-MHUMANE, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.
Before I began blogging I knew nothing about Puppy Mills and was one of many others who would walk into a pet store and would begin to “ooooh and ahhhh” over the adorable puppies that would greet me.
I didn’t have a clue.
I knew nothing about where these puppies came from and what they had been through, until one day when I was playing with a darling Shetland Sheepdog puppy named Scarlet whom I had fallen madly in love with. I had fallen so deeply, that my husband and I were set to pay the $900 (YES $900 fee to purchase her), and then…I called the vet.
While excitedly telling him of my incredible “find”, he asked where I had found this puppy. When I told him she was at a pet store I received an education…AND FAST. In no uncertain terms he told me NOT to purchase this puppy no matter how much I had fallen in love with her because she had more than likely come from a puppy mill. He proceeded to tell me exactly what that meant.
Please share this video with your friends on Facebook and Twitter—and kindly ask them to share it, too. We’re counting on your help to reach millions of people with this important message. For more info please visit www.nopetstorepuppies.com.
As you may know, the holiday season presents a time when many people are buying gifts in pet stores. According to newly released poll, Americans plan to spend more than $2.5 billion on pets over the holidays this year. Unfortunately, 59% of pet gift shoppers would consider shopping at a store that also sells puppies—meaning some of that $2.5 billion in revenue may be supporting the puppy mill industry. The ASPCA is aiming to reduce this high percentage of potential shoppers by encouraging them not to shop for gifts at stores that sell puppies. As an alternative, shoppers may consider giving gifts that make a difference in the lives of animals in need, such as those from our online store.
When the ASPCA contacted me asking if I would share this video and information I happily agreed. If it will help educate millions of others the way I needed educating myself, I am happy to do so.
For those who may not be familiar with the ASPCA here is information about them from their website:“Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide.”
The ASPCA has kindly offered a Holiday Gift Pack for one of my lucky readers and YES, THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!!!
2) Please share it either on Facebook or Tweet it or share it via email
3) Please visit http://www.nopetstorepuppies.com/ and take the pledge that if a pet store you visit sells puppies, you will NOT purchase anything there!
Leave a comment (with a way of contacting you should you be the lucky winner) and let me know how many of the above steps you have completed. (The more steps you complete the more entries you will have in the contest). All entries must be received by 5pm EST MONDAY, DECEMBER 10th. THE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12! GOOD LUCK!
Also check this out! I am going to try to make it and hope that many of YOU will be there too!!!
Boy oh boy I thought my Mom would NEVER get her act together and let me get on the computer! She is so stuffed from gorging on turkey and desserts from Thanksgiving that it took til NOW for her to get her act together!
Anyway, I have a super cool update for you!
Remember a few weeks ago when I featured Northern Lights Photography on my blog and I mentioned that I was going for a photo shoot? Well, I went and the photos are back!! Ohhhh my does my Mom ever love them!
I am going to show you a few of our faves. The color may have been altered on a few because Moms’ scanner on the printer isn’t working, so Mom took photos of the photos and she brightened them up a bit to make them look more like the originals. Trust me, the originals look a zillion times better in pawson!
Mom was going to use the above photo for our holiday card but decided against it because my kitty brother, Cody, wasn’t in the photo. Mom had thought about bringing him but she was nervous about how Cody would react. Mom thought there would be lots of doggies and kitties there that might make Cody nervous, or that he would be “spooked” being in a strange room with a camera so Mom let Cody enjoy the peace and quiet of home. Mom says she might ask Sheri if she could come to the house one day so that we could all have our photo taken!
Mom was so impressed with Sheri and her assistant. They couldn’t have been nicer!
At first, I was a bit leery because the photos were taken in the back room at a local Pet Supplies Plus store.
For the autumn leaves photo, they wanted to put me on a table but I didn’t want ANY part of that! That was too much like the V-E-T for me!
Sheri and her assistant had many tricks up their sleeves to help me get into the “mood.” They had toys that quacked, squeaked, and an assortment of treats. They were fun, gentle, understanding and kind. Soon I realized that this was FUN and I was all about the camera!
When I was done with my photo shoot Mom was sooo proud of me!! She said I was a complete gentleman and….she also said ( Easy this one is for you) that I am a:
Sheri and her assistant are going to be taking holiday photos for just a few more weeks, here is the rest of their schedule for Pet Supplies plus locations in Michigan for the remainder of the year:
PLEASE CALL
THE STORE OF YOUR CHOICE
FOR AN APPOINTMENT
Dearborn 313-278-4799 Saturday, November 24
Dearborn 313-278-4799 Sunday, November 25
Portage 269-341-9252 Thursday, November 29
Portage 269-341-9252 Friday, November 30
Kalamazoo 269-342-5020 Saturday, December 1
Clinton Township 586-228-0090 Sunday, December 2
Ortonville 248-627-7900 Friday, December 7
St.Clair Shores-Harper 586-771-3277 Saturday, December 8
St.Clair Shores-Greater Mack 586-771-1710 Sunday, December 9
So what are you waiting for Michigan doggies!!?? Call and make an appointment for YOUR holiday photos TODAY!!
A HUGE thanks to Sheri and her assistant for giving us a complimentary photo package after we featured her on both of our blogs! (Mom paid for a few extra photos so when we say we LOVE our photos, we sure do!)
We will be ordering more copies of our photos soon!!!
Event to feature adoptable animals, donations to our canine active forces
HOSTED BY:
This election season, it may not seem like there’s much that we all agree on, but there is one thing that brings us all together – our shared respect and admiration for our armed forces. This Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) will honor that tradition by hosting “Pets, Packs and Patriots” a celebration of our two-legged and four-legged veterans, at Petco in Sterling Heights.
“We are forever grateful to the brave men and women who risk their lives to defend our nation,” said Marie Skladd, MHS Director of Community Outreach. “This event is a way for us to say thank you and honor a debt to them that we can never truly repay.”
“Snoopy, a 6-year-old Boston Terrier mix, is ready to honor our armed forces this Veterans Day.”
The event, held at the MHS off-site adoption center at Petco Sterling Heights, will showcase pets who are available for adoption through the “Pets for Patriots” program, which connects animals who face adoption challenges with members of our armed forces who are looking for their new best friend. The program provides heavily discounted adoption fees and veterinary care for the life of the pet.
Local Cub Scouts will be serving refreshments, and attendees will be able to contribute or purchase items for care packages that will be donated to Desert K9s, an organization that provides supplies and protective gear to military canines deployed overseas. Examples of needed items include collapsible food and water bowls, large Kong-style toys, dry dog biscuits and more.
“Without these four-legged soldiers, thousands more of our brave men and women would lose their lives,” said Sandie Smith, Desert K-9s Coordinator.
Petco is located at 13701 Lakeside Circle in Sterling Heights. For more information about this event, please visit www.michiganhumane.org or call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.
