Dog Service Network, LLC » Dog Ownership

Is Dog Training Teaching Your Kids to be Bullies?

Dog Service Network — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:51:49 +0000

Children can Learn To Bully by The Dog Training Techniques You Use to Train The Family Dog

Southampton, NY (PRWEB) January 5, 2011

Bullying starts in the home. Husband to wife, sibling to sibling. And yes, owner to dog. Bullying takes many forms, and can become second nature to those who grow up with bullying in the home. This includes how you interact with the family pet.

New York Dog Trainer and Pet Expert Lisa Hartmanbelieves it all boils down to compassion, communication, and leading by example.

“I have witnessed many wonderful parents trying hard to raise their children with morals and ethics. I hear them tell their kids that if they don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything. But then I hear the parent bashing coworkers or making fun of someone on the phone, and I know the kids heard them.” Lisa says it’s the same with their dogs. She has witnessed many parents or other dog trainers teaching young children to use a choke chain, swiftly kick, or pin a down a dog for its wrong behavior instead of patiently teaching the dog and encouraging correct behavior. Furthermore, she has witnessed young brothers after a “bullying” style dog training lesson jabbing at each other and pinning each other to the floor until the other “submits”. On the contrary, after a positive reinforcement style dog training class, she notices the children are kinder and gentler to their dog AND each other, offering praise and encouragement to one another. The bottom line: children model human behavior.

“Nothing upsets me more than seeing a young person being taught to train their dog with harsh methods and intimidation” Lisa says in her new Dog Training book“DIAL A DYNAMITE DOG: The Ultimate Field Guide for Training Your Pet.” “Violence begets Violence. There is enough cruelty in the world. I want our next generation of pet owners, parents and world leaders to learn to communicate with each other with intelligence and compassion, not a heavy hand.”

Lisa says that in the world of Dog Training what leads to bullying is a lack of communication and understanding between dog and owner. Social media has not helped. TV Dog Training shows and videos showing trainers using choke chains, prong collars, neck jabs, and forcing dogs on their backs all serve to exacerbate the problem.
“It’s ego driven dog training. Using chains and forcing dogs on their backs until they submit are all forms of bullying. There are more compassionate, dog friendly techniques available to solve any problem.”

In “DIAL A DYNAMITE DOG”; one of the tricks Lisa proposes is to think in opposites. “If you want the dog to stop jumping, ask him to sit. If you want the dog to stop running out the door, perfect your recall, and praise and reward heavily for compliance.” And while constantly bullying dogs can have lasting psychological effects on them, it can equally affect how your child learns to deal not just with animals, but with the world at large. “Children and puppies are like sponges, absorbing information every minute. Your children are learning by your example.”

Ms. Hartman, who has worked with everything from Pomeranians to Pit Bulls, advocates positive reinforcement training for all dogs, and humans. She wrote her new dog training book for dog owners short on time and patience. “It’s the dog trainer’s tricks of the trade” Lisa says of her book. “But it can help you train your children as well. Teach your children to be respectful and communicate better and non violently with all forms of life. But most importantly, lead by example.”

Find out more about Lisa at http://www.LisaTheDogTrainer.com

Source: PRWeb

VetMatrix Releases “Pet Selector” Tool to Help Pet Owners Choose Their Ideal Dog or Cat

Dog Service Network — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:19:04 +0000

VetMatrix, a provider of websites and web marketing for veterinarians, has now created the “Pet Selector,” a new feature that presents website visitors a ten question quiz for clients to discover the best dog and cat for their household.

San Diego, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) December 19, 2010

On December 6th, 2010, VetMatrix released a new feature for clients called the “Pet Selector.” This was the most recent feature in a long string of releases from theveterinarian website marketing firm.

The Pet Selector is an exclusive item that fits on any VetMatrix-created site and is used for both prospective and future clients of any veterinarian. The format is a ten question quiz, in which a potential new pet owners answer questions to determine what breed of dog or cat is right for their homes.

Examples of questions in the Pet Selector for dogs include: “How big or small would you like your dog to be?” “What level of exercise can you provide your dog?” “What protection ability would you like in a dog?”

The questions for potential cat owners cover: “How vocal would you like your cat to be?” “How much time and attention do you have to give your cat?” “How amenable to handling would you like your cat to be?”

Tracy Walton, Brand Development Manager of VetMatrix said, “This is one of our most highly anticipated releases as a veterinary marketing and web design company. A lot of families want to do their research on a pet before making the commitment on buying and raising this new member of their family. We wanted to create a way for our veterinarians’ clients to find all of this in one place, whether it was a family’s first pet or a second one along the way. This is why we have very situation-specific questions, such as whether a dog or cat will get along with an existing pet in the house.”

This feature is automatically included for all existing clients of VetMatrix. “It’s possible we may charge a premium on this in the future because the feature has been so popular,” said Asaf Benhaim, CEO of VetMatrix. “However, for now, we want to help all of our veterinarians connect better with their community by making each veterinarian part of their clients’ lives from the moment a decision is made to give a dog or cat a new home.”

About VetMatrix:

VetMatrix is a veterinarian-focused online marketing service company that specializes in creating websites and web marketing packages for veterinarians who want to increase their number of clients.

For more information on VetMatrix, call 1-800-462-8749 and visit http://www.vetmatrix.com.

Source: PRWeb

LegalZoom Offers the Pet Protection Agreement with the Last Will and Testament

Dog Service Network — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:38:13 +0000

Customers can choose to add the agreement when they purchase their will.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 27, 2010

LegalZoom announced today that it began offering its Pet Protection Agreement as an option for customers to add to their Last Will and Testament. Already available as a stand-alone product since April 2010, customers now have the option to purchase the agreement when they purchase a last will. Being able to get the Pet Protection Agreement in conjunction with a last will gives pet owners the ability to safeguard their pet’s future well-being at the same time they are taking care of the rest of their loved ones.

Created in conjunction with noted animal law attorney, Rachel Hirschfeld, the Pet Protection Agreement lets pet owners decide who will take care of their pets and how they will be cared for. It’s a simple agreement that is much less complex (and less expensive) than a formal Pet Trust. The agreement allows pet owners to name a pet guardian to be responsible for taking care of a pet in case something happens to them.

“When people think about estate planning, the first, and sometimes only, thing that comes to mind for most people and their attorneys is a will,” says animal law attorney Rachel Hirschfeld. “Although a will can specify how property should be distributed, a pet in a will has drawbacks; specifically, if the will is required to go to probate, it can take a long time to settle who will care for the pet.”

In the eyes of the law, pets are treated the same way as property. Therefore, the judge or the executor of an estate must often make the critical decisions as to who will take care of an owner’s pets. But probate can take months, even years. And even the most well-meaning family members may not be able to follow through in caring properly for a surviving pet. For reasons as diverse as allergies, work schedules, conflicts with other pets and housing restrictions, informal promises made by friends and family to care for pets often fail.

The Pet Protection Agreement is not only effective if a pet owner passes away—it’s also effective if they are in an accident or become unable to care for their pet. It’s a private agreement between the pet owner and the pet guardian. The owner has the option to leave money to care for their pet and can give specifics about their pet’s care—from the brand of food they like to eat, to their primary vet and even the groomer they visit. The agreement also contains provisions that allow the pet guardian to obtain access to the pet in the event of an emergency.

“We are really excited to be able to offer the Pet Protection Agreement to our Last Will and Testament customers,” says Nelly Jacobo, VP and General Manager of the Personal Services Division for LegalZoom. “By offering our customers the opportunity to create a Pet Protection Agreement while creating their last will, many more people will be ensuring the ongoing well-being of their pets.”

For more information about the Pet Protection Agreement, click here.

About Rachel Hirschfeld, Esq.
Rachel Hirschfeld is a nationally renowned expert in estate planning and the preeminent authority on continuing protection of all animals. Her mission is to ensure that every pet that has found a loving home is guaranteed a secure future. She was one of the first attorneys in the country to focus on what is now known as animal law. Through her practice, and the devastating illnesses of her beloved shelter dog, Soupbone, she created the Pet Protection Agreement™, which provides legal protection for a pet’s continued care. For more information, please visit http://www.pettrustlawyer.com.

About LegalZoom
LegalZoom.com is the nation’s leading online legal document service. Cofounded by top attorneys including Robert Shapiro in 2001, LegalZoom makes it easy, convenient and affordable to take care of important legal matters through its website, LegalZoom.com. Offerings include: last wills, living wills, powers of attorney, incorporation, limited liability companies, small claims, trademarks and more. LegalZoom is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or counsel. For more information, please visit http://www.legalzoom.com.

Source: PRWeb

Pet Insurance Can Offer Peace of Mind in a Strained Economy

Dog Service Network — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:06:51 +0000

Pet health care still ranks important when money is tight.

Seattle, WA (Vocus) August 9, 2010

Despite the economic downturn, spending on pets continues to increase, and veterinary care is at the top of the list. Pet owners are looking for ways to ease the financial burden of high veterinary bills, and are increasingly turning to pet insurance. Trupanion, a pet insurance company, has doubled in size each year for the last three years, as many pet owners start seeing pet health coverage as a necessity rather than a perk. Pet owners are looking for a simple plan that covers everything – accident, illness, medication, and lab work – and are finding it at Trupanion.

Pet industry spending grew 4.63% between 2008 and 2009 and is expected to grow another 5.53% in 2010, according to a report by the American Pet Products Association, showing that pet owners are still increasing their spending in categories like food, supplies, grooming, boarding, and veterinary care.

However, a report released by the Commerce Department Tuesday showed flat personal spending in June and the weakest income in nine months. A 9.5% unemployment rate adds to the lack of disposable income, and those who are employed are not making any more than they did last year, according to the report.

Yet, a study by BNResearch titled “Perceptions and Attitudes of Pet Owners: The Impact of the Bond” showed that 76% of pet owners would spend any amount to keep their pet healthy, and 52% of pet owners would always do what a vet recommends, regardless of cost. It seems as if pet owners are shelling out more for their pets than for themselves.

“In tough economic times, pet owners are searching for ways to bridge the gap between the increasing costs of quality pet care and their ability to pay, particularly when an unexpected major illness or injury occurs,” says Howard Rubin, Chief Operating Officer at Trupanion and founding CEO of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues. “It decreases the financial strain and emotional stress a pet owner feels if the unthinkable happens.”

According to the APPA, dog owners spend an average of $219 on veterinary visits annually and cat owners spend an average of $175. Veterinary care is the second highest spending category behind food, with $12.04 billion spent in 2009.

Pet owners make up a majority of the population, with 62% of U.S. households owning a pet. If they continue to spend as they have been, this could be good news for the economy.

About Trupanion™
Trupanion™ pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada. Trupanion™ is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion™ to offer a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit. Trupanion’s mission is to deliver fast, simple and user-friendly financial support to pet owners. For more information about Trupanion™, call 800-569-7913 or visit http://www.TrupanionPetInsurance.com.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Trupanion™ is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary community. As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products. To learn more, visit the North American Pet Health Insurance Association website at http://www.naphia.org.

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Source: PR Web

10 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint

Dog Service Network — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:27:46 +0000

PETCO has partnered exclusively with green social networking company, Greenwala.com, and renowned pet expert and radio personality, Tracie Hotchner, to help reduce your pet’s environmental impact.

San Diego (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 16, 2010 — From the 8 billion pounds of kitty litter heading to landfills each year to the effects of a pet’s carnivorous diet, pet parents should be aware of the substantial carbon footprint left by pets. To address this important matter, PETCO has developed an exclusive partnership with Greenwala.com, the leading online resource empowering people to go “green”. With the help of both Greenwala.com and Tracie Hotchner, author and host of NPR’s Gracie-Award winning show, “Cat Chat” on Sirius Radio, PETCO has compiled a list of simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of pets.

“When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment,” said Hotchner. “I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility.”

10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:

1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop — Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and aneco-friendly cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.

2) Think Adoption First — The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.

3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet — Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.

4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food — Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness — all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.

5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products — Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.

6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) — We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.

7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead — When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that’s to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.

Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle — Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don’t have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.

9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing — Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it’s just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.

10) Be Committed to Your Pet — The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.

About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $60 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

About Greenwala Inc.
A green social networking and media company, Greenwala is an online community made of people who help others live a greener lifestyle by sharing their knowledge, green experiences and actions with friends, family and the world. Greenwala members can read expert articles, post comments and blogs, enter and vote on socially conscious contests, join or start groups, find new friends and earn points that benefit socially responsible non-profits. Learn more at www.greenwala.com. Follow company activities on Twitter at Twitter (http://twitter.com/greenwala and http://twitter.com/chiefwala) or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/greenwala).

Free Dog Calorie Calculator for all Dog Websites

Dog Service Network — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:49:56 +0000

TrainPetDog.com’s Dog Calorie Calculator gives the calorie needs for Dogs based on their age and lifestyle.

West Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) January 4, 2010 — TrainPetDog.com, a long-known resource for free dog training courses and videos, is now offering a free online calculator for website visitors to calculate a dog’s daily calorie count. This Dog Calorie Calculator gives the calorie needs for dogs based on their age and lifestyle. It also suggests the amount of food to feed your dog based on the quality of the dog food.

Now, TrainPetDog.com is proud to announce the offering of this free calculator tool to any dog website owners for use on their pages. Whether the website is about dog training or different types of dog breeds, like a Boston Terrier or Rhodesian Ridgeback, the calculator is free to use. “Because many pet owners are now concerned with the households’ dog diet, including the nutrients and amount of food they should be getting each day.” Nipa, Director of TrainPetDog.com, said. “The Dog Calorie Calculator will help a dog website’s visitors discover the exact calorie requirements for their dog, the ingredients in the food they’re feeding their dog now, and how they should be feeding them.”

While this tool is free, TrainPetDog.com is making this dog calorie calculator available to only a select few dog training and dog-themed websites in order to keep it exclusive and in demand. Dog website owners can get the code now from http://www.trainpetdog.com/calorie-calculator.html.

Besides providing the free dog calorie calculator, TrainPetDog.com offers a wide variety of information for dog owners and enthusiasts. Dog training videos, including the “4 P’s of Dog Training” are popular, as well as summaries on different dog breeds, which dogs shed the most (and how to control it), and which dogs are best for children.

About TrainPetDog.com

Founded 5 years ago by dog enthusiasts, TrainPetDog.com was created with the intention of providing a much-needed resource to help owners train their dogs and puppies, based on their natural breed instincts. Today, the website has more than 875,000 subscribers to their free, breed-specific dog training course. It also has information about all kinds of dog breeds – from small breeds like Italian Greyhounds to large breeds like the Great Dane. The website’s staff is constantly researching, conducting surveys, and experimenting with dog training techniques to ensure that the information provided is the best and most current available. For more information, please visit www.trainpetdog.com.

Source: PR Web

Head Over Tails for Pets Warns to Watch for Signs of Pet Poisoning

Dog Service Network — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:28:18 +0000

Pets are naturally curious and will consume foods and products not intended for them. Head Over Tails for Pets reminds pet owners to watch for signs of an accidental poisoning.

Fargo, ND (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 20, 2009 — Curiosity killed the cat — the old English proverb is unfortunate, but true. It is an animal’s nature to be curious. Instinctively, they sniff, lick and eat random “treats” that are found in their path. Head Over Tails for Pets reminds pet owners that unattended “people” food, beauty products, medications, insecticides, and household plants have the potential to poison pets.

Even the best precautions cannot always prevent an accidental pet poisoning. The following is a list of signs that a pet has been poisoned:

Note if a pet becomes uncomfortable, drowsy, lethargic or unsteady on their feet.
Watch for any vomiting or uncontrolled voiding of the bowels and bladder.
Look for drooling from the mouth or changes in the animal’s breathing, such as altered or forced breathing.
Pay attention to signs of convulsions, muscle tremors or uncontrolled movements such as twitching.
Note signs of change in the pet’s behavior like symptoms of hallucinations, disorientation or confusion.
Check inside his mouth for burns of any kind to the mouth or tongue or noticeable changes in the color of your pet’s gums. If their gums change to blue, become pale or turn very red, this may indicate poisoning.

Call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect pet poisoning. It is best to find what was ingested and show it to the veterinarian. If what was eaten is not apparent, a list of medication kept in the home may be helpful for a diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the type of poison consumed.

When an animal suffers from an accidental poisoning, they are at risk of dehydration caused by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Warning signs of dehydration include the following: excessive panting; skin turgidity decreases; unsteady on feet; weakness in the hind quarters; and pet appears more apprehensive. Adding HydraPet to a pet’s water dish will help replenish vital electrolytes and help in maintaining fluid balance. HydraPet should only be used in conjunction with veterinarian’s care in the case of accidental poisoning.

Head Over Tails for Pets offers a better way to shop for your dogs and cats. The company specializes in offering the best pet products available, including organic pet food, healthy treats, natural pet supplements and professional grooming tools. At headovertails.com — the premium online pet store — you will find over 500 of the finest products available for your favorite dogs and cats.

Source: PR Web

Understanding A Dog’s Heat Cycle

Dog Service Network — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:37:33 +0000

As usual my new puppy is giving me something to write about. This time it is her first heat. By now a new dog owner should have made the decision to breed their female dog or not. Breeding is not a profitable endeavor, therefore it should be done only to propagate a breed of dog. Having your dog go through the heat cycle is a messy stressful 3 week or more period. A dog usually experiences a heat cycle twice a year after she reaches 6 months of age. In larger dogs the cycle may be every 9-12 months. In some breeds like Basenji’s it may only be once a year.

There are four stages to a heat cycle. The first is called Proesterus. The vulva swells and there is a bloody discharge. The bitch secretes pheromones which attract the males. This period lasts about 9 days and the dog will not allow a male to mount her. It has been recommended to me that even though some dogs may wash themselves frequently, to protect my carpet, clothes, and furniture, it would be wise to purchase protective panties and use mini-pads. The second stage is called Estrus. The female still has a discharge, but now she will allow a male to mount her. This stage lasts another 9 -12 days. The third stage is called the Luteal stage. It lasts 2-3 months whether or not the dog is pregnant. Some dogs who are not pregnant will experience a false pregnancy. Their mammary glands swell and will secrete fluid. They get nesting instincts and become possessive of their nesting or bedding area. The last stage is the Anestrus cycle. It is a stage of reduced hormonal or ovarian activity. It’s the calm before the next heat. During this period, if you are not planning on breeding, you should again consider spaying your dog. Always consult your veterinarian and your breeder for a course of action that is best for you and your dog.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, http://k9klearup.com/amx.php?adminid=5090&id=19362 . Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox – Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at http://k9klearup.com/amx.php?adminid=5090&id=19362 &pid=17483 and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on “Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine”.

Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day® Highlights Need for Pet Adoptions

Dog Service Network — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:06:55 +0000

Money Can’t Buy Love…But a Small Adoption Fee Can Bring Lots of Joy

King, NC (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 13, 2009 — Belly rubs, ear scratches and treats may not be the employee perks you’re used to–but all of these benefits will be commonplace at Village Green on Friday, June 26. The upscale apartment communities company, based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, will be participating in Take Your Dog To Work Day for the ninth consecutive year.

The company involves all employees on this special day, which includes photo contests, a doggie costume competition and a charity auction.

“Online auction donations are coming in every day,” says Village Green event organizer, Christine Eluskie.”Our goal is to raise $5,000 for our local Animal Placement Bureau.”

Friday, June 26, marks the 10th anniversary event of Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWDay), created by Pet Sitters International and presented by BringPetsHome.org, a charity committed to pet care for animals in need, and FetchDog, your destination for dog supplies.

The event was established in 1999 to celebrate the great companions dogs make and encourage their adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.

“BringPetsHome.org is pleased to co-partner with FetchDog for Take Your Dog To Work Day by promoting dog-friendly work environments and helping shelters care for homeless pets by leveraging every day purchases at pet lovers’ favorite retail stores,” stated Claire Fisher, Head of Marketing for BringPetsHome.org.

Employers across the country are encouraged to open their doors to employees’ canine “best friends” on this fun summer Friday. In addition to offering a “pet” perk to employees who might be affected by recent downsizing and decreased benefits, this dog-friendly event also allows businesses to give back and promote pet adoptions in their local communities.

Eluskie knows firsthand the joy that an adopted pet can bring. Her dog, Chloe, who accompanies her to work each Take Your Dog To Work Day, was adopted from Michigan’s Animal Placement Bureau.

“Chloe was my first foster puppy from the Animal Placement Bureau and I knew I couldn’t leave her, so I decided to adopt. She is such a unique girl and makes me laugh. The smile she brings to my face everyday is amazing,” says Eluskie.

Currently more than 300,000 pets are available for adoption and listed on the Web site of Petfinder.com, the official 2009 TYDTWDay adoption partner.

These “secondhand dogs” offer first rate love and as people look for ways to do more with less, adopting a dog is one of the basic, most affordable ways to bring joy to a family.

In fact, the ASPCA reports that the average annual cost of caring for a medium-sized dog is around $695.00–less than a cup of gourmet coffee per day for a year and about the same price as a one-year fitness center membership.

“In today’s economy, pet adoption is the most eco-friendly and budget-conscious option for finding your next four-legged best friend,” says Beth Stultz, TYDTWDay event spokesperson. “We believe that employees without pets will be encouraged to adopt on Take Your Dog To Work Day when they witness the special human-animal bond and benefits of pet ownership.”

Indeed, the benefits of pets are plentiful. Dog ownership improves well-being, decreases stress and even promotes weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

Pet Sitters International, along with 2009 campaign partners Petfinder.com and Dog Fancy magazine, wants prospective pet owners to know that “secondhand dogs” offer these very benefits and are waiting at shelters across the country for the chance to prove it.

Businesses, shelters and pet lovers interested in promoting pet adoption through Take Your Dog to Work Day are encouraged to visit www.takeyourdog.com to register their support, download an event Action Pack and enter the official 2009 TYDTWDay photo and video contests.

About Pet Sitters International
Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI), is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing more than 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources such as PSI’s Accreditation Program, The Pet Sitter’s WORLD magazine and PSI’s annual Quest for Excellence Convention. PSI provides pet owners with The Pet Owner’s WORLD magazine and thepetsitblog.com. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™ or visit the PSIStoreOnline to select from more than 2,000 pet sitter and pet owner products.

About FetchDog.com
FetchDog was created to offer passionate dog people a place to find the highest-quality dog supplies, including dog beds and pet gates, credible advice on their dog’s health and wellness, and an online community of fellow humans who love their dogs. More than just a shopping site, FetchDog.com has thousands of ad-free pages of deep information about health issues, training, behavior, breed selection, puppy care and dog adoption. Always current and fresh, FetchDog.com also has dog features and news stories, expert and celebrity blogs, world-class dog photography, games, videos and community-oriented centers for hundreds of dog breeds.

About BringPetsHome.org
BringPetsHome.org is a non-profit animal charity that helps care for animals in shelters. Their mission is to support animals in shelters until they find permanent, loving homes.

BringPetsHome.org offers pet lovers the opportunity to raise money for animal shelters simply by shopping online at their favorite merchants, and provides a platform to connect with other animal enthusiasts in the online community. BringPetsHome.org donates 100% of the money raised to animal shelters, helping homeless pets directly by paying for food, shelter, and medical treatment.

About Dog Fancy Magazine
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Source: PR Web

CVMF Advises on How to Save Money on Veterinary Bills

Dog Service Network — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:05:30 +0000

The most common causes for vet visits and how to avoid them.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 27, 2009 — Avoiding common diseases in pets is not only possible but by being proactive, you can save a great deal of money in medical expenses, says leading veterinarian Dr. Arnold Goldman, president of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation (www.petsafetyct.org) and director of the Connecticut State Animal Response Team.

Dr. Goldman explains, “There are very serious pet health issues that can be completely avoided or minimized with a little common sense and proactive attention by owners. You can save thousands of dollars, and keep your companion healthy and safe.”

The top reasons for costly veterinary visits, according to The CVMF, and how to avoid them include:

Motor vehicle trauma:

Use a six foot leash — not a flexilead, when outside, especially near roads.
Do not rely on an electric fence. They may be inoperative when you least expect it.
Do not rely on your belief that your pet will never leave your yard. It takes just one squirrel to lead to serious injury and needless pain. Trauma care costs may exceed $5000.00

Arthritis:

Keep your dog and cat lean (obesity can cause arthritis, as well as diabetes and other ailments).
Avoid running with your pet on pavement
Do not force dogs with “specialized” conformation to perform like a wolf (for example: toy breeds dogs cannot run alongside their owners).

Gastroenteritis:

Use a leash at ALL times.
Do not allow eating things off the ground,
Do not vary diet or feed people food.
Do not allow your dog to make contact with other dogs’ stools or where parasites may be present. (This is common at dog parks, many doggy day cares and wherever dogs congregate).

Skin Disease:

Practice strict tick and flea control.
When the dog has a history of skin disease, see your veterinarian early for preventative measures such as antihistamines to avoid more costly interventions later.
Most often ear disease is linked to allergic disease, so see your veterinarian early for ear discomfort.

Periodontal Disease:

Train puppies that brushing is normal — start early.
Brush the teeth and gums. You must train them to accept it. Teach them this is not optional.
Allow regular professional dental cleanings from age two on.
85 percent of dogs and cats have moderate to severe periodontal disease due to not brushing or cleaning. It leads to many other ailments, all of which cost more to treat than prevent.

Bloat:

Feed two equal meals daily of a measured amount.
Avoid exercise after eating.
Be aware of signs of bloat (non-productive vomiting, abdominal distention).

In addition to those common issues, Dr. Goldman says “The ideal way to avoid health problems is by early detection and prevention — just like with people — with twice-yearly physical exams after age seven. And always examine your pet regularly at home for lumps and other abnormalities to try to catch things early. Weigh your pet regularly. Any changes should be reported to your veterinarian.”

The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation mission is to be a safety net for domestic animals and to enhance their health and welfare while promoting the human-companion animal bond (www.petsafetyct.org).

Media contact:
Rodi Rosensweig
203/270-8929

Source: PR Web Press Release Newswire

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