Hands to Paws Blog

Sale – Pet Prayer Flags

Jen Streit — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:59:22 +0000

http://www.prayersonthewind.com/ A special offer.
Our dog Grace, the love of our lives, has been diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition which requires expensive surgery. To to help us offset the costs we wanted to promote sales with this temporary offer. For a limited time we will be offering our PF02s at a substantial discount. All proceeds from this special will go towards her surgery. Please consider stocking up or mentioning these to your friends. We and Grace will always be grateful.

Missing Pet Partnership Keys to Dog/Cat Loss prevention

Jen Streit — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:14:18 +0000

Kelsy’s Keys to Loss Prevention

Kelsy is a search dog for the Missing Pet Partnership, and she loves to find missing dogs. Kelsy and I have been asked to help find many dogs that escaped from animal rescue groups, from foster homes, from boarding facilities, and from people who have recently adopted a dog. While rescued and adopted dogs are on their way to a better life, many of these dogs are likely to try to escape from the very people who are trying to help them. These dogs are often being transported to new, unfamiliar surroundings, and they can break loose in spite of precautions taken by people with the best intentions. To prepare for the worst, the Missing Pet Partnership would like to see all rescue volunteers, fosters, and adopters take these simple, inexpensive precautions before the escape happens.1. Take a picture.

1. Take a picture.

2. Make a scent article.

3. Have MPP bookmarked.

4. Martingale collars and harnesses.

5. Don’t chase.

Take a Picture.

Any time a dog comes under your care, whether you are transporting, sheltering, or adopting, take a picture. Many people have camera phones, and you can buy inexpensive digital cameras if your phone doesn’t do pictures. You don’t have to do anything with the picture, necessarily, but it would be helpful to have a central repository of pictures of dogs that come through your doors. Even if the picture is just stored on the phone or camera, it will be there, available for retrieval if the dog goes missing. One tip: get close to your subject. After you take the picture, review it on your camera or phone, and ask yourself, “Could someone easily identify my dog if this picture were posted on a Lost Dog flier?”

Store a Scent Article.

Most dogs in the rescue system are housed with other dogs or cats. Many dogs are adopted into homes with multiple pets. Kelsy and other trailing dogs can find missing dogs, but it is much easier if they have an uncontaminated scent article to work from. Ideally, Kelsy likes to work with a pillow or blanket that only the missing dog has slept on. Often, people can’t find a single article in the whole house that hasn’t also been touched by the other dogs or cats. The solution is simple: create and store scent articles for every dog in your house. To make the scent article, you start with a sterile gauze pad.

You should have rubber gloves on when you do this, to avoid adding your own scent to the article. Rub the sterile gauze pad all over your dog—along the mouth and ears, all over the body, and in the area of the hind quarters. If your gauze pad ends up covered with fur, that’s even better. Place the pad in a Ziplock-type storage bag. Mark the outside of the bag, using a Sharpie, with the dog’s name and the date the sample was taken. Store it in your freezer. A scent article stored in this manner should be useful for up to six months. You should get in the habit of doing this for all your dogs just prior to the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve because these happen to be two particular times when a large number of dogs go missing, due to fireworks.

Bookmark MPP.

The Missing Pet Partnership should be stored in your browser’s favorites folder. You should have our phone number,

(253) 529-3999, programmed into your phone. We can help you better, and have a higher rate of successful recoveries, if you call us sooner rather than later. Many people call us days after the escape, because they either didn’t know about us or because they thought the dog would come back on his own. The scent trail is easier to follow when it is fresh, and the dog will have travelled a shorter distance, and found fewer opportunities to get into trouble. Our web site has a ton of information about finding lost animals. Many of the techniques and tips are counter-intuitive, so check out our web site before taking the usual steps that most people do when a dog goes missing. Many of the common techniques can actually do more harm than good. http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/index.php

Martingale Collars and Harnesses.

Countless times, rescue dogs have backed out of regular collars. A Martingale style collar cinches up when the dog tries to back out, preventing the escape. Almost all pet supply stores and web sites carry these collars, and they aren’t much more expensive than regular nylon collars. For small dogs, you may want to use a harness rather than a collar. Greyhounds require a collar designed specifically for their streamlined shape. Ideally, it would be nice to have some sort if ID tag on the collar, even if you don’t know where the dog is going to end up. Even if you have to write a phone number on a piece of paper and then secure it to the collar with several wraps of clear mailing tape, it can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

Don’t Chase an Escaped Dog!

The first thing everyone does when a dog escapes is to chase it. Sometimes you get lucky, but usually this just makes matters worse. It’s the instinctive thing to do, and everyone does it, but you should force yourself to resist this urge. Almost any dog, no matter how small or feeble, can outrun the fleetest human. Your intention is to protect the dog, but think about it from the dog’s perspective: if you were a small animal that didn’t understand the language everyone was speaking, and you were in a strange place, and a stranger came running toward you, what would you do? You would run like hell! There are many techniques for luring a loose dog, including offering food, lying flat on your back, using a happy, friendly dog as a lure, and trapping a loose dog in a fenced yard. Chasing the dog almost never works, unless you just happen to get lucky. Also, calling the dog’s name usually isn’t helpful. For one thing, the dog may not even know his name yet. Don’t chase, and don’t call the dog’s name. Call us instead.

Jim Branson & Kelsy, from the Missing Pet Partnership,

(253) 529-3999

www.MissingPetPartnership.org

Britney – Pasados Safe Haven

Jen Streit — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:35:36 +0000

Bark of Seattle

Jen Streit — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:10:07 +0000

Lucky pup at Pasados Safe Haven Bark of Seattle

Great massages at the Bark of Seattle Sunday put on by Pasados Safe Haven www.pasadosafehaven.org

Truth About Pet Food

Jen Streit — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:42:39 +0000

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

Sue Thixton is the Caped Crusader for Safe Pet Food. She has a free newsletter you can subscribe to or you can pay for the Petsumer Report.

Pet Elements 5th Anniversary Bash

Jen Streit — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:03:56 +0000

Bring the dogs and your fun attitude! We’ll have complimentary food and drinks (for both you and the pups), mini massage from Hands to Paws, pets for adoption, vendors on site, and more! Oh, sales too!Pet Elements 5 Year Anniversary Bash!
Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 10:00am-4pm
6701 California – 206-932-9457

Bite of the Dog – Ballard Animal Hospital

Jen Streit — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:05:17 +0000

Please join us for the First Annual “Bite of the Dog” from noon to 2:00pm. We’ll treat you and a friend to lunch! We’ll have tidbits for talented pups! Win a six-month supply of flea control! Chef Rowse will show off his grill skills! HANDS TO PAWS Small Animal Massage Therapy – treat your pet to a free mini massage by Jenny…and one lucky pup will win a free full session! Face painting by Anna! Totally brilliant staff appearances, too!

Saturday, June 19, 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Ballard Animal Hospital
Street: 4368 Leary Way NW
City/Town: Seattle, WA

Resources for assistance with companion animals

Jen Streit — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:46:11 +0000

Please keep the information below to use and share with anyone in need of assistance for their animal companion(s). The link is http://www.blinddogrescue.com/links/financialaid.html.

Veterinary Financial Help Resource

Nationwide/worldwide aid for pet owners:

AAHAHelpingPets-for vets who help abandoned animals and pet owners
Brown Dog Foundation-for pet owners whose pet faces a treatable life-threatening condition
Care Credit-for pet owners to apply for credit to pay vet bills
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program-for cat owners
Goldstock Fund-for pet owners and rescues
Good Samaritan Fund-for pet owners
Grey Muzzle Organization-for shelters and rescues, to help senior dogs
Help-A-Pet-for pet owners
IMOM-for pet owners and rescues
Jake Brady Memorial Fund-provides financial aid for vetwork for pet owners
Neuter and Spay-low cost spay/neuter programs worldwide
The Pet Fund-for pet owners who can’t afford vet care
Pet Lovers Online-Financial Aid in the UK
Protect My Pet-low cost vaccination clinic
Shakespeare Animal Fund-for pet owners who can’t afford vet care, focusing on seniors
Spay USA-low cost spay/neuter programs throughout the US
United Animal Nations-for rescues and owners
Veterinary Care Partnership Program-for IIADP assistance dogs

Financial assistance/low cost spay-neuter clinics in specific locations:

Arizona:

Animal Defense League of Arizona-low cost spay/neuter in Tucson

Arkansas:

For Pets Sake-helps senior pet owners in NW Arkansas

California:

Acme Foundation-for seniors and disabled in Lake County, CA
Actors and Others for Animals-helps pet owners in the LA, CA area
Animal Assistance League of Orange County-for elderly, disabled and low income pet owners
Animal Guardian Society-for elderly and low income pet owners in Southern California
Marin Humane Society-provides financial aid and dog food for elderly, those with HIV/AIDS, and those in hospice
Orange County SPCA-has an Animal Rescue Fund to help low income pet owners pay for veterinary care
Pet Orphans of Southern California-helps low income families pay for veterinary care
Pets in Needlow and no cost veterinary care for needy San Mateo and Santa Clara County residents
Sue Freeman’s Guide to Rescue Cats-list of sources of financial aid for pets in the LA area
Spay Neuter Animal Network-Helps pet owners with vet care and offers low cost spay/neuter vouchers in Ventura County area
Sacramento Area Animal Coalition-low cost spay/neuter in the Sacramento area
Sacramento SPCA-low cost spay/neuter
Spay California-low cost spay/neuter programs in California

Colorado:

Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital-helps low income pet owners with veterinary care
Maxfund-Low cost veterinary clinic in Denver

Delaware:

Faithful Friends-low cost vaccines and spay/neuter, free spay/neuter for pit bulls and pit bull mixes, in Wilmington

Florida:

St. Francis Veterinary Hospital-501(c)(3) vet office offering low cost veterinary care

Spay Shuttle-low cost mobile spay/neuter clinic in Palm Beach County
SPCA of Central Florida-low cost spay/neuter clinic

Georgia:

Cherokee County Humane Society-low cost spay/neuter clinic in Cherokee County Georgia
Save Our Strays Atlanta-low cost spay/neuter clinic in Atlanta GA
Well Pet Humane-low cost veterinary care in Atlanta

Idaho:

Idaho Humane Society-low cost vet care and spay/neuter in Boise

Indiana:

FACE Spay Neuter Clinic-Low cost spay/neuter clinic in Indianapolis, IN

Massachusetts:

MSPCA SNAP Program-low cost spay/neuter throughout Mass.
The Sampson Fund-for pet owners who can’t afford vetwork for their critically ill animal

Maryland

Frederick County SPCA-financial assistance for vet care for pet owners, low cost spay/neuter

Minnesota:

Medipet-spay/neuter and emergency vet care funding for low income pet owners

Missouri:

Humane Society of Missouri-low cost spay/neuter program
Operation SPOT-low cost spay/neuter program

New Jersey:

Save Us Pets-for pet owners in New Jersey
STAF-financial assistance for vetwork for pet owners

New York:

Lollypop Farm-financial assistance for senior citizens, low cost spay/neuter in Monroe County

NY Save-for pet owners in the NYC 5 boroughs

North Carolina:

Ashley Fund-for pet owners in NC

Oregon:

Bearen Foundation-for pet owners in Lane County, OR
Dove Lewis Velvet Assistance Fund-helps low income pet owners with emergency vet care, in Portland

Rhode Island:

Rhode Island Companion Animal Foundation-provides funding for vet care for pets with low income owners
Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association-list of organizations that offer financial assistance with vet bills
Volunteer Services for Animals-information on low cost spay/neuter programs

Texas:

Capper and Chris Save the Animals Fund-helps pet owners with veterinary bills, in College Station

Utah:

Humane Society of Utah-low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic

Virginia:

Animal Welfare League of Arlington-low cost spay/neuter and vaccinations, offers loans for vet bills
Partners among Cats and Canines-financial aid for spay/neuter and vetwork

Washington:

Budkis Fund-helps seniors pay for emergency vet care
Concern for Animals-helps owners pay for spay/neuter and vet care in Thurston, Mason and Lewis County area, pet food bank
PAWS of Bainbridge Island-free and low cost spay/neuter program
Washington State University Good Samaritan Fund-helps pay for treatment at WSU for pets whose owners can’t afford treatment

Washington, D.C:

Pets-DC-helps people with HIV/AIDS keep their pets
Washington Animal Rescue League-helps low income pet owners with veterinary care

Pasado’s Safe Haven-low cost spay/neuter clinic

Assistance for pet owners of specific breeds:

Doberman Pinschers:

Doberman911-helps owners with vet bills for senior or special needs Dobermans

Great Pyrenees:

Pyramedic-helps owners and rescues with vet bills for Great Pyrenees

Labrador Retrievers:

Labrador Harbor-for owners of Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Lifeline-for owners of Labrador Retrievers
Labmed-for rescued Labrador Retrievers

Pit Bull:

Pit Bull Rescue Central-for Pit Bull owners

Scotties and Westies:

Dougal’s Fund-for owners of short-legged terrier breeds (Scotties, Westies, Cairns, etc.)

Assistance for rescues:

Art for Animals-financial aid for rescues in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and western Massachusetts
Cats in Crisis-for cat owners and rescues
CorgiAid-helps Corgis in rescue
Goldstock Fund-for pet owners and rescues
IMOM-for pet owners and rescues
Labmed-for Labs in rescue
Labrador Harbor-for Labs in 501(c)(3) rescues
Pit Bull Rescue Central-for pit bull friendly rescues
Pyramedic-helps owners and rescues with vet bills for Great Pyrenees
SOS-SRF-for Siberian Huskies in rescue

Assistance for specific conditions:

Cody’s Club-for owners of dogs needing radiation
The Magic Bullet Fund-for owners of dogs with cancer
Diabetic Pet Fund-for diabetic animals

Hot Cars are Deadly

Jen Streit — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:59:12 +0000

http://www.mydogiscool.com/ Please check out the information on this website. It is dangerous to leave your dog in the car as the temperatures rise.

Prayer Flags as a Memorial to a Pet

Jen Streit — Wed, 05 May 2010 03:00:22 +0000

http://www.prayersonthewind.com/

The poem on the middle flag reads:
“It was love right from the start
Nose to nose, heart to heart
Forever together our love lives on
I feel you here though you are gone ”