February 7, 2012

It’s Be Kind To Animals Week

We’re a day late, but we had a busy day yesterday attending the Guide Dogs of America graduation.  Yesterday was a special day because Derby’s brother, Dexter graduated and is now a working Guide Dog.  We took lots of video and pictures of Dexter and posted a few pics to our Facebook Fanpage.

Here’s one of Dexter looking handsome in his new harness:

Anyways, back to our message:  Starting yesterday, May 2nd it’s “Be Kind To Animals Week”

Be Kind To Animals Week

So what is Be Kind To Animals Week?  Well, here’s a short quote from the American Humane Society Website:

…we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same.

Can you believe this event has been celebrated every year dating back to 1915?  That’s 95 years!  Of course we should be kind to animals all year round and the American Humane Society website points out several way we can help out throughout the year.

One I’d like to point out that rings true to me is to adopt your next pet from the animal shelter.  It’s estimated that over 3.7 million pets are euthanized each year at our nation’s animal shelters.  If you’re not in the market to adopt a pet you can also help shelters and rescue by volunteering.  In the past we’ve volunteered as foster parents for puppies.  We raised several litters and helped place them in good homes.  It’s a great experience and if you’re up for the challenge I highly recommend fostering dogs or puppies to help alleviate the burden on our local shelters and rescues.

So what are you waiting for?  Get the word out and let everyone know that it’s Be Kind To Animals week.

Puppy In Training Blog Carnival #5

Welcome back to another episode of the Puppy In Training Blog Carnival.  We made a few changes this week in hopes of creating more interaction and community in this edition of the blog carnival.

Two out of our four articles cover dog costs and how to save money when owning a dog.  I must say this definitely reflects the current economy and how each and everyone of us is looking for different ways to save money.

Puppy In Training Blog Carnival #5

Our first article tackles the problem of how to handle problems when a dog co-exists with a child.  The Baby-Log.com blog covers some important points in the article Kids and pets need to learn mutual respect.  The first rule mentioned in the article is probably one of the most important:  Play under supervision only. – If I can’t watch the kid and the dog every single second, they are not allowed to play.  Although I don’t have children my guide dog puppy has the same rule.  He’s only allowed to play with my other two dogs under supervision only.  Derby my guide dog puppy can often times get out of control and he must learn appropriate play with other dogs.

All of us here at Puppy In Training do our best to try and help out with dog adoptions and fostering.  Our second article from the Money Theory blog goes over the story of adopting two wonderful dogs.  If you’re interested in adopting a dog and would like to save a little money then check out our second article: Adopt a pet from your local shelter, and save money! We took that route and adopted Linus our Australian Shepherd mix from the shelter and we haven’t regretted that decision one bit!

Our third article from the Condo Blues blog tackles an issue I haven’t encountered just yet and that is trying to answer the question: Have You Ever Put An Active Dog On Complete Bed Rest? It’s Not Easy… I’ve always wondered how to put dogs on bed rest.  My friends American Staffordshire Terrier had two knee operations and had to be on bed rest.  I had another friend who’s Yellow Labrador Retriever was on bed rest for elbow dysplasia.  The list goes on and on and I’m pretty certain that my turn will come too.  This article tells you about Blitzkrieg the little Pekingese and how he was put on bed rest.

Our final article from the Lazy Man and Money covers a very important question with our current economy: How Much Does A Dog Cost? If you’re looking to get a dog this is a very important question to ask yourself because one of the top ten reasons dogs end up in shelters is that the cost of keeping the dog is two high for the owner.  This is a great article as the “Lazy Man” breaks down the initial expenses and recurring expenses a person will have when that person becomes a dog owner.  A quick not on this article: there are a ton of great comments after the article that raise some great points and offer additional information on how much a dog costs.

Thanks everyone for your submissions to the Puppy In Training Blog Carnival.  If you’re interested in submitting an article to our next blog carnival then please leave me a comment or send me a message through our contact form.

Three Out Of Four Animals Euthanized At Shelter

It’s an amazing statistic, but a common one at many shelters these days. This morning I read an article Las Cruces Sun News today about Animal Shelter Euthanasia Rates Remains High. They mention some alarming statistics including the one stated in the title of this article: “Three out of four of the roughly 1,500 animals taken in per month are killed.” That means that approximately 1,050 out of 1,500 animals are killed each month…that’s SHOCKING!!!

Animal Shelter Euthanasia Rates Remains High

Despite a goal by officials to move toward a no-kill animal shelter, the pet euthanasia rate at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley is more than 70 percent.

I won’t pretend to know all the details going on at the Animal Services Center of th Mesilla Valley, but if 6 months ago the shelter director announced a goal of becoming a no-kill animal shelter then 70 percent euthanasia rate makes me believe that at this point the shelter is failing miserably.

The article does mention several possible issues and obstacles keeping the animal shelter from improving their numbers and moving towards the goal of a no-kill policy including:

  • Lack of a full-time veterinarian
  • The current directors outdated approach to tackling the euthanasia and pet overpopulation problems
  • A “throw-away” mentality prevalent among county residents that places little value on pets’ lives and well-being.
  • The shelter’s unfriendly atmosphere toward the public

The article brings to light some of the issues going on with one of Las Cruces’s local animal shelters and hopefully at some point in time the Animal Services Center of The Mesilla Valley does achieve its goal of becoming a no-kill shelter. However, at this point it does appear that they might be moving in the wrong direction.

Are You Ready For Pet Adoption?

If you’re interested in pet adoption do not take it lightly. As mentioned in one of the points earlier do not have the “throw away” mentality. You pets life is valuable and requires a long-term commitment.

One of the most important points I’d like to make when adopting a dog is to focus on their training. Your friends and family will enjoy your dog if he understands basic obedience. You and your dog will feel more comfortable on any outings whether it be to the dog park or to a friends home (you will be welcome to more peoples homes if your dog is well-behaved). Also, training your dog is a great bonding experience for you and your dog.

I did a little research in hopes of finding a database of animals from the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, but was only able to come up with a link to the City of Las Cruces website with information contact information and hours of service. After a little further research I found their adoptable pet list on the Petfinder.com website. Here’s a link directly to their adoptable list: Animal Service Center of The Mesilla Valley.

The two pictures I included in this article are from the Las Cruces Sun News website. There are several other pictures at the following link: Animal Adoption Pictures.

Puppy Adoption – Queensland Heeler Mix

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Shoyu Queensland Heeler Mix

Queensland Heeler Mix

Shoyu

Shoyu is a Queensland mix & loves other dogs! She has a fantastic personality & loves everyone she comes in contact with: canine, feline, or human! She is a unique looking girl who is built low to the ground & weighs about 25 pounds

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Shoyu please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Shoyu please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start her on her training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Shoyu is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Puppy Adoption – German Shepherd Mix

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Richie the German Shepherd Mix

Richie the German Shepherd Mix

Richie

Born on December 30th to a purebred German Shepherd mommy & what looks like a Black Lab daddy, Richie has the happy, good nature of a Lab & the loyalty of a German Shepherd. A real winning combination! Since birth, he has been in a foster home with 3 kids, other dogs, and cats. Richie is well on his way to being housebroken & responds very quickly to training! This boy is going to make a fabulous family pet.

Richie is in Redondo Beach

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Richie please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Richie please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start him on his training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Richie is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Puppy Adoption – Molly The Lab Mix

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Molly The Lab Mix

 

Molly the Lab mix

Molly

Molly is a 10 month old Lab mixed with something equally as sweet! She is a lovely girl who gets along great with other dogs & loves children. She was in a foster home with a 2 year old child & simply adored her. Molly is learning her basic commands & is very smart. She is crate trained & has very nice house manners. Molly would make a lovely family pet.

What is a Lab Mix?

Molly is a Lab mix puppy. Because we know she might be mostly Labrador Retriever she may exhibit the temperament and traits of a Lab.

AKC Boxer Breed Standard temperament:

Labradors are a well-balanced and versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to being territorial, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness (a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it).

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Molly please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Molly please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start her on her training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Molly is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Puppy Adoption – Boxer Mix

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Max The Boxer Mix Puppy

Boxer Mix Puppy

Max

Max is a 7 month old, sweet, adorable Boxer mix with a happy disposition & an eagerness to please, who is looking for a home because his family decided they didn’t have time for him anymore. He is learning his basic commands & would no doubt excel in further obedience training. He gets along great with other dogs and would make a wonderful family pet.

What is a Boxer Mix?

Max is said to be a Boxer mix puppy. Because we know he might be mostly Boxer he may exhibit the temperament and traits of a Boxer.

AKC Boxer Breed Standard temperament:

The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age.

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Max please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Max please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start him on his training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Max is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Puppy Adoption – Pure Bred Yellow Lab

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Yellow Labrador RetrieverThis beautiful lady was dumped in the Riverside Shelter by her owners who are having a human baby and no longer had time for a dog (and obviously didn’t have time to have her spayed!). Porsche is a lovely girl, the foster home reports that she is very well-behaved and loving.

Stay tuned for stork updates!

Go to the Cuddly Canines website for the latest updates on Porsche and her litter.

Porsche is in Huntington Beach

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Porsche or a puppy from her litter then please visit the Cuddly Canines website. Porsche and her puppies will not be immediately available (they usually keep the litter together until the puppies are at least 8 weeks old). If you happen to adopt Porsche or one of her puppies please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start them on their training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus.

Of course, these are not the only rescue puppies being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.