AAG Note: There are some wonderful no kill animal rescue groups in our area. They are great for finding a new friend who needs a home. Don't let your pet suffer your loss. If you have to give them up, choose a rescue group who will protect the animal.
(ARA) - Times are tight for Americans. Around every corner lurks more news about rising fuel prices, expensive food and families forced to leave their homes to make ends meet. According to RealtyTrac, home foreclosures in the first quarter of 2008 increased 23 percent from the previous quarter and jumped 112 percent from the first quarter of 2007. These increases in foreclosures have given rise to an unexpected problem: pet abandonment.
There are no figures to estimate the number of animals being abandoned or surrendered due to current economic hardships, but animal shelters across the country are taking in more animals every day as families find themselves without other options. Some families are taking advantage of shelters to temporarily board their pets with the hope of picking them up in a few days or weeks. Meanwhile, local authorities are seeing an increase in the number of pets being abandoned by their owners.
In Arkansas, three dogs were found starved to death in their kennels. The homeowners had left the dogs behind when they moved. Two dogs in San Diego were left at a vacant home for several months, but survived. In Downy, Calif., four birds were found abandoned in their cages.
But abandonment is never the answer, animal welfare experts say. “Whether it’s asking a friend to pet sit, finding an apartment that accepts animals, finding a local shelter that can help or asking your veterinarian for low-cost boarding, there’s always a humane option,” says Allie Phillips, director of public policy for the American Humane Association, the 130-year-old child and animal welfare organization.
To help struggling families find options, American Humane has put together a list of tips to help homeowners either relocate with their pets or find other safe placement options for them. Some of those tips include:
* Look for apartments and rental homes that will take pets.
* If you cannot take your pet, ask your veterinarian if you can receive low-cost boarding for your pet or set up a payment plan.
* Check www.petfinder.com for a list of shelters and rescue organizations in your area that can help board your animal or will accept it for adoption.
* Strongly consider taking your pet with you. The comfort and companionship of pets can help ease the strain of a move.
"There's a lot of news about the stock market and a struggling economy lately, but it's not the economy that's struggling. It's you, us, our friends and neighbors," says Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “It’s a tough place for any family to find themselves. Bills need to be paid and in order to make ends meet, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. It’s not easy, but pet abandonment isn’t the answer.”
Tip sheets for homeowners looking for ways to keep or care for their pets during a foreclosure can be found at www.americanhumane.org. Also available online are tip sheets for bank and mortgage companies that may find abandoned pets in vacated homes. In addition, local animal shelters may be eligible for grants from American Humane to help families stay with their pets.
Neighbors Can Help, Too
Often a neighbor can help authorities and animal welfare groups spot an abandoned animal before it’s too late. Neighbors should listen for animal sounds, look in windows, check with other neighbors and be on the lookout for signs that the previous homeowners had pets. If pets are known or suspected to be on the property, animal control should be called immediately. With a neighbor’s help, animal control can get a search warrant to enter the home and check for pets that are abandoned or neglected.
American Humane is quick to point out that animals left behind or simply set free will probably not survive. It can be weeks or months before a bank or mortgage company will visit an abandoned home to make an assessment or a neighbor notices that pets are trapped in a house. That’s too long for any animal to go without food and water. If abandoned, there is also a chance that the state criminal animal-cruelty laws might apply, even if arrangements are made for somebody to feed and water the animals after the home has been vacated.
“It’s a terrible situation for any family to find themselves in, but to leave an animal behind only makes it worse,” says Belew Wheatley. “It seems when times are tough we find the best in our friends, family and neighbors. If they’re unable to help there are always other options, from a vet to a local animal shelter. These are our family pets, and they count on us to take care of them.”
Visit www.americanhumane.org for more information.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The HSUS Publishes Collection of Animal Narratives by Colman McCarthy
The Humane Society of the United States Press is pleased to announce the release of At Rest with the Animals: Thoughts over Thirty Years, a compilation of experiences with animals by former, longtime Washington Post columnist Colman McCarthy. The essays, written during the last four decades, explore humans' sometimes cruel and sometimes kind relations with animals.
McCarthy, a well-known figure in the animal protection movement, gives both heart-warming and heart-wrenching accounts of human treatment toward animals. His essays broach a wide range of topics from downed cows, factory farming, circus animals, horse racing to threatened polar bears. Years later, many of these issues, including cruel treatment of downed cows in slaughterhouses, and the drugging and overburdening of race horses, are still prevalent today.
"At Rest with the Animals showcases the extraordinary breadth of Colman's examination of animal questions," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "As we revisit his assembled writings, we can see it was not uncommon for him to provide an original moral framing of issues we've now come to debate in society in a serious way. He's been a soothsayer, and an elegant one at that. I'm proud that Colman agreed to let Humane Society Press, The HSUS' publishing division, share his rich legacy of animal-friendly journalism with a new generation of readers."
McCarthy, a well-known figure in the animal protection movement, gives both heart-warming and heart-wrenching accounts of human treatment toward animals. His essays broach a wide range of topics from downed cows, factory farming, circus animals, horse racing to threatened polar bears. Years later, many of these issues, including cruel treatment of downed cows in slaughterhouses, and the drugging and overburdening of race horses, are still prevalent today.
"At Rest with the Animals showcases the extraordinary breadth of Colman's examination of animal questions," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "As we revisit his assembled writings, we can see it was not uncommon for him to provide an original moral framing of issues we've now come to debate in society in a serious way. He's been a soothsayer, and an elegant one at that. I'm proud that Colman agreed to let Humane Society Press, The HSUS' publishing division, share his rich legacy of animal-friendly journalism with a new generation of readers."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
In The Wake of Dog Attacks on Postal Workers, Doggone Safe Urges Dog Owners to Learn to Read Their Dogs
AAG Note: The following story is out of Canada and raises some good points about safety around dogs- both for the owner and the potential victim. Being still when an overanxious dog is acting threatened is good advice. Put out roots and act like a tree.
24-7 - Last week brought news of an increasing incidence of dog attacks on Canada Post workers over the past few years and of several recent attacks. These reports were from the west, but dogs pose a risk to letter carriers across the country. Dog owners can help by abandoning the assumption that their own dog would never bite, by learning to read the signs of a dog that might bite and by taking action to secure the safety of postal workers and others who might visit their property and encounter the dog.
The vast majority of dog owners love their dogs, consider them to be part of the family and do not want them to bite anyone. In fact, most dog owners believe that their own dog will not bite. "Oh, he always barks like that, but he would never bite", or "If he bites, I will put him down" are two statements that dog behaviour specialist and Doggone Safe co-founder Teresa Lewin hears from dog owners on a regular basis. "Dog owners need to get their heads out of the sand and learn to read dog body language and understand a bit about dog behaviour so that they can see how very close many of their dogs are to biting", says Lewin. "My dog bit without warning", is a common lament from the dog owner following a bite incident. According to Lewin, there is always a warning. Dog owners and all people encountering dogs need to educate themselves so that they can see the warnings and take appropriate action before the dog is pushed to the point of actually biting.
Doggone Safe suggests a three-pronged approach to help reduce the bite risk for postal workers:
1. Education for children in schools as a mandated part of the curriculum so that future generations grow up with the knowledge they need to read dog body language, treat dogs properly and act safely around dogs.
2. Education for dog owners so that they can read the signs that dogs send when they are anxious, recognize dog behaviour signs that indicate a bite situation is developing and take appropriate actions to protect others and to reduce fear and anxiety in their dog.
3. Education for postal workers so that they can read dog body language, recognize the environmental signs that may indicate a dangerous situation, avoid contact with aggressive dogs and defuse a dangerous situation should they be confronted with a dog.
"Dogs generally do not want to bite. It is a last resort after the dog has exhausted all means of warning", says Christina LeBreton, Doggone Safe Western Co-ordinator and owner of Ciera Canine Services in Edmonton. "I joined with Doggone Safe because they offer the very best information available and I wanted to give back to my community and to help educate my clients and the public about how to understand dogs better and act safely around them. There are far too many dog bites and the vast majority of them are preventable using very simple techniques and some understanding of how to speak dog".
Doggone Safe urges dog owners to take immediate preventative steps if the dog displays any of the following signs in response to the mail carrier or others: barking/lunging at the end of a rope or chain, barking/lunging at the door or from behind a fence, stiff body posture with tail held high or wagging slowly, barking and retreating, backing away, tail between legs (may be wagging), mouth closed and half moon of white showing in the dog's eye, yawning, licking his chops or turning away. Any of these signs indicate a dog that is uncomfortable with the situation and could resort to biting if the situation is allowed to continue. Steps that dog owners can take include, confining the dog out of sight of the letter carrier, never tying a dog outside, never giving the dog access to a screen door or a door that a child could open, providing a bone or other treat to enjoy in a crate or pen at the time the mail is delivered, abandoning the assumption that the dog will not bite, not forcing the dog into situations where it might feel threatened, learning how to train the dog using positive reinforcement so that it can learn to do something else rather than bark at visitors to the house, learning to read dog body language so that they can understand how the dog is feeling and can intervene before the dog bites.
"Never punish your dog for growling, lunging or barking", says Lewin. This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you suppress the dog's only means of warning, he may go straight to a bite the next time. Yelling, hitting or yanking the dog by the collar in the presence of the letter carrier may stop the dog's overt behaviour for the moment, but it does not make the dog feel better. In fact this will make the dog even more upset and more likely to bite if given the chance when the owner is not there to prevent it. Lewin continues, "the best thing for an owner to do is to change the dog's emotional state. That is, teach the dog to associate positive feelings with the delivery of mail. Happy, confident dogs do not bite. Seek professional help from a trainer who uses positive reinforcement and not punishment to change the dog's attitude and behaviour"
Doggone Safe urges letter carriers to stand still and be a tree if threatened by a dog. This is the best way to prevent a dog bite. Dog behavior experts agree that standing still the moment a loose dog is noticed and remaining still until it goes away is the best advice for anyone encountering a loose dog. Movement triggers the urge to chase and bite in dogs. It is rare for a dog to attack someone that is not moving. If an attack does occur, standing still is the best defense. Trying to fight off a dog will make the bite damage worse and may cause the dog to escalate its attack. Doggone Safe offers safety training to workers who encounter dogs on the job through its "Be Doggone Smart at Work" program.
Doggone safe offers information about reading dog body language, dog training and preventing dog bites as well as an on-line course on basic body language at its website http://www.doggonesafe.com.
The Be a Tree program for dog bite prevention education for school age children is also available for communities across Canada with information at www.be-a-tree.com. This program is supported by veterinary technicians/technologist professional associations across Canada and by the Saskatchewan and Ontario Veterinary Medical Associations.
24-7 - Last week brought news of an increasing incidence of dog attacks on Canada Post workers over the past few years and of several recent attacks. These reports were from the west, but dogs pose a risk to letter carriers across the country. Dog owners can help by abandoning the assumption that their own dog would never bite, by learning to read the signs of a dog that might bite and by taking action to secure the safety of postal workers and others who might visit their property and encounter the dog.
The vast majority of dog owners love their dogs, consider them to be part of the family and do not want them to bite anyone. In fact, most dog owners believe that their own dog will not bite. "Oh, he always barks like that, but he would never bite", or "If he bites, I will put him down" are two statements that dog behaviour specialist and Doggone Safe co-founder Teresa Lewin hears from dog owners on a regular basis. "Dog owners need to get their heads out of the sand and learn to read dog body language and understand a bit about dog behaviour so that they can see how very close many of their dogs are to biting", says Lewin. "My dog bit without warning", is a common lament from the dog owner following a bite incident. According to Lewin, there is always a warning. Dog owners and all people encountering dogs need to educate themselves so that they can see the warnings and take appropriate action before the dog is pushed to the point of actually biting.
Doggone Safe suggests a three-pronged approach to help reduce the bite risk for postal workers:
1. Education for children in schools as a mandated part of the curriculum so that future generations grow up with the knowledge they need to read dog body language, treat dogs properly and act safely around dogs.
2. Education for dog owners so that they can read the signs that dogs send when they are anxious, recognize dog behaviour signs that indicate a bite situation is developing and take appropriate actions to protect others and to reduce fear and anxiety in their dog.
3. Education for postal workers so that they can read dog body language, recognize the environmental signs that may indicate a dangerous situation, avoid contact with aggressive dogs and defuse a dangerous situation should they be confronted with a dog.
"Dogs generally do not want to bite. It is a last resort after the dog has exhausted all means of warning", says Christina LeBreton, Doggone Safe Western Co-ordinator and owner of Ciera Canine Services in Edmonton. "I joined with Doggone Safe because they offer the very best information available and I wanted to give back to my community and to help educate my clients and the public about how to understand dogs better and act safely around them. There are far too many dog bites and the vast majority of them are preventable using very simple techniques and some understanding of how to speak dog".
Doggone Safe urges dog owners to take immediate preventative steps if the dog displays any of the following signs in response to the mail carrier or others: barking/lunging at the end of a rope or chain, barking/lunging at the door or from behind a fence, stiff body posture with tail held high or wagging slowly, barking and retreating, backing away, tail between legs (may be wagging), mouth closed and half moon of white showing in the dog's eye, yawning, licking his chops or turning away. Any of these signs indicate a dog that is uncomfortable with the situation and could resort to biting if the situation is allowed to continue. Steps that dog owners can take include, confining the dog out of sight of the letter carrier, never tying a dog outside, never giving the dog access to a screen door or a door that a child could open, providing a bone or other treat to enjoy in a crate or pen at the time the mail is delivered, abandoning the assumption that the dog will not bite, not forcing the dog into situations where it might feel threatened, learning how to train the dog using positive reinforcement so that it can learn to do something else rather than bark at visitors to the house, learning to read dog body language so that they can understand how the dog is feeling and can intervene before the dog bites.
"Never punish your dog for growling, lunging or barking", says Lewin. This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you suppress the dog's only means of warning, he may go straight to a bite the next time. Yelling, hitting or yanking the dog by the collar in the presence of the letter carrier may stop the dog's overt behaviour for the moment, but it does not make the dog feel better. In fact this will make the dog even more upset and more likely to bite if given the chance when the owner is not there to prevent it. Lewin continues, "the best thing for an owner to do is to change the dog's emotional state. That is, teach the dog to associate positive feelings with the delivery of mail. Happy, confident dogs do not bite. Seek professional help from a trainer who uses positive reinforcement and not punishment to change the dog's attitude and behaviour"
Doggone Safe urges letter carriers to stand still and be a tree if threatened by a dog. This is the best way to prevent a dog bite. Dog behavior experts agree that standing still the moment a loose dog is noticed and remaining still until it goes away is the best advice for anyone encountering a loose dog. Movement triggers the urge to chase and bite in dogs. It is rare for a dog to attack someone that is not moving. If an attack does occur, standing still is the best defense. Trying to fight off a dog will make the bite damage worse and may cause the dog to escalate its attack. Doggone Safe offers safety training to workers who encounter dogs on the job through its "Be Doggone Smart at Work" program.
Doggone safe offers information about reading dog body language, dog training and preventing dog bites as well as an on-line course on basic body language at its website http://www.doggonesafe.com.
The Be a Tree program for dog bite prevention education for school age children is also available for communities across Canada with information at www.be-a-tree.com. This program is supported by veterinary technicians/technologist professional associations across Canada and by the Saskatchewan and Ontario Veterinary Medical Associations.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Heat, Health and Pet Reminders
AAG Note: We thought this article pretty much sums it all up. Remember to think about your pets during the heat.
Summertime Can Be Hazardous to Pets' Health
By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
This is the time of year when pet owners -- and their animals -- spend a lot more time outside. But some outdoor activities -- along with the soaring mercury in the environment-- can be dangerous.....
Read the story.
Keeping Fido Safe On The Road
AAG Note: While we've not the occasion to think about what would happen to "our best friend" in case of an accident, it appears that others have. Interesting concept by this insurer- and at no extra cost.
(NAPSI)-Pet owners spend a whopping $40 billion on their furry friends each year. That’s enough to buy a gallon of gas for every man, woman and child in the United States...44 times.
Insurance companies haven’t always viewed pets with the same passion as their owners. If you’re in an accident, generally everyone in the car-except your four-legged friend-is covered.
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies now recognizes Fido and Fifi as family members. A Progressive policy with Collision coverage now extends to cats and dogs. The coverage pays up to $500 if your dog or cat is hurt or dies as a result of a car accident.
And, best of all, the coverage is free.
“We know how much our customers love their dogs and cats. Many of us have pets, too, and we feel the same way,” said Geoff Souser of Progressive. “Progressive has a long history of product and service innovations that prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. Knowing that most people think of their pets as family members, it felt like the right thing to do.”
Progressive’s pet injury coverage is available in most places. To find out more, visit www.progressive.com/pets.
(NAPSI)-Pet owners spend a whopping $40 billion on their furry friends each year. That’s enough to buy a gallon of gas for every man, woman and child in the United States...44 times.
Insurance companies haven’t always viewed pets with the same passion as their owners. If you’re in an accident, generally everyone in the car-except your four-legged friend-is covered.
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies now recognizes Fido and Fifi as family members. A Progressive policy with Collision coverage now extends to cats and dogs. The coverage pays up to $500 if your dog or cat is hurt or dies as a result of a car accident.
And, best of all, the coverage is free.
“We know how much our customers love their dogs and cats. Many of us have pets, too, and we feel the same way,” said Geoff Souser of Progressive. “Progressive has a long history of product and service innovations that prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. Knowing that most people think of their pets as family members, it felt like the right thing to do.”
Progressive’s pet injury coverage is available in most places. To find out more, visit www.progressive.com/pets.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Don’t Let Uninvited Feathered Visitors ‘Fowl’ Your Outdoor Fun
(ARA) – It’s only human: You see a pair of Canada Geese waddling across your yard with half a dozen fuzzy goslings in tow and your heart melts; they’re so darn cute. Until you follow the same path the feathered family took, and realize they’ve left something decidedly unpleasant – and potentially hazardous – in their wake.
Goose feces can put a major damper on outdoor fun at this time of year, especially for properties near water. In fact, the birds can become such a nuisance at outdoor facilities like golf courses that it’s unlikely groundskeepers experience a rush of tender sentiment when they see little feathered fuzzballs hopping across the greens. Not only do bird droppings make an environment unpleasant, they pose a slip-and-fall hazard, and are a breeding ground for bacteria and disease.
“There’s no denying how cute families of geese are at this time of year, so it’s no surprise that most people faced with a goose problem don’t want to harm the birds,” says David Kogan, a technician with Bird-X, a company that has helped convince millions of Canada Geese and other winged intruders to move along during its 44 years of business. “People just want the birds to relocate somewhere that they will not be a nuisance. Plus, killing the birds doesn’t solve the problem, because more will just move in to fill the void left by the demise of the previous residents.”
At any given time, there are 3.5 million to 5.5 million Canada Geese living in the United States. Another 9 million to 11 million migrate through the country every spring and fall. “Many of those migratory birds gladly join their stay-put compatriots to raise families on U.S. soil at this time of year,” Kogan says.
Water, food, lush greens and a safe, easy location for rearing goslings are on the “must-have” list for every house-hunting Canada goose. The key to getting them to move along – safely and effectively – is to cross off one or more of those elements from the list of things that make your location desirable. “An approach that motivates the birds on three levels – sight, sound and taste – will be most effective,” Kogan says.
Sight aversions can include devices like a three-dimensional coyote replica or a Gator Guard - a life-size, lifelike replica of an alligator head – that make birds think a predator has moved into their territory. Actual goose distress calls, broadcast from a Goose Buster sonic device, make birds believe an area is unsafe for their kind. Finally, Goose Chase, a biodegradable food-grade agent made from the bitter-tasting, smelly part of concord grapes, makes food sources such as grass and ponds taste bad.
To learn more about effective goose removal products and techniques that are also environmentally conscious, visit www.bird-x.com/ARA or call (800) 662-5021.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Goose feces can put a major damper on outdoor fun at this time of year, especially for properties near water. In fact, the birds can become such a nuisance at outdoor facilities like golf courses that it’s unlikely groundskeepers experience a rush of tender sentiment when they see little feathered fuzzballs hopping across the greens. Not only do bird droppings make an environment unpleasant, they pose a slip-and-fall hazard, and are a breeding ground for bacteria and disease.
“There’s no denying how cute families of geese are at this time of year, so it’s no surprise that most people faced with a goose problem don’t want to harm the birds,” says David Kogan, a technician with Bird-X, a company that has helped convince millions of Canada Geese and other winged intruders to move along during its 44 years of business. “People just want the birds to relocate somewhere that they will not be a nuisance. Plus, killing the birds doesn’t solve the problem, because more will just move in to fill the void left by the demise of the previous residents.”
At any given time, there are 3.5 million to 5.5 million Canada Geese living in the United States. Another 9 million to 11 million migrate through the country every spring and fall. “Many of those migratory birds gladly join their stay-put compatriots to raise families on U.S. soil at this time of year,” Kogan says.
Water, food, lush greens and a safe, easy location for rearing goslings are on the “must-have” list for every house-hunting Canada goose. The key to getting them to move along – safely and effectively – is to cross off one or more of those elements from the list of things that make your location desirable. “An approach that motivates the birds on three levels – sight, sound and taste – will be most effective,” Kogan says.
Sight aversions can include devices like a three-dimensional coyote replica or a Gator Guard - a life-size, lifelike replica of an alligator head – that make birds think a predator has moved into their territory. Actual goose distress calls, broadcast from a Goose Buster sonic device, make birds believe an area is unsafe for their kind. Finally, Goose Chase, a biodegradable food-grade agent made from the bitter-tasting, smelly part of concord grapes, makes food sources such as grass and ponds taste bad.
To learn more about effective goose removal products and techniques that are also environmentally conscious, visit www.bird-x.com/ARA or call (800) 662-5021.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Nine Lives for Your Cat...and You
(ARA) - Most people know that cats are easy animals to love and care for, and can be wonderful family pets. What you may not know is that owning a cat offers much more than just companionship. Studies show that owning a cat can have numerous benefits on overall mental and physical health for people of all ages. From lowering blood pressure in adults to helping children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cats are more than just furry friends -- adopting a cat can mean a healthier, happier family.
June is the American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Cat Month, a perfect time to consider adding a cat to your family. Adopting is easier than ever, thanks to 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue (MMCR). The goal of MMCR is to rescue one million felines throughout the U.S.
“We are committed to saving lives and educating the public on responsible cat care,” says Matt Simon, 9Lives brand manager. “Partnering with American Humane Association’s June Adopt-a-Cat Month was an excellent fit for 9Lives, since we share a similar vision and goal for finding loving homes for animals.”
With the current economic downturn, some people might be hesitant to take on a pet. However, the average costs associated with caring for a cat are relatively low.
“While there may be a small adoption fee, most cats at shelters are already vaccinated and spayed or neutered,” says Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM, and author of the Catster.com Vet Blog. “Additionally, the cost of litter, nutritious food and an occasional toy is relatively low, and cats are comparatively inexpensive.”
There are all types of cats available at your local animal shelters that are in need of loving and nurturing homes -- from cuddly brand new kittens to sweet, lovable and already trained older felines. The trained staff and volunteers at animal shelters are likely to know the personalities of the animals and can help find the best match for you and your family. While you should only adopt if you feel like you and your family are ready to do so, your generous gift of adoption could mean the difference between life and death for a cat and a longer and happier life for you and your loved ones.
9Lives icon Morris the Cat is proof that an animal shelter is a great place to find your new pet. Morris was once a shelter cat; now as the famous spokes-cat for 9Lives, he is one of the most recognizable animal faces in the country. He has starred in television commercials, appeared beside Hollywood stars in major motion pictures and he’s even run for president.
If Adopt-a-Cat month and Morris’ Million Cat Rescue aren’t enough reason to adopt, here are a few more reasons to take home a furry friend.
Cats are Good for the Whole Family
Cats are good for kids
Studies show that positive self-esteem is enhanced in children when owning a pet. The responsibility that comes from owning a pet helps the child develop confidence in performing other tasks in school or interacting with friends and adults. Additional studies suggest that children who suffer from ADHD are able to focus on a pet, which helps them learn how to concentrate. Increased concentration will help them perform better in the classroom as well as complete tasks at home. Pets also give children an opportunity to interact with a live-in playmate rather than playing video or computer games or watching TV.
Cats are good for adults
A recent study reports that pets increase the survival rate of heart attack victims; 28 percent of heart patients with pets survived serious heart attacks compared to only 6 percent without pets. Cats have also been linked to decreased blood pressure and reduced stress levels. One study shows that cholesterol and triglyceride levels are lower in pet owners than in non-owners. Cat ownership is also suggested as a way to help depression.
Cats are good for the elderly
With old age come a number of physical and emotional difficulties. However, researchers are finding that pets truly have the power to heal their owners, especially the elderly. The most prevalent malady for older people is not cancer or heart disease, but loneliness. Cats are an excellent option for the elderly because they can be lifted easily and fit even on the smallest laps. Also, there is only a small amount of work and cost required to care for a cat.
There are plenty of reasons to adopt a cat, but the best way to discover all of the joys and benefits is by adopting one this summer. There are thousands of cats nationwide eager for your visit, so go to your local animal shelter and bring home the newest member of your family today!
For more information on Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign and adopting a shelter cat, please visit 9Lives.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
June is the American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Cat Month, a perfect time to consider adding a cat to your family. Adopting is easier than ever, thanks to 9Lives’ Morris’ Million Cat Rescue (MMCR). The goal of MMCR is to rescue one million felines throughout the U.S.
“We are committed to saving lives and educating the public on responsible cat care,” says Matt Simon, 9Lives brand manager. “Partnering with American Humane Association’s June Adopt-a-Cat Month was an excellent fit for 9Lives, since we share a similar vision and goal for finding loving homes for animals.”
With the current economic downturn, some people might be hesitant to take on a pet. However, the average costs associated with caring for a cat are relatively low.
“While there may be a small adoption fee, most cats at shelters are already vaccinated and spayed or neutered,” says Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM, and author of the Catster.com Vet Blog. “Additionally, the cost of litter, nutritious food and an occasional toy is relatively low, and cats are comparatively inexpensive.”
There are all types of cats available at your local animal shelters that are in need of loving and nurturing homes -- from cuddly brand new kittens to sweet, lovable and already trained older felines. The trained staff and volunteers at animal shelters are likely to know the personalities of the animals and can help find the best match for you and your family. While you should only adopt if you feel like you and your family are ready to do so, your generous gift of adoption could mean the difference between life and death for a cat and a longer and happier life for you and your loved ones.
9Lives icon Morris the Cat is proof that an animal shelter is a great place to find your new pet. Morris was once a shelter cat; now as the famous spokes-cat for 9Lives, he is one of the most recognizable animal faces in the country. He has starred in television commercials, appeared beside Hollywood stars in major motion pictures and he’s even run for president.
If Adopt-a-Cat month and Morris’ Million Cat Rescue aren’t enough reason to adopt, here are a few more reasons to take home a furry friend.
Cats are Good for the Whole Family
Cats are good for kids
Studies show that positive self-esteem is enhanced in children when owning a pet. The responsibility that comes from owning a pet helps the child develop confidence in performing other tasks in school or interacting with friends and adults. Additional studies suggest that children who suffer from ADHD are able to focus on a pet, which helps them learn how to concentrate. Increased concentration will help them perform better in the classroom as well as complete tasks at home. Pets also give children an opportunity to interact with a live-in playmate rather than playing video or computer games or watching TV.
Cats are good for adults
A recent study reports that pets increase the survival rate of heart attack victims; 28 percent of heart patients with pets survived serious heart attacks compared to only 6 percent without pets. Cats have also been linked to decreased blood pressure and reduced stress levels. One study shows that cholesterol and triglyceride levels are lower in pet owners than in non-owners. Cat ownership is also suggested as a way to help depression.
Cats are good for the elderly
With old age come a number of physical and emotional difficulties. However, researchers are finding that pets truly have the power to heal their owners, especially the elderly. The most prevalent malady for older people is not cancer or heart disease, but loneliness. Cats are an excellent option for the elderly because they can be lifted easily and fit even on the smallest laps. Also, there is only a small amount of work and cost required to care for a cat.
There are plenty of reasons to adopt a cat, but the best way to discover all of the joys and benefits is by adopting one this summer. There are thousands of cats nationwide eager for your visit, so go to your local animal shelter and bring home the newest member of your family today!
For more information on Morris’ Million Cat Rescue Campaign and adopting a shelter cat, please visit 9Lives.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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