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National Chip Your Pet Month

May 25, 2018

Did you know that the month of May is National Chip Your Pet Month?

To be clear, we aren’t talking about potato chips here. We are talking about those good ol’ microchips. Today, we have partnered with Aimee Gilbreath of Michelson Found Animals Foundation and our friends at Petcurean to provide all pet parents with a friendly reminder about the importance of microchipping your pet.

The quotes below were provided by Aimee, the additional information is based on my experience.

What are microchips?

Microchips are rice sized chips that are scannable and contain your pet’s unique number, it’s like their social security number. This can be scanned by a shelter or vet, and the number is used to find the pet’s owner. It is not a GPS device and does not contain any personal information.

I have taken part in the reunion of many animals with their pet parents, and microchips have played a critical role in getting pets home safely. Here is an example from 2016:

Why do I need a microchip?

Pets get lost all the time – they run off, slip out of collars and slide through gates.  No one likes to think about losing a pet – but being prepared just in case will increase the likelihood that they’ll get back to you and give you peace of mind.

Many dogs or cats don’t wear collars while they are indoors. Unfortunately, if there is ever a scenario where your pet escapes out the front door and doesn’t have their collar on, it becomes a lot more challenging for people to identify them as your pet, and ultimately makes it so much harder for them to return home safely to you.

Does it hurt my pet?

Implanting a microchip is a simple procedure and vets say it’s like getting a vaccine. Once it’s implanted, it stays in place and lasts for their lifetime.

If I am being honest, the bevel (opening) of the needles are larger for microchips. However, the discomfort is still mild and temporary, much like a shot with a larger needle. Helpful hint: if your pet isn’t microchipped and has an upcoming procedure (spay/neuter/dental), that’s a great time to also get them microchipped as the staff with take care of that procedure while they are still sedated.

Where do I get my pet microchipped?

When you adopt a pet, they are usually microchipped at the shelter. Veterinary offices also do the procedure.

I have microchipped quiet a few pets myself in both my work at shelters and veterinary hospitals. While the procedure itself is small and quick it should always be completed by animal professionals.  

Do I need to do anything else once I get a microchip?

Yes, the microchip only works if you’ve registered it – go to foundanimals.org, the first free national microchip registry, and enter your information.  Remember to keep it updated if your phone number or address changes. This ensures that you can be contacted if your pet is found.

Funny story, the morning that we found Bae (in the Instagram post above), I had just updated Rooney’s information on his microchip that morning to reflect our new address. Finding a lost dog on the hiking trail that day was a reminder of the importance of keeping microchip information up to date.

Is your pet microchipped? Have you ever helped return a pet home because they were microchipped?

Don’t forget, if you are interested in trying Petcurean food for your pet you can download a $5 off coupon using code PAWSOME8 on any Petcurean food here: Petcurean.com/pawsome

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean blogger. I was provided with food and compensation so that Rooney and I could provide our honest opinion. However, Petcurean is the food we feed Rooney every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares reviews we believe benefit our readers.

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!

April 30, 2018

Today is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!

Today people are reminded just how many pets out there who are looking for good loving homes! The best news of all is that no matter what kind of pet someone is looking for, they are waiting for you in a shelter somewhere. While this is good news, this thought can be intimidating to some people. How will I know which pet is right for me? How do I find them?

In my experience, you just kind of know. I have shared this before and I will again. Rooney literally burst through a door and ran at my husband and I, and our response was, “We love him!”. We knew right then and there that we would adopt him. It happened that fast.

Based on Research conducted by Michelson Found Animals Foundation, we aren’t alone in our “Love at First Sight” experience:

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!

Now, if you or someone you know, are thinking about bringing a shelter pet home with you today, or sometime soon, here are some tips from Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director, Michelson Found Animals Foundation:

Before you adopt

Adopting a pet is a big commitment and responsibility, so make sure you are ready before you take the plunge.  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your lifestyle conducive to pet ownership? Are you a frequent traveler or are you home often?
  • Have you thought about pet care while you are at work or traveling? How many hours in the day will you be home to care for your pet? Do you need to factor in a dog walker or day care?
  • Is your living space pet friendly? How big is your home, do you have an outdoor area suitable for a bigger dog, or would a smaller dog make more sense?
  • Are you financially prepared for a pet? Trips to the vet can be a financial burden if you haven’t planned ahead

If you’re unsure about whether you’re ready to adopt, consider fostering a pet before you commit to adoption. It’s a great trial run to make sure the pet is a match for you and your lifestyle. 

Before you bring your new pet home

Pet proof your home – you may not think about it, but anything that could harm a toddler could also harm a pet. Also, some plants and common foods (such as chocolate, grapes and raisins) can be poisonous to pets so you should do a little online research to be sure you’re aware. Here is a pet proofing checklist:

  • Are all fragile items off coffee tables?
  • Are your candles out of the pet’s reach?
  • Are your electrical cords (or anything else your new pet can chew, trip or entangle itself in) secured?
  • Remember that cats can jump so be sure that counter tops and other surfaces are also clear of anything harmful.
  • Are your other pets kept in a safe and secure area?
  • Is your yard completely fenced in?
  • Are there any loose panels or gaps in your fence that your new pet can escape through?
  • Are any of your plants or chemicals you use in your home or yard poisonous to dogs?
  • Do you have a pool? Is it covered?
  • Are all of your trash cans secured?

Some Pets Who Need Homes!

Adoptable Corgis from Queens Best Stumpy Dog Rescue

Adoptable Senior Dogs from Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

Adoptable Dogs from Family Dog Rescue

Valley Humane Society

In honor of such a special day, please list a local shelter in your area in the comments below, so people can learn more and share!

Disclaimer: The folks over at Petcurean shared this information with me, but this post is not sponsored. Simply, we want people to know the importance of pet adoption. 

Random Acts of Kindness Day – Canine Companions for Independence

February 25, 2018

Disclaimer: Eventbrite is the inspiration for this event.

Saturday, February 17th was Random Acts of Kindness Day, and even though I am late in getting this post up, I feel that it’s important to discuss ways to volunteer and get involved with your local community. In recognition of this day, Eventbrite asked me to share a bit more about the non-profit organization that I work with; Canine Companions for Independence. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Canine Companions for Independence:

“Canine Companions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. We provide our dogs and support services free of charge to recipients.”

When did you start getting involved with Canine Companions for Independence?

In December 2014, I started volunteering with Canine Companions for Independence East Bay Miracles chapter. As a marketer, I volunteered to help with the chapter’s social media and PR outreach. A little over 3 years later, I still volunteer with the chapter and try to find new opportunities to raise awareness online about Canine Companions for Independence.

Random Acts of Kindness Day - Canine Companions for Independence

 

What events have you attended for this organization?

Canine Companions for Independence East Bay Miracles attends and participates in anywhere from 2-5+ events each month. DogFest is our biggest fundraiser of the year, which I attend and help promote. Since 2014, we have hosted this event in October. This past year it was so close to Halloween so there was a costume contest, and Rooney attended as a taco.

Cool Corg Club 😎 #dogfestwalknroll

A post shared by Rooney the Corgi (@mykidhaspaws) on

What would you like to get more involved with?

Honestly, one day I would like to be a Puppy Raiser. For those who aren’t familiar with the journey of a Canine Companions for Independence Assistance Dog, I’ll share the quick highlights:

  • Puppies are born and raised for the first 8 weeks of their life by a volunteer Breeder Caretaker, who is responsible for taking care of the mom and the puppies.
  • At 8 weeks the puppies are turned-in to headquarters where they are then sent to live and train with their volunteer Puppy Raiser.
  • From 8 weeks to roughly 16 months of age, a volunteer Puppy Raiser is responsible for the exercise, grooming, feeding, socialization, and all the necessary healthcare requirements of their puppy.
  • At about 16 months of age, the puppies are returned to their Regional Canine Companions center for professional training. At this location, the dogs will receive 6-9 months of professional training. During this time they are evaluated for health, temperament, and ability to learn commands.
  • Lastly, if a dog is selected to be one of the 4 types of Canine Companions Assistance Dogs (Facility Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Skilled Companions, or Service Dogs), they then enter Team Training which is a 2 week process where they are matched with their new partner. Once the new team is formed, there is an official graduation ceremony!

Many of the people I speak with about Canine Companions think that being a Puppy Raiser is an impossible task since you have to “give up” a dog you have spent 14-20 months with in your home. While I have no doubt in my mind that turning in a puppy after providing months of the training and care is difficult, I also have no doubt that seeing the graduate or graduate team filled with joy because they are finally receiving the dog they have been waiting for, a dog that will bring them so much happiness and independence, will make everything worth it.

Random Acts of Kindness Day - Canine Companions for Independence

How can others get involved and do their part?

Here are 5 ways people can support Canine Companions for Independence:

  1. Training Center Volunteer: If you live close to one of the regional training centers (Oceanside, CA; Irving, TX; Orlando, FL; Medford, NY; Delaware, OH) OR Canine Companions HQ (Santa Rosa, CA), you can reach out to the center’s volunteer coordinator to see if your skills could be useful at the training center. Examples include; grooming, hosting team lunches, and administrative tasks.
  2. Be a Puppy Raiser! (outlined above)
  3. Be a Breeder Caretaker (must live within 90 miles of Santa Rosa, CA)
  4. Participate in DogFest Walk ‘n Roll! DogFest is Canine Companions for Independence largest national fundraiser! These events are so fun to attend, and we are always looking for volunteers to help us with day-of activities.
  5. Donate: Canine Companions for Independence is able to provide assistance dogs to people with disabilities free of charge because we have a large network of volunteers and donors.

In the past 3 years I have met so many incredible people and families who have benefited from a Canine Companions for Independence assistance dog. Graduates have shared their stories which range from their service dog improving the way people greet them, or improving their relationships with the people they live with, and ability to have their own job. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below, I would love to share more info about this organization.

Now it’s your turn! Who do you volunteer with? What organizations do you support?

Are you looking for new ways to raise money for your non-profit? If so, you can create your own non-profit fundraiser using Eventbrite’s platform.

These Cute Doggies Need Your Help!

February 4, 2018

If you are a long-time reader of this blog, you know that on occasion, we try to help dogs, cats, and families in need. My good friend Kim, who taught me so much when I was a Veterinary Assistant, works as a Veterinary Technician at a local Emergency Vet Hospital.

She recently let me know about these beautiful doggies who wandered onto a friend’s property and are now at the City of Stockton’s Animal Shelter. Currently, our goal is to get them out of the shelter and/or adopted as quickly as possible since we are working against the clock to help these pups. Each of the animals Kim has helped have gone on to find forever homes because her work. The least I can do is share these animals stories on this blog and encourage our readers to share, so that Kim can help more animals!

So today, we bring you 2 dogs who need forever homes. One is a 4-month-old pup named Halo (see below). The other is a miniature Staffordshire Terrier who have had a rough life so far. He will be available at the Stockton shelter from Monday, February 5th to Thursday, February 8th.

 

Currently, none of the dogs seem to need any immediate medical attention (the male was originally found with a dog who was diagnosed with Parvo, but he has tested negative), just love and a warm place to call home! Additionally, both pups can be described as ridiculously sweet!

Here is how we can help!

  1. If you know of someone who is looking to open their home to a sweet dog, please have them contact the Stockton Animal Shelter. Halo is at a foster home for now, please leave a comment if you are interested in him.
  2. If you know of a no-kill shelter or rescue in Northern California, please list them in the comments below.
  3. Share on social media! The more people know about these pups, the more likely they will be to find their forever home!

Thank you in advance for helping us help these pups find homes!

How to Help the Victims of the North Bay Fires

October 24, 2017

On Sunday October 8th, I was driving home in the evening and I could feel the wind pulling my car while driving on the freeway. I remember thinking to myself that it hadn’t been windy all day, and this wind came suddenly and in full force…it was odd. But I thought nothing of it as I continued to drive home. The next morning when I woke up, I saw on the news that the late Sunday night fires had started in the North Bay and due to the severe and sudden winds, had spread quickly.

By Tuesday morning, we learned the magnitude of the situation. This was the worst wildfire ever in the state, and that many people had been evacuated and lost their homes, and many others lost their lives in this deadly and uncontrollable wildfire. By Wednesday, the Bay Area was enveloped in smoke and many people continued mobilizing relief efforts for those who had lost their homes and were staying at relief centers. At that point, the fire was only 3% contained and there were worries that the changing winds in the area could cause the fires to continue to grow, so more and more families were being evacuated.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I had an overwhelming sense of “we have to do something”. My heart ached for those affected by the recent disasters and tragedies, and I knew that I could contribute in some way.

Due to the air quality and the need to keep the freeways free of traffic, authorities began urging people to donate to specific sites locally that would then organize and distribute the delivery of those items. Due to the generosity of my co-workers I was able to drop off donations from our office to Bishop Ranch Veterinary Hospital in San Ramon, California. When I walked in, I was overwhelmed by the huge room filled with donations. It definitely felt like the Bay Area had stepped up to support our neighbors in the North Bay.

As of this morning, the fires are still not 100% contained. First responders have done an amazing job and have worked endlessly to prevent the fires from growing, and they hope to have the fires 100% contained by Friday.

Many of you may be thinking to yourself, why am I writing about this now? The fires happened two weeks ago. Its because people will need our help the most in the next few weeks. Once the media stops covering the story and the organizations run through the initial outpour of donations, there is a lull. In that lull is when people start taking the next steps toward rebuilding their lives, and there are still ways that you can help.

Whether a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake, the trauma of living through a natural disaster is deep and excruciating. When the waters recede, the winds die down, or the earth stops shaking, we begin the clean up of our homes and neighborhoods. – Psychology Today

Housing

More than 6,000 homes were lost in the wildfires, and that is the most immediate need at this moment. If you live in the area, here are a few things you can do (Mercury News):

  1. Offer to let people park their RV on your property: many people fled the fire in their RV’s, but lost their homes and now have nowhere to go.
  2. Rent out vacation homes or rooms nearby to people who lost their homes
  3. AirBnB: If you have an AirBnB in the area, or know of someone who has one, AirBnB is offering free housing for those displaced by the fires through the end of the month.
  4. If you know of a housing option for people in the area, you can email: HousingResources@sonoma-county.org

Donate

Donating is always an option to help those affected by natural disasters. I believe that donating to an organization is a very personal choice. SFGate has outlined several organizations who are accepting donations to help those affected by the fires.

Additionally, Psychology Today recommends that you stagger your donations over time in correspondence with the recovery period. The victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and those affected by these wildfires will be recovering for years to come, but could definitely use our help in the coming months.

As soon as mainstream and social media move on to the next news story, so does the attention of donors and helpers. In one study, for example, there was a sharp drop-off in giving six weeks after a natural disaster, and by week 14, donations had dried up completely. – Psychology Today

How to Help the Victims of the North Bay Fires

Animals

Often, when natural disasters occur, there are many pets who become separated from their people. As a result, animal services in the surrounding areas become overwhelmed with pets. Many of which do not have the space or the volunteer capacity to take in pets in addition to the ones they already have.

However, when each local organization helps a little, it makes a huge difference. The East Bay SPCA has been traveling up to Santa Rosa to pick up pets and take them to shelters and rescues in the many cities throughout the East Bay, in addition to helping animals from the North Bay find their forever homes!

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco took in dogs like Dudley Do-Right to provide space for displaced pets in the North Bay.

These organizations are working hard to save the lives of animals, so here’s how you can help!

Rescue: rescuing animals is always important, but right now, there are so many shelters and rescues who have been affected by the recent disasters and can’t take in new animals. If now is the right time to add another pet to your family, please consider rescuing.

Foster: If you can’t bring another dog or cat permanently into your home right now, consider fostering a pet, for the next few weeks. Fostering provides space in the shelter for temporarily displaced animals to give them time to reunite with their families.

Examples of Kindness

In recent weeks the people of the North Bay have been in many people’s thoughts and prayers, and while the tragedies have been overwhelming, these are times when we are reminded just how kind and courageous people and animals can be. So here is a story that provides an excellent example of kindness.

Canine Companions for Independence

Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs, is headquartered in Santa Rosa. While the facility remains safe, all dogs and people were evacuated for about a week to ensure the safety of the dogs, employees, and volunteers. While many are safe, some of the employees and volunteers in the Santa Rosa area lost their homes. Our community is raising funds to support however we can, and this past weekend in an effort to continue to provide support for the Santa Rosa community, volunteers brought their dogs up to visit the first responders and provide them with some doggie therapy. I have been a volunteer with this organization since 2014, and I can’t say how proud I am of all of the people and dogs in this community who continue to quickly respond and support those who needed it.

If there is anything I left out, please leave ideas for supporting those affected by the North Bay fires in the comments below.

Photo: Andrew Robles

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