Satellite Cat Room
Meet Tank
Tank is a 1 1/2 year old male Pit Bull Mix- just don’t tell him that because he thinks he’s a lap dog. Tank is a goofy character, who knows basic commands such as sit and shake and loves to play fetch. He does well with other dogs and even better with people. Tank has been with us for a while and frankly we don’t know why. Please come on out and visit this boy and who knows…he may just win your heart!
Adolescence is Only a Phase
It’s funny-what was adorable behavior in your puppy at six weeks, is downright annoying at 6 months. So what happened? Well, for lack of a better term, their “puppy license” expired. Puppies are given a puppy pass because well, frankly-they’re adorable. Nature is no fool- it does this for a reason. Then, sometime between 5 and 6 months, your dog begins to experience adolescence and you’re left asking, “Who is this monster and what have he done to my dog?” Suddenly, your dog won’t come when called or possibly he begins to exert his authority just a bit too much. Take a deep breath and realize that this is a normal part of your canine’s development and not a reason to surrender your pup to the nearest shelter. Our best teachers for how to deal with this actually comes from our adult dogs who understand this behavior and react accordingly. When dealing with puppies, an adult dog will tolerate an occasional gnawing of the ear or body slam but begins to set clear boundaries when this same behavior is exhibited by a slightly older, slightly larger dog. If you think about it, it’s not much different from how humans handle adolescence; a baby grabbing a fistful of hair will be tolerated more than a 12 year old doing the same act. This is mainly because they have developed the capacity to receive instruction on appropriate behavior. Because of this, clear consistent boundaries must be set and adhered to and, before you know it, that “little monster” has grown up to become your well behaved pal.
Oh Where Can He Be?
Few things are more devastating than losing your family pet. Here are some steps to take to ensure that your pet gets home safe and secure.
First, thoroughly check your property. Cats and dogs can get into places that you’d never expect! They may also remain in that spot if they are frightened, or physically unable to free themselves.
If your pet is not found on your property, the next step is to search your neighborhood. Most pets are recovered well within a 2 mile perimeter of their home. Talk with everyone you meet and leave a description of your pet as well as your number (NEVER leave your name or address and NEVER let your child go door to door unaccompanied by an adult.)
Post flyers in your neighborhood. If possible, place a photo of your pet on each flyer. Include the date and place your pet was lost, the breed, age, sex, weight, and color of the animal as well as your phone number. In addition to your neighborhood, place flyers at intersections controlled by traffic signals, grocery store entrances and exits, and at local dog parks.
Once you are home, speak to your postal worker about your missing pet, providing a description and picture if available. Your postal worker has extensive contact with people in your neighborhood and can also be canvassing the area while he is delivering mail.
While home, Place strong-scented articles outside your home to attract your pet (i.e. some of your dirty clothes, your cat’s litter box or your dog’s favorite toy.) Never leave food as that may attract stray or wild animals.
Contact, and if possible, visit animal shelters in your area.
If you live in Pinellas County, these shelters include Pinellas County Animal Services 582-2600; SPCA 586-3591; Humane Society of North Pinellas 797-7722; Friends of Strays 522-6566 and Pet Pal Animal Shelter 328-7738. Don’t forget to also call local veterinarians’ offices.
Even if your animal is not at one of these facilities, leave a description and photo. This way, they will have your contact information to give out should someone find your pet.
Place an ad in the lost and found section of your local paper. Be sure to advertise in the Sunday edition as well as during the week. Then, check the newspaper “found ads” everyday (NEVER respond to a pet ad alone! Bring a friend and meet in a public place). You can also place notices and monitor web sites such as Craig’s List, Petfinder.com, tabbytracker.com (for cats) and fidofinder.com (for dogs.)
If your animal has a microchip, contact the microchip company as soon as you realize that the animal is missing to ensure that they have the correct information on file. Most microchip companies will then send out an alert to local veterinary offices and shelters.
An innovative way to get the word out is to write a message on your car windows. As you drive around, you will be getting your message out to 100’s of people. Be careful not to block your view.
Once your animal has been located, there are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood that this will happen again.
1. If not already done, make arrangements to have your animal spayed or neutered. Altered animals are less likely to roam.
2. Get a microchip implanted and if your animal already has a chip, contact the microchip company to confirm that your animal is properly registered.
3. Make sure your pet is current on its vaccinations and has a county license.
4. ID tags with phone number(s) and other pertinent information can be purchased at local pet shops. Be sure to have a new one made yearly or whenever the information on the tag begins to fade.
5. Pet proof your yard. Check your fence for new escape routes on a regular basis and make sure that the locks are secure.
6. Take clear photographs of your animal and update them regularly.
7. Consider changing your collar to a martingale, which are specifically designed so that animals cannot slip out of them.
8. Provide your animal with exercise, toys and other distractions so that they do not get bored and feel the need to leave home.
KEEPING YOUR ANIMALS SAFE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
Holiday Parties, Fire Works Displays and New Year’s Day-The hustle and bustle of people and loud noises can be rather stressful on your pet. Make sure you provide pets with a safe, quiet room they can go to during holidays. This way they can retreat to their ‘safe place’ and the likelihood of your pet bolting out of front door is greatly diminished.
New Year’s Day next to July 5th, is the busiest day for animal shelters and people looking for their lost pets. Prior to any holiday celebration, make sure your pet has:
(1)Identification tags with accurate information.
(2) A microchip: More pets find their way home due to their microchip. If your pet doesn’t have a chip, having one inserted before New Year’s might not be a bad idea. Remember to update your microchip registration if you’ve moved or changed phone number.
(3) An up to date photo of your animal to have on hand to give to animal services or other local animal shelters and to make flyers with. Remember that a picture speaks 1000 words.
Best Wishes to you and your pets and we look forward to seeing you soon at Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
As this year comes to an end, we’d like to express our gratitude to all of you who have believed in and supported Pet Pal this year. Because of you, we had more adoptions in 2011 than in any other year in Pet Pal’s history. A shelter is not a building but rather a community effort to bring together animals and people for the greater good of both.
We will be closed to the public Saturday, December 24th and will reopen on Tuesday December 27th Don’t worry, though- Our animals will be well cared for with visions of dog biscuits and scratching posts dancing in their heads.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving!
This holiday season, Pet Pal has several gift ideas for your two AND four legged friends.
Stained Glass Ornaments- These lovely tree ornaments, shaped into pawprints in colors green and red are available at Poodle Palace and Pet Boutique (6660 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach)) Quantities are limited and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each ornament (retail value $150)go directly to Pet Pal’s emergency medical fund.
Murals for Mutts- Save 25%now through December 31st when you have your pet’s portrait painted on the Gas Plant Antique Arcade Mall (1246 Central Avenue). For every portrait painted, a donation will be made to Pet Pal Animal shelter. For more information, visit www.muralsformutts.com
Gone to the Dogs Boutique-This holiday season GTTD is teaming up with Pet Pal. For a minimum donation of $1, you can decorate an ornament with your dog’s name to place on their store’s Christmas tree. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the shelter.
Enchanted Forest Christmas Party - On Thursday, December 15th from 5-8pm Queen’s Head, located at 2501 Central Avenue will be holding a special Christmas party with phenomenal food and drink and, of course a Canine Christmas Costume Contest, which will benefit the pups at Pet Pal. Call 727-772-5218 for more info.
Iron Pelican- The Iron Pelican (2454 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg) is providing a drop off site for toys for our good little four-legged girls and boys. In appreciation for your kindness, The Iron Pelican will offer a 10% discount off your purchase now through December 23rd.
Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet-Tickets are available for the holiday classic, The Great Russian Nutcracker, performed by the Moscow Ballet on Monday December 26th and Tuesday, December 27th at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. For every ticket purchased, a $5.00 donation will be made to Pet Pal. For Tickets call 1-800-320-1733 x 15. Remember to use the code “pet pal”.
Meet the Cast Party- On Monday night, December 26th,St. Petersburg Nights (St. Pete Beach) is offering a cast party to meet the performers of The Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet, while enjoying traditional Russian Cuisine, music, dance and the ballet following. A silent auction will also be held that evening to benefit Pet Pal. For tickets to this event, you may contact 727-363-3832.
Pavers- For that person on your Christmas list that has everything, consider purchasing a paver, from our Help Pave the Way program. Pavers 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 in size are avaiable and will be engraved with your special message. An application for the paver can be found on this website.
Visit our Retail Store- Pet Pal Animal Shelter’s retail store is full of collars, leashes, toys and more for your furry friends as well as zippered hoodies, pet pal t-shirts and one of a kind humorous shirts for you not so furry friends!
Heartworm Prevention is Year Round
Aah…the weather is cooler and the windows are open, letting in the autumn breeze. Unfortunately, in Florida and much of the south, mosquitoes are still up to their old tricks, taking a “bite ” out of our good time. What may be an annoyance for humans, however, can prove deadly to our pets. Heartworm larva is deposited into dogs when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Within six months the larva grow into adult heartworms causing severe damage to the animal’s heart and lungs.
Treatment for heartworms is costly and lengthy, taking up to 2 months to treat. However, Left untreated, the disease will prove deadly. Prevention by comparison is safe and inexpensive and, if administered properly, is extremely effective. Talk to your veterinarian today about heartworm treatment. Your pet with thank you.
Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty…
This gallery contains 3 photos.
Because Cats appear to be so independent, we often forget that they need enrichment as much as any other animal. First and foremost is the positioning of our cat’s 3 basic resources-food, water and elimination. Because cats are prey as well as predators, they feel most vulnerable when eating, drinking and eliminating. To avoid this feeling, position these resources away from areas where you cat is likely to be startled.
Scratching and climbing are natural to your cat, so rather than scolding him for climbing where he shouldn’t be, provide an appropriate space where he can do both such as a cat perch and a scratching post.
Auditory (hearing) and olfactory (smelling) stimulation can also aid in your cat’s enrichment. Turning on the radio or television and/or providing your cat with some Valerian or catnip may be just the thing he needs.
Of course, we can’t forget about the feline- human bond. Structured play and grooming are just two ways to interact with your cat. Remember, providing love and attention is a two-way street that can lead to a long and happy life for both you and your cat.
Halloween Tips for your Pets
Keep your animals safe and healthy this Halloween by following these tips:
During hours when you will be visited by “Ghosts and Goblins”, put your animals in a separate room. This will not only keep them from slipping outside but also protect them from getting overly excited by the constant stream of visitors.
Keep candy away from you pets. At the very least, candy can give them an upset stomach (not exactly the “treat your were looking to clean up”!) More importantly some candy can be toxic to your pets.
Avoid the temptation of taking your pets out trick or treating with you. The loud noises and youngsters running around can make it a scary experience.
If you wish to show off your pet in his or her cute Halloween costume , consider doing so at one of the many pet friendly costume contests that are being held this week in the area. For more information, you can visit our events page.
Happy Halloween!
LOTUS HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!!
To the person who thought that Lotus wasn’t “Worth It”-the last laugh is on you. Yesterday Lotus was adopted by a wonderful family, complete with a beautiful home , other dogs to play with, a yard to run in and unconditional love. Lotus is proof that every animal deserves a second…and sometimes even a third one.
Good luck Lotus-it’s your time to bloom!
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