Is It Time to Give Michael Vick a Break?

As some of you might have read – Michael Vick was just voted the “Ed Block Courage Award” by his Philadelphia Eagles teammates – here’s a blog with pros and cons. I think courage means things other than getting a shortened sentence for dogfighthing and “bravely” accepting a $1.6 million salary –… thoughts anybody? Here’s a blog with pros and cons.  Let me know what you think –

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2009/12/michael_vick_wins_baltimore_co.html

URGENT NEED FOR DOG CRATES/IGLOOS

Angie, the Fairy Dogmother of Dallas and Animal 3’s December project, is in urgent need of additional dog crates/shelters. Angie will be thankful for doghouses in any condition, but she would be especially appreciative of igloos in large and extra large sizes. This is an especially urgent situation as Angie is finding dogs literally frozen to death – the igloos especially are lifesavers in extreme weather. If you have any used dog crates you can spare or would like to donate to buy some new one’s please contact Monique 214-601-2345 – thanks so much!

Here is Angie’s story in case you missed it before

http://www.animals-abused.org/spotlight-story.htm

GOODSHOP – A SEARCH ENGINE THAT MAKES DONATING TO A3 SIMPLE

SHOP AND MAKE A DONATION TO A3 AT THE SAME TIME! For those that haven’t heard of it Goodshop by Goodsearch is a search engine that allows you to shop at popular stores online and a donation of up to 30% of your purchases will be made to your favorite charity (in this case A3) – below is the link to the site – put Animals Abused and Abandoned in where it asks “what charity do you support?” and then follow the links. Even though we are nearing Christmas you can continue shopping and taking advantage of the many holiday and seasonal discounts year round — thanks so much for your continued to support – and Happy Shopping!
http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

Keeping Cats Safe on Halloween (and Beyond)

It’s almost October which means Halloween is just around the corner. While you are planning your parties, picking out your costume, buying candy for the kids and putting out the decorations, please remember to take extra care to keep your cats safe and secure during the month of October.

Although cats remain the most popular pets in the United States and elsewhere, there is also a tendency towards vicious behavior and abuse of cats – probably because of their size and vulnerability. This is especially true at Halloween, when cats – especially black, orange or white cats – sometimes are victims of abuse, misuse and in rare circumstances sadistic rituals.

While it is best to always keep your cat inside – (indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age, while outdoor cats generally live to be only four to five years of age) – here are a few tips to keep kitty extra safe at Halloween – be it inside or out:

• Remember the best way to keep your cat safe is to keep it indoors at all times – that way kitty won’t run into hostile dogs, cars or people and won’t be exposed to the many diseases which are often carried by feral cats.

• If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, be sure to keep it inside on weekends and at night several days before Halloween, as celebrations often start early.

• During the month of October it is important to take extra care with black, white and orange cats – never adopt out a cat to someone you don’t know without suitable references – and especially do not adopt out or sell a black cat to anyone you don’t know in October, particularly near Halloween.

• On Halloween night keep your cat(s)  safe inside. Make sure your cat is kept away from the door so it doesn’t escape when you give out candy to trick-or-treaters. If your house gets alot of visitors on Halloween night, or if you are having a party, secure your cat in a room with its favorite toys, food, water, litter box and other familiar items, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing kitty is safe – and kitty will be contentedly away from unknown noises, smells or people.

• Resist the urge to put a costume on your cat. Cats are free spirits and generally dislike anything on them (be it hats, sweaters or booties). Avoid tying something around a cat’s neck, such as a cape, tie or ribbon – anything which could get hung up and accidentally lead to choking or injury to your cat, or which kitty might try to swallow.

• People in costumes can also be scary for cats and pets so better not to let kitty see you dressed up as a gypsy or a fireman.

• Be sure your cat is microchipped (and dogs too) and has a collar with current contact information; microchipping is an amazing technology that can locate missing pets worldwide – it is an inexpensive procedure that pays off in dividends if kitty (or doggy) gets lost and can’t find his or her way home.

• Do not keep lit candles on surfaces your cat frequents – shelves, ledges, tables – and keep candles in an enclosed container so as not to tempt kitty with enticing flickering flames or scents. Swishing tails are also a hazard near open flames so be sure your fireplace, heater or any other flames are safely gated.

• Keep all candy – especially chocolate – away from cats and all other pets – chocolate and sugar can be lethal in small doses to small animals

• After Halloween, get rid of aging pumpkins as they sometimes harbor bacteria which is harmful if eaten.

These are just a few suggestions for keeping your cat and other pets safe at Halloween (and year round). Please share any additional ideas or suggestions you have regarding pet safety – we would love to hear from you!

New Spotlight Story: Nudge, the Paint Horse

Greetings Animals 3 Friends,

I am writing today to alert you to our new Spotlight Story. Nudge, the American Paint Horse, was rescued recently at a horse auction. Although his age is uncertain, he is still a young foal, and it is evident that Nudge has been severely neglected from the start of life. Underweight and coping with a variety of physical problems, Nudge serves as a reminder of the fact that animal neglect and abuse are problems that extend beyond the realm of household pets in our society.

Please  read Nudge’s story and make a donation for his care. I also “nudge” you to share this story with friends and let them know how they can help animals that have been abused or abandoned.