This Website is Full of Useful Pet Information
I recently came across a site that is new to me called JustOneMorePet.com.
The stated mission of JustOneMorePet is;
"Our goal is to raise awareness and help find homes for all pets and animals that need one by helping to match them with loving families and positive situations. Our goal is also to help fight the trend of unfavorable legislation and rules in an attempt to stop unnecessary Euthenization!!"
Although the crux of the site deals with adoptions for unwanted poets, it has a widespread base of information on all animals and their treatment.
They also follow and provide updates on pending and suggested legislation concerning animals in the various states.
Visit their site and see what information you can obtain that will help your and your pets.
Add a Pet Trust to Your Estate Planning
If I have provided for my dog Derron in my will, why do I need to consider a Trust Agreement?
Chandra, Milroy, Indiana
Chandra, first of all, I applaud you for including your pet in your estate planning.
Second, keep in mind, that a will only becomes operative and effective when you die.
It can direct who will take care of your pets and how those tasks will be completed only after your death.
A valid Trust can provide for immediate care of Derron in the event that there is an emergency and you become ill or incapacitated.
You can nominate alternate caregivers for your pet and establish methods to fund and pay for the Trust.
A provision for your pet in your will is a good start; now begin the New Year with some planning and thoughts for a Pet Trust.
Personal and Family Issues Cause Pet Abandonment
As a pet owner, you alone are responsible for the care and protection of your pet.
We try to provide insight and information to assist you in any number of areas that can affect this responsibility.
The tasks that you must undertake daily are not necessarily easy or convenient.
If these tasks become overbearing, the tendency is to simply allow the pet to go...to a shelter …abandonment...or other more undesirable methods.
According to dog-care suite 101.com, the following are the most common reasons given by owners as to why they abandon their pets:
Divorce
Death
Illness
New Baby
Behavioral Issues
Moving
Too Many Pets
Too Expensive to Keep
Lack of Time
You will note that all of these are stressful situations and most are of a very personal nature.
Just because times are tougher than normal, that is no reason to abandon your pet.
If you think of them as a family member or companion, treat them accordingly.
Plan ahead for bad times or bad contingencies for you and your pet.
Midwestern Pet Owners Need Your Help
The Mission Statement of the American Kennel Club is:
"The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership."
In the wake of the disastrous torrential rains and flooding in the Midwest, the AKC is moving to assist local pet owners and their animals with temporary shelters and relief.
According to the AKC ,
"In the wake of recent flooding in Iowa, the American Kennel Club® and AKC Companion Animal Recovery have donated much-needed supplies to temporary shelters housing displaced pets and are working closely with area officials to offer assistance and coordinate volunteers.
Reaching out to local AKC club members in the affected areas, AKC and AKC CAR have been able to assess needs and coordinate several shipments of crates, portable kennels, bowls, leashes, collars, harnesses, food, and other supplies that will help volunteers care for the hundreds of companion animals now located at two major temporary shelters - Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids and the Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds in Iowa City.
The AKC has been working closely with Scot Northern, President of the Cedar Rapids Kennel Association and Mark Shearer, Iowa Department of Agriculture Homeland Security and Veterinary Response Coordinator. Both men are working with the AKC to facilitate the immediate fulfillment of supplies to facilities with needs.
"As people were being evacuated near the river people began to wonder where they were going to take their pets," Northern recounted. "I heard about the shelters being set up and immediately contacted the AKC and AKC CAR, which gladly helped to supply the shelters. I'm also so proud of my club members, many of whom offered to help others in need, even while being evacuated themselves."
"Since last week we have been contacting AKC clubs in the affected areas as well as local disaster officials in order to provide assistance for the benefit of any dog or companion animal displaced by the floods," AKC President Dennis B. Sprung said. "We are able to offer assistance with the help of our friends at Dog.com and Jewett-Cameron and with generous donations from individuals and clubs including the Cedar Rapids Kennel Association, New England Dog Training Club and Greater Kingsport (TN) Kennel Club. We are thankful for the outpouring of support."
"AKC and AKC CAR continue our outreach to officers of AKC affiliated clubs, humane society and animal control shelters and other organizations to identify affected and potentially affected disaster areas regarding dogs and their owners," said Tom Sharp, VP and CEO of AKC CAR. "By being proactive before flood waters rise we can let potential temporary shelter coordinators know we are here to help should people and their pets need to be evacuated. This outreach has included the Missouri Humane Society in case flood waters continue to rise."
Should dog clubs, shelters or individuals need disaster assistance or hear of those in need please contact Director of Club Communications Lisa Peterson at lxp@akc.org or or AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung at or dbs@akc.org."
If you can help with time, money or resources, you should…
Living in Hurricane prone Florida, I can attest that no one is immune from natural catastrophes.
More Emergency Planning Tips For Your Pet
We continue to provide emergency planning tips for your pet in the light of the new Hurricane season.
"Get a Pet Emergency Supply kit. Just as you do with your family think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Consider two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Plus, be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
Food. Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
Medicines and medical records. Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
Collar with tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and tag in your pet's emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet's registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database."
We had previously discussed microchipping for your pets, here .
"Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you provided that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet's sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches or those with added cleaners.
A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet."
Plan now for potential emergencies for your and your pet.
Be prepared. Be ready.
