June Is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

Two of our adopted cats, Sage & Raven

This is a great time to adopt a shelter cat or two!  The first wave of Kitten Season has already hit in a lot of places, which means shelters are filling up with kittens, leaving little or no room, especially for adult cats.  Many rescue groups are waiving or reducing fees for adopting cats this month.  When you adopt you save a life and make room for another cat to have a chance.

Check out the links below to help in your decision and to learn how to make an adoption go smoothly:

  1. Please consider adopting adult cats—there are a ton of reasons why they make wonderful pets!
  2. What to consider before you adopt and the things you’ll need.
  3. Two cats can be better than one!
  4. Prepare for your new furred family members.
  5. Bringing your new cat home. More good tips on bringing home your new cat.
  6. Learn how to introduce two cats. More advice on introducing cats. And even more advice on introducing your new cat to other cats.
  7. Learn how to introduce your new cat to your resident dog. More good advice on introducing your new cat to your dog.
  8. Allergies?  Check out the podcast about living with allergies & pets. And the ASPCA has a list of tips.

Stanley’s Most Recent Update

What an amazing journey.  It all started with Cathy at CampCocker quietly going about the hard work of rescuing Cocker Spaniels when she saw a dog in desperate need like so many dogs, except this wasn’t a Cocker, it was a pitt bull.  Cathy stepped up, made an amazing video, and Stanley’s rescue started.  It’s so inspiring to see how far he’s come in this latest video and the other dogs who have been saved as a result.

But, I think we have to remember he is just one dog.  There are thousands out there every day who are also desperately in need of medical care, kindness, and a home.  Stanley really isn’t any more special than all those other dogs.  Every dog needing rescue has a story, a will to live, a personality, a spirit, and a mind.  Please consider adopting a dog instead of purchasing a dog.  They’re all special.  And your journey with them will be so rewarding.

Lastly, I want to say I do not understand how people can demonize a breed of dog.  Stanley has been through hell, but just look at the tail wagging when he gets out of his crate at the airport.

Stanley’s story wouldn’t be possible without these groups and they all need donations including LA Animal Services:

  • Los Angeles Animal Services—they have programs to improve the welfare of animals in their shelters, to provide foster homes, for spay/neuter campaigns in low income areas, & to provide medical treatment for “severely injured, abused, and neglected animals rescued by Animal Services”
  • CampCocker
  • Respect-A-Bull

Friday Is Take You Dog To Work Day

Saffron\'s kind of work.This Friday June 25th is Take Your Dog To Work Day. I’m thinking, unless you already take your dog to work at least sometimes or you have the most laid back dog and you know the other dogs at your workplace will be laid back too, this may not be the best day to take your dog to work for the first time.

But, that’s not to say you can’t bring attention to the value of dogs in the workplace or focus on the TYDTWD mission of spotlighting the benefits of adopting your dog from an animal rescue organization. In fact, participating workplaces are asked to partner with animal shelters to help increase adoptions of shelter dogs.

Some tips on a successful Take Your Dog To Work Day:

  • bring a familiar blanket or bed
  • take your dog for a walk before taking her to work
  • keep you dog confined to your workspace
  • make sure your workspace is pooch-proofed
  • identify an appropriate potty place outside & bring poop bags
  • bring a puzzle toy like a Twist ‘n Treat or Tricky Treat Ball
  • make sure your dog is clean and flea free
  • provide water
  • avoid any situations where resource guarding may occur
  • don’t leave your dog unattended
  • keep your dog leashed when outside and in common areas
  • be considerate of co-workers
  • have a back-up plan if your dog isn’t happy and needs to go home early