Pet Project

February 11, 2009

Australia’s Pets Affected By Fires

Australia is just finding out the scope of the devastation from the bushfires. In the coming days, pets are going to need medical care, housing, food, and reuniting with their people. You can help with a money donation to the RSPCA Victoria.

The RSPCA Victoria’s phone number is 03 9224 2222. They can help with emergency assistance, medical care, temporary shelter, and providing emergency food. If you’re in Australia, they are accepting donations of food, bedding, bowls, and leashes. They are especially seeking donations of temporary fencing. At this time, they have enough private foster homes.

If you’ve lost or found a pet, submit this form.

If you’re able to offer help, submit this form.

You can also donate to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) who is sending volunteers. You can see their updates on their blog.

February 10, 2009

Life With A Fearful Dog

It’s so encouraging to read about the happy outcome of one completely unsocialized dog named Ice who was rejected from a sled dog breeding operation and turned over to a shelter in Colorado.

Ice has come a long way from being terrified of doorways and ringing phones. His story shows that with some real effort, even terribly fearful dogs can be rehabilitated. What a fortunate boy that shelter workers and his adopted family committed themselves to helping him become a real dog.

February 9, 2009

Shoplifting Dog Found

Did you see the video of a dog stealing a rawhide bone from a grocery store in Utah? Looks like it was Akira, an 11 yr. old Husky. She went almost 12 miles round trip to snag the treat. Her people brought her to the store to see if employees recognized her. They sure did.

February 6, 2009

Friday Fun: Lola Hucklebutts

Hucklebutting is a a delightfully loony bit of Bull Terrier behavior demonstrated here by the beautiful Lola. Behold!

February 5, 2009February 5, 2009

Cat Cafes In Tokyo

Not allowed to have pets where you live? In Tokyo, you can relax at a cat cafe with a cup of tea and a bevy of freshly groomed kitties.

I checked out videos on Youtube and there are apparently several cat cafes. Some seem like they might be ok for the cats—the cats are rescues, there are strict rules about how to treat the cats, no children allowed, everyone has to wash their hands before coming in. Other cafes don’t seem good for the cats—too loud, small children allowed, only pure bred cats, too many people. (thanks Ange)