The Pet Friendly Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
www.petfriendly.ca - pet-friendly lodging in Canada
www.petfriendly.travel - pet-friendly hotels in the USA
www.pawfriendly.com - Pet Lovers Community
September 2007
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Sometimes people are reluctant to adopt a pet from an
animal shelter because they think there must be something
wrong with it. In fact, there are thousands of healthy &
loving pets available who ended up at the shelter through
no fault of their own. Adopting from a shelter also gives
you access to the staff's experience & advice on finding
a pet to fit your lifestyle (the topic of today's
featured article).
Here are a few links to shelters & rescue organizations:
Please send us your favourite pet photos!
You could see them in a future issue of this newsletter. See you next month!
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PET QUOTES
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"A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides
you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and
winter's drawing near. His head is within our hand in his
old way." (Mary Carolyn Davies)
"Never feed your cat anything that clashes with the
carpet." (Source Unknown)
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PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS
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"Rutger is our 8 year old cockatiel. She loves kisses and
scratches on the head, showers/baths, looking out the window and following
you from room to room. She's so curious and loves new places to sit. She
once thought the copier feeder tray was a great spot to sit for an evening,
we made sure it wasn't turned on of course. When I'm painting in watercolors,
I always have to watch because she will fly over and jump into my water
dish. If she won't take no for an answer, I'll change the water before
she gets in. She was our 'transition' pet when we lost our first dog and
she's made a wonderful addition to our family."
- Diane from Winnipeg, Manitoba
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"I'm so laid-back!" - Sent in by Mary
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"Oh, I'm sleepy...... "- Maomao from Montreal, Quebec
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Want to see your pet here? Send us your photos!
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
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Animal shelters and rescue organizations are filled with
pets who have been turned in by their owners because of
lifestyle issues: the dog requires too much attention or
too much exercise, the cat needs regular grooming that
they don't want to deal with, and so on.
Adopting a new pet is both exciting and rewarding ... and
it should be a life-long commitment. Before you choose a
new pet, consider how it will fit into your lifestyle.
Ask yourself:
- How active are you? If your family enjoys regular long-
distance hiking or walking, look for an active breed
dog that you'll be able to take with you. If you prefer
to relax at home or you only like brief walks, a cat or
a dog with low exercise needs will better suit you.
- How much time can you devote to a pet? Dogs undeniably
require more time and attention than cats do.
- Can you afford to care for a pet? Pets come with a
financial responsibility such as food, training,
veterinary bills, grooming, boarding fees, and more.
- What size of pet is appropriate? Is your home, yard,
and car big enough to accommodate a large-breed dog?
Are you able to physically handle a large dog? Do
you have any physical conditions that may prevent
you from exercising or caring for a pet?
- What length of coat can you care for? Long-haired dogs
and cats will require regular grooming to keep the coat
healthy and tangle-free. If you don't have the time or
the inclination to do this yourself, then factor in
the time it takes to transport your pet to a groomer
as well as the additional expense.
- How often do you travel? If you travel often, this may
not be the right time to adopt a pet. Wait until you
have some time to spend adjusting to life with a new
pet (and allow him to adjust to you too!).
Traveling often doesn't mean you can't have a pet, but
you will have to consider who is going to care for him
while you are away - or will you take him with you?
Consider the cost of boarding or pet-sitting, or look
into pet-friendly accommodations so you can bring him
along.
- Do you own or rent your own home? Many landlords do not
permit pets, and it's not a good idea to sneak them in
(if you're found out, you risk being told to get rid of
your pet). Make sure you have it in writing if you're
allowed to have a pet.
- What family considerations do you have? These include
issues such as allergies, or family members with
special needs. Many people with allergies still have
pets because they're willing to do what it takes to
manage their allergies. Is your family ready for such
a commitment? Another big consideration is children:
if you have very young children, for instance, or you
plan to have children, it may not be the best idea to
get a high-energy dog that requires a great deal of
attention and supervision.
- What age of pet do you want? Puppies and kittens are
cute, but do you have the time to raise one? If not,
consider adopting an adult or even a senior pet. Adult
pets have plenty of love to give and will bond to their
new people.
Make sure everyone in the household agrees to a pet and gets
the opportunity to meet the pet prior to adoption. Take the time
to find a pet that's a good match for you. It will ensure that you get
the pet you want, and ensure that a pet gets a loving, permanent home.
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UPCOMING PET EVENTS
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- Sept 8/07: Cochrane, Alberta: Cochrane Humane Society's
6th Annual Mutt Strut. Hundreds of dogs and their
guardians take part in the walk, and the popular
marketplace features pet portraits, pet-i-cures and more.
More info
- Sept 9/07 - 37 communities throughout British Columbia:
BC SPCA's Paws for a Cause... walk for the animals!
Help raise $750,000 for animals in need.
More info
- Sept 9/07: Ottawa, Ontario: the Ottawa Humane Society's
2007 IAMS Wiggle Waggle Walkathon @ Central Experimental
Farm Arboretum... rain or shine! Prizes and contests too.
More info
- Sept 29/07: Halifax, NS: the Nova Scotia SPCA's Cause
for Paws Charity Dinner and Auction @ the Marriott
Halifax Harbourfront Hotel.
More info
- Oct 27/07: Winnipeg, Manitoba: the Winnipeg Humane
Society's Scent-Sational Bow Wow Ball @ the Fairmont
Winnipeg. Enjoy gourmet dining & dancing.
More info
If your non-profit pet organization is holding an event,
please send us the details!
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