pets

'Tis the season to deck the halls, but do it carefully - make sure your holiday decorations don't pose unnecessary risks for your furry friends!

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Including our pets in our holiday celebrations is something many of us like to do. Whether you're staying home or hitting the road, a little planning can help to make the holiday safe and happy for everyone!

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Some folks may be hesitant to adopt an older pet, but the advantages usually outweigh the disadvantages.  Often the adoption fee is reduced for senior pets, making them a smart choice for adoption.  In return, the human gets a healthy, loving pet, a companion and a new best friend!

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Someone must have a special heart to work at an animal shelter.  The work is hard, sometimes heart-breaking, but adoptions and reunions make it all worthwhile.  So make some time to let a shelter worker know you appreciate all their efforts and their dedication for the pets and people of their community!

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Elle is the American Humane Association's 2013 Hero Dog of the year.  She is a Therapy Dog and has her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.  She is also an American Bull Terrier, often called a Pit Bull.  Breeders say they are friendly, intelligent and make great family pets.  Unfortunately there are those who misuse members of the breed for dogfighting because of their muscular build and strength.

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Halloween can be a fun time for people and pets, as long as the humans make sure their furry buddies are comfortable and safe!

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This is the week for Halloween, with all the costumes and decorations and yummy candy and other treats. Like so many other celebrations we enjoy, this one can pose some very real hazards for our pets.

Probably one of the things that makes dogs so appealing to us humans is that they have a natural smile.  That and the fact that they make such great companions!

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The month of October is Adopt-a-Dog Month. To help celebrate the occasion, let’s consider the American Humane Association’s list of the Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Dog From Your local animal shelter or animal rescue group.

Number ten on the list - You’ll never have to sweep your kitchen floor again.

St. Francis of Assisi was a thirteenth century friar who left a legacy of love and compassion for all living creatures.  Churches and schools are named for him and statues of him adorn public places and private gardens.  He would be pleased to know that eight centuries later he is the inspiration for the annual blessing of the animals.

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Rabies has almost been eliminated in the United States - almost, but not entirely.  Every year there are still one or two human deaths  from the disease, and several thousand cases of rabies in animals reported. 

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Golden Retrievers are popular dogs - friendly, intelligent, energetic, and very loyal to their humans.   When circumstances separated Mary Ellen Frazier from her dog, Bailey, it comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with this breed that both were anxious to find each other again.

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If you rescue an orphaned or injured wild animal in Alabama you could find yourself in a sticky situation, especially if it's one of the seven species that are no longer allowed to be cared for and rehabilitated under the new regulations.  

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Guard dog?  Not in this home - there's a guard cat on duty, defending her human and foiling a would-be burglar!

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The 2013 Hero Dog Awards seeks to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways.  Dogs are nominated in one of eight categories:  Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs.

The 2013 Hero Dog Awards seeks to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways.  Dogs are nominated in one of eight categories:  Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs.

In the world of Search and Rescue operations, dogs have a very special place.  their keen sense of smell, excellent night vision, extremely sensitive hearing and endurance have made them crucial in efforts to locate people who are missing or trapped.

The 2013 Hero Dog Awards seeks to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways.  Dogs are nominated in one of eight categories:  Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs.

The Service Dog category includes animals that assist people with disabilities other than sight and hearing.  Most have received special training.