Mad About Pets!

From Dane County Humane Society:

MADISON, WI – For the next four days, Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is removing the price tag on all available cats, 6 months of age and older, allowing adopters to pay what they are able to pay. The spring and summer months are always busy for DCHS, but a late surge of cats entering the shelter has caused DCHS to quickly near its max capacity. The economy is also putting a new slant on why people are giving up their pets. "It used to be because you are moving and can't keep the pet, or you don't have time for it, but now we really are seeing it trend toward people surrendering their animals because they lost a job, lost their home," said Gayle Viney, DCHS Public Relations Coordinator. "What's hard is these are animals we normally wouldn't see, because their owners really wanted to keep them.”

DCHS traditionally charges $40 to adopt an adult cat and $20 for a senior cat, but starting Thursday, October 27, and running through Sunday, October 30, DCHS is asking adopters to name their own adoption fee. People will be asked to fill in the blank when it comes to paying the adoption fees which include: spay/neuter surgery, distemper and rabies vaccinations, screening and/or treatment for fleas, ticks, mites, worms, ringworm, FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), a microchip, a 30-day health insurance policy, and a free bag of cat food from Mounds Pet Food Warehouse; a total value of over $200!

“We’ve heard and read about similar promotions working in other communities,” said Gayle Viney, DCHS Public Relations Coordinator. “By asking people to pay what they think is fair, it encourages people to be invested in our mission to save pets beyond the mere price tag.” Recently published studies have shown that eliminating the adoption fees does not devalue the pet in the eyes of the adopter. Only the adoption fee is changing, all other DCHS adoption policies remain in effect.

-DCHS Main Shelter – 5132 Voges Road, Madison WI·
-Adoption Center West – 7475 Mineral Point Road #42, Madison WI ·
-Sun Prairie Mounds Satellite Adoption Center - 2422 Montana Avenue, Sun Prairie WI·
-Fitchburg Mounds Satellite Adoption Center - 5352 King James Way, Fitchburg WI·
-Middleton Mounds Satellite Adoption Center - 8311 University Avenue, Middleton WI·
-East Mounds Satellite Adoption Center – 2110 South Stoughton Road, Madison WI

Photo Credit: rburtzel

Welcoming a dog into your house can be a very exciting experience for new owners. However, there are many steps to take to ensure that your dog is fully acclimated to his new environment. Whether you’ve chosen to adopt a dog or found your new companion from a breeder or local shop, keep in mind these tips to help prepare for welcoming your dog into his new forever home.

1) First day nerves.

Often, very young puppies will have a difficult time adjusting to new surroundings and being without their mother. They may express their uneasiness through barking, whining or howling when they should be sleeping. Rest time was when they were closest to their mother and they still crave the nurturing she bestowed upon them. To help ease their homesick pains a warm water bottle wrapped well in towels, or a ticking clock can mimic the security their mother provided them.

2) Decide on crate training.

Many find that crate training is one of the quickest methods for teaching boundaries. Crating does not have to be a negative experience; many dogs love their crate as they know it is their own secure, quiet spot to rest. Also, crate training gives owners peace of mind to know their dog will not get into trouble when they aren’t available to oversee their exploring. For those who are welcoming an adopted dog home it is recommended to find out from the shelter what methods were used to train him, as it may be difficult to crate train a dog that is unfamiliar with this process.

3) Know his nutritional needs.

A veterinarian can help recommend food and nutritional supplements for your dog based on age, breed and build. Typically, many prefer to research all-natural dog products that are gentler on a dog’s system than store-bought canned items. Speak to a professional and find out what products are available, and that fall within your price range!

4) Train them.

Outside of the traditional “sit” and “stay” commands, puppies need to understand how to control their playful energy. Often times an abundance of energy can lead to negative behaviors such as jumping, nipping and stealing of food. These actions can be controlled with some training, which will help them develop into a pleasant companions and social pets. There are a variety of do-it-yourself training methods available, or perhaps a professional dog trainer would be of use to your dog’s needs.

5) Socialize your dog.

This is a critical part of your dog’s development. Dogs that are exposed to many different types of people and animals are more comfortable roaming in the outside world. They will learn how to greet others and not fear other dogs.

Liz Demcsak is a writer from Wet Nose Guide, a nationwide dog care directory for owners on the go. When you’re on the road, let Wet Nose Guide help you find everything from dog vets to dog runs to make your pup feel right at home wherever life may bring you.

Benefit for PAWWS to Heal

$5 Donation at the door includes entry into the evening drawing

We use interaction with our specially-trained therapy animals as a healing tool for children to work through emotional, physical and behavioral problems. When conventional therapy isunable to reach a child, animals and their unconditional love, trust, patience and support areused to assist in healing and to reachgoals,which have been set by therapists, special education teachers, counselors, parents, and guardians.

www.pawwstoheal.org


Treats for 2-legged and 4-legged attendees

Costume Contests :


-Most Original Pet Costume
-Best Pet/Owner Duo
-Cutest Little Creature

With photography by Trina K. Images. All photos taken through out the day will be entered into the costume contest.

$5 suggested donation at the door. Donation automatically enters you in the drawing. Drawing has prizes from many local vendors and stores!