First National Food Drive for Family Pets

 

First National Food Drive for Family Pets Begins Just In Time for the Holidays

Pet lovers asked to donate pet food Nov. 5 -14 at PETCO locations nationwide to help furry friends in need;

PETCO stores serve as link for nation’s largest network of pet food banks

The PETCO Foundation and PETCO will host America’s first National Pet Food Drive from Nov. 5 through Nov. 14 to help pet parents in need provide a healthy and plentiful holiday season for their four-legged family members. Specially marked pet food collection bins can be found in PETCO stores across the country.

PETCO and the PETCO Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind National Pet Food Bank program in March, starting with about 250 stores in select markets. Today, all of PETCO’s more than 1,000 stores have designated pet food bins in place for year-round collection. Each store has partnered with a local food bank or animal welfare group to donate pet food and litter directly to economically stressed pet parents in that store’s community. The national program has already provided more than 110 tons of donated pet food and litter to those in need.

“We believe that no one should have to give up their pet companions due to financial stress, and our associates and customers agree,” said Paul Jolly, the PETCO Foundation’s executive director and a PETCO vice president. “Our national food bank program makes it easy for people to help keep pets well-nourished and with the families who love them in tough economic times. During this two-week national drive, we’re asking the communities we serve to give a little extra and help us raise awareness for this important year-round program.”

In support of the National Pet Food Drive, Best Friends Animal Society is mobilizing volunteers in about 200 PETCO stores to help consumers learn more about the program.

During the food drive, Hill’s Science Diet will match, bag-for-bag, every bag of Hill’s cat or dog food purchased at a PETCO store and donated to the food drive, up to 25,000 pounds.

“What PETCO and the PETCO Foundation have done by building a nationwide network of pet food banks and hosting this National Pet Food Drive just in time for the holiday season is incredibly helpful,” said Ellen Gilmore, national campaign specialist for Best Friends Animal Society. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our support and help ensure none of our furry friends go hungry now or ever.”

The food bank program is an extension of the PETCO Foundation’s “We Are Family, Too” fund, which provides seed funding for animal-welfare programs to help pet parents in financial crisis, including food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet-friendly housing, short-term foster care and veterinarian services. While the foundation also has programs in place to help feed pets in shelters, this program is specifically designed to support local food banks and families in financial crisis.

To learn more about the PETCO Foundation and how you can make a difference, visit www.petcofoundation.org. To learn more about PETCO or to find a location near you, visit www.petco.com. For the latest news on anything and everything PETCO – from updates about the company to incredible acts of animal kindness – visit the company’s blog at www.petcoscoop.com.

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

 

About Best Friends Animal Society®

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®.  The society’s leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country’s largest no-kill sanctuary.  This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation.

Purr-Fect Gifts for Every Cat and the Humans Who Love Them

FELINE-FRIENDLY GIFTS TO SPOIL KITTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Purr-fect Gifts for Every Cat and the Humans Who Love Them

Finicky kitties want more than a stuffed mouse filled with catnip or a standard carpet-covered cat gym this holiday. Pamper your beloved pussycat this year with a unique gift from KittyUtopia.com™, which offers an array of luxury cat products for the even the most discerning felines—and their owners.

Here are a few recommendations from KittyUtopia^TM’s CEO Billy the Cat and his human pet, S. “Rain” Rainess:

Best Stocking Stuffers

Catnip Bubbles: There are only so many games a cat and human can play:  hide and seek, chase the lazor beam, dinner time.  Well, here is a new game that is sure to become a quick favorite.  Kitty will spend her time chasing and popping the delicious bubbles flavored with premium quality natural catnip, while her Human enjoys blowing the bubbles and watching Kitty go!

 

Remote Control Mouse: Want to play a little game of Cat-and-Mouse?  Great entertainment for both the human and Kitty, the Remote Control Mouse flies by and Kitty goes running!  The remote allows for easy navigation around curves and under furniture to keep Kitty guessing.

 

Best Holiday Gifts

Cat Tree House: Cats are inclined to climb, yet most kitty-friendly climbers are not designed for human homes… until now.  This stunning cat tree house is designed with both Kitty and Human in mind.  Kitty can perch and climb to her heart’s content while using the wood as a natural scratching post, while Human can enjoy the beauty of a stunning home accessory.

Best Gifts for Cat Lovers

What is My Cat Thinking T-Shirt: The perfect stocking stuffer for any cat lover, these shirts offer a twist on human perception, featuring scenes like a fish swimming in a bowl with the caption “Fast Food” and a cat’s litter box with the cat-translation of “Safe Deposit Box.”

ABOUT KittyUtopia^TM

KittyUtopia^TM is an online boutique, offering unique feline products as well as interactive content, including What is My Cat Thinking, where cat owners can try to figure out what a cat is thinking when it finds itself in interesting circumstances and Billy’s Purr-spective, the only blog in the world written by a cat.  Rain has also written the book Silly Billy, which showcases Billy the cat in precarious situations.

 

Skattered Moments

Skattered Moments takes a simple photo and transforms it into personal, customized artwork.  This unique concept makes an extraordinary gift for someone special or an incredible addition to your own home.

A favorite photo of your family, pet, landscape, or anything you can capture can be scattered, customized and transformed into spectacular wall art of almost any dimension.

The innovative process uses patent pending software to turn photographs into stunning wall art, by pixelating an image using a variety of shapes and then dividing the image across any number of frames.

For more information, visit their website by clicking on this link: Skattered Moments.

Injinji Performance Toe Socks

Runners, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts have long experienced the competitive advantage of Injinji Performance Toesocks.

Now, team sport athletes are taking note of the incredible benefits associated with Injinji’s patented five-toe-sleeve design. From MLB superstars to the Long Beach State Men’s Lacrosse team, athletes are rethinking tube socks and are embracing performance enhancing Injinji Performance Toesocks.

Injinji breaks the traditional tube sock mold with a design that enables wearers to fully utilize the agility, dexterity and balance associated with each individual toe while providing a seamless layer of sport-specific comfort and protection.

Engineered to separate each toe with an anti-friction, breathable membrane, Injinji Performance Toesocks are ideal for training, practice and game day performance. “Every team sport athlete needs complete and correct use of his feet from heel to five toes,” said Dr. Marc A. Brenner, New York-based podiatric physician and founding director of the Institute of Diabetic Foot Research.

“Injinji Performance Toesocks improve the foot architecture and eliminate fungus infections, yeasts and molds by removing shear and stress forces.  In doing this, the athlete’s performance will obviously improve.”

From lacrosse and football to soccer and basketball, Injinji Performance Toesocks are beneficial for all types of athletes. As football players are often plagued by plantar fasciitis and turf toe, Dr. Brenner says Injinji Toesocks can help prevent these ailments by promoting proper foot biomechanics.

Long Beach State Lacrosse defender Andrew Smith saw an immediate improvement in his performance while wearing the Performance Series Toesock last season. “I liked the additional support on my arches and the freedom of being able to move my toes individually inside my cleats,” he said. “The physical advantages they provided really allowed me to mentally focus on the game.” The majority of his team suited up in the Toesocks for the ’09-’10 season, with many players reporting benefits ranging from cooler, drier feet to the absence of athlete’s foot.

The Performance Series Toesock is recognized for its ability to provide superior moisture management and healthy digital alignment. The toesocks separate each toe with a thin layer of anti-friction, moisture-wicking CoolMax® fabric. Injinji’s original and most popular toesock, the Performance Series is ideal for a variety of sport activities. MSRP $12-$14.

Injinji’s EX-Celerator Compression Toesock is an essential addition to the athlete’s recovery routine. The over-the-calf toesock provides graduated compression with LYCRA® Energy fabric, which fuels circulation and promotes swift muscle recovery during and after exercise, and also incorporates antimicrobial and moisture-wicking Coolmax® freshFX™ fibers. MSRP $38

Injinji is the maker of Performance Toesocks™ for sport, outdoor and casual use and is a recipient of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. For more information on the company, visit www.injinji.com.

 

Pet Transport Soars To New Heights

A MATCH MADE IN THE SKY: PET TRANSPORT SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Petmate® Partners with Pet Airways® to Make Travel by Air Safe and Comfortable!

Arlington, TX (November 11, 2010) – Petmate, the company that invented airline-approved portable carriers, is proud to announce its partnership with Pet Airways, the first airline specifically designed to transport pets.

Pet Airways is the first pet-only airline, where pets fly in the main cabin – not in cargo. Pets fly in the specially equipped and climate controlled main cabin and are continuously monitored by the In-Flight Pet Attendant. The company’s mission is to provide safe and comfortable transportation of pets. The airline launched in 2009, and now serves coast-to-coast destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Atlanta and Ft Lauderdale.

As a valued Pet Airways partner, Petmate is now the sole provider of carriers to help ensure the safe transport of the pets. Since October 2010, Pet Airways has exclusively transported pets in Petmate’s Vari Kennel carriers, an ideal solution that makes travel safe and enjoyable for pets and pet parents alike. With durable wire windows, covered door posts, rear vents, moated interiors, heavy duty kennel fasteners and a secure door that provides closure with a handy squeeze-latch entry, these carriers are designed with safety in mind. The line is offered in a wide variety of sizes to fit the tiniest of pups and cats to giant dog breeds.

“As a leader in the pet carrier industry, we’re a logical partner, with our expertise in safe pet transportation,” says Brad Kane, vice president of marketing for Petmate. “We feel that, as a cherished part of the family, on-the-go pets should experience safe and comfortable air travel, and their families should be able to rest assured that their pets are taken care of in the best way possible.”

“We are extremely excited to partner with Petmate. In our search for the right pet carriers, the Petmate line of products stood out as the products that would provide the safety, quality and durability we were looking for. Petmate is a premier company that is very passionate about all aspects of pet care and together we will make travel for pets safer and more comfortable one flight at a time,” says Dan Wiesel, CEO of Pet Airways, Inc. “The announcement of this partnership caps off some significant developments for Pet Airways in the last few weeks, including the announcement of our trading symbol PAWS on the OTC BB, and features in The Washington Post and New York Post.”

About Pet Airways, Inc. (OTCBB: PAWS)
Pet Airways is the first airline specifically designed for the safe and comfortable,  transportation of pets. Pet Airways’ pawsengerstm travel in the specially equipped main cabin of its planes – where pets are continuously monitored by an In-Flight Pet Attendant and the climate is controlled for maximum pet comfort. With Pet Airways, pet parents can be assured their animals will be treated with tender, loving care throughout the journey.  The airline launched flight operations in 2009, and currently provides coast-to-coast to 9 cities.  For more information, go to www.petairways.com

Petmate® is the trusted authority in smart solutions for devoted pet parents and discerning retailers alike. Our mission – making the experience of being a pet parent more enjoyable – has remained steady for nearly half a century because we have pets too. Attractive design and superb function are Petmate hallmarks, as shown in complete lines of quality pet products including portable kennels, dog houses, bedding, litter maintenance, feeding and watering products, toys, collars and leads, and pet accessories. All Petmate products can be found at pet supply stores nationwide.

Black Cats are “Lucky” After All

Pet insurance claims indicate that black cats are less prone to accidents

Halloween conjures images of mysterious black cats that cross paths and bring bad luck. According to Petplan pet insurance, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Among the cat population, black cats are the least accident-prone, resulting in the lowest number of pet insurance claims.

Based on Petplan’s insurance claims, black cats are 15% less likely to be victims of an accident or injury compared to their colorful kitty counterparts. By contrast, orange cats are twice as likely as their inky cousins to be involved in a mishap. These unforeseen accidents can cost a small fortune.

Petplan’s most “unlucky” cat to date is a grey one, named April. After ingesting a belly’s worth of plastic, she required extensive surgery. Luckily, April survived and so did the family’s bank account. Petplan picked up 99% of the $5,000 veterinary bill for the insured cat, their highest feline accident claim to date.

While black cats may be lucky in avoiding accidents, they are not as fortunate when it comes to being adopted. According to a study by the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, black cats are often the last to be selected at an animal shelter.

Despite this, “Lucky” is the third most popular name of black cats insured by Petplan. Subscriber favorites include “Midnight” as the top choice with “Boo” as the next preferred. Black cat names inspired by popular culture include “Beetlejuice,” “Optimus Prime,” “Leroy Brown,” and “Jesse James.”

“Regardless of the color of your pet, this Halloween keep all furry friends away from lit jack-o-lanterns, decorations, and candy,” advises veterinarian Dr. Jules Benson, Petplan’s Vice President of Veterinary Services. The average veterinary cost of chocolate ingestion by a pet is scary indeed… upwards of $1,000.00. Additional Halloween safety tips are available on Petplan’s webpage (http://www.GoPetplan.com/newsletter/201010/newsletter.aspx).

About Petplan

Petplan is America’s #1 rated pet insurance company, offering comprehensive accident and illness health insurance for dogs and cats. Petplan offers simple, customizable policies to meet any coverage requirements and budget and is the only pet health insurance provider to cover all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet without dollar limits per condition. For more information, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.

Tips on Halloween Candy and Avoiding Tooth Decay

Tips on Halloween Candy and Avoiding Tooth Decay

By Dr. Margaret Mitchell

Kids love candy and Halloween is a great time to celebrate that love. However, what is a parent to do if they are worried about tooth decay from all this candy consumption? Candy usually contains sugar, which the bacteria that cause tooth decay dine on. So eating a food loaded with carbohydrate or sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Consequently, to avoid negative impacts from candy, we have to do two things: 1) Avoid excessive consumption of these sugary treats and 2) Lessen the amount of time the sugar is present in the mouth.

As the owner of Mitchell Dental Spa, a dental spa facility in Chicago’s Water Tower Place, I’d like to offer the following tips to for protecting your kids teeth at Halloween.

• Examine your child’s candy to see if it meets your approval.
• It is okay for your child to eat any candy that you approve of, but to help lessen the chance for tooth decay, have them brush as soon as possible (after eating the candy). If a child or adult brushes right after, the impact of the candy on the teeth is minimal.
• Avoid sticky candy such as taffy, gummy bears, caramel, etc.  Sticky Candy adheres to teeth and causes decay
• Kids can eat candy ANYTIME, there is not a good time of day/night to eat candy
• Prior to Halloween, visit your dentist to have sealants put into the child’s teeth grooves

If brushing soon after eating is not possible, then try the following:

• Consume the candy with a meal. The increased saliva production while eating will help wash the sweet off the teeth.
• Rinse the mouth with water.
• Chew a sugarless gum (especially those containing xylitol) after snacking on candy. The increased saliva from chewing will help wash the sugar off the teeth and xylitol gums help control the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Eat the candy quickly in one sitting to decrease the amount of time it is contact with the teeth. Avoid eating any candy slowly over an extended time or over multiple sittings. Recent studies have shown that length of time eating a sweet can be more harmful than the amount of sweet consumed. This means hard candies, breath mints, etc. (long residence time in the mouth) can actually be worse for your teeth than a chocolate candy bar (shorter residence time in the mouth).
• Avoid sugary sodas.  They are: 1) Loaded with sugar (often over 10 teaspoons per 12 ounce serving), 2) Are acidic enough to dissolve away tooth enamel, and 3) Are often sipped for long periods of time, resulting in teeth that are being bathed with sugar and acid almost continuously throughout the day.

For more information, please visit www.MitchellDentalSpa.com.

About Mitchell Dental Spa

The philosophy of the Mitchell Dental Spa is over-the-top dentistry combined with over-the-top amenities.  Unlike other cosmetic dental offices which only have dental services, the Mitchell Dental Spa is a full-service facility offering dentistry along with massages, facials, and skin rejuvenation. Complimentary 10-15 minute spa treatments are included with every visit and this is offered up along with refreshments, a friendly staff and world-class professional service.  The Mitchell Dental Spa is located at 845 North Michigan Avenue in Suite 922 East in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. For more information, please call (312) 642-1014 or visit http://www.mitchelldentalspa.com.

 

Trick or Treat: Seven Ways to Keep your Pet Safe this Halloween

1.    Be careful with Halloween decorations.  Pumpkins and corn are considered to be non-toxic, but they can create gastrointestinal problems when ingested by a pet. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed. Additionally, curious pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire.

2.    Make sure your pet’s costume is safe. The costume should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow.

3.    Have pets try on costumes a day or two before wearing them. If the pet appears distressed, has an allergic reaction, or shows abnormal behavior, remove the outfit.

4.    Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small pieces that could lead to a choking incident. Poor fitting outfits can get twisted on your pet, leading to injury.

5.    During prime trick-or-treat hours, keep shy dogs in a separate room. Too many strangers can be scary and overwhelming for pets.

6.    When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, make sure that your cat or dog doesn’t run outside unexpectedly. Always make sure your pet has the proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

7.    Sorry Fluffy, but Halloween treats are just for kids. If you have a pet in the house,  be mindful of the following:

• Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers are a choking hazard for pets, in worst cases ingestion may cause intestinal blockage.

• Chocolate can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate, and even seizures.

• Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even minimal amounts of xylitol can create a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur. Avoid lollipops and hard candies when you are around your pet.

These Halloween hints for canine safety are brought to you by Camp Bow Wow!

About Camp Bow Wow®

Where a dog can be a dog®

In just 10 years, Camp Bow Wow, the premier doggy daycare and overnight camp, has grown to include over 100 Camps across North America, becoming a $50 million business. The company was recently ranked as the 447th fastest growing private company on the INC magazine 500 for 2009 list.

The Camp concept provides the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its campers, and peace of mind for their parents. Dogs romp together in an open-play environment and pricing is all-inclusive.  New services include Bow Wow Behavior Buddies, an in-home dog training program, which will launch in May 2010.  Since the Boulder, Colorado-based Company started franchising in 2003, Camp Bow Wow has sold more than 275 franchises in 39 states, plus one in Canada, over 41% being women-owned. As Camp Bow Wow grows, our simple philosophy remains the same: It’s all about the dogs.

www.campbowwow.com

www.facebook.com/campbowwow

www.twitter.com/campbowwow

 

Author Captures the Courage and Dedication of the Dogs of War

Clayton, CA – Nicole Arbelo became a dog lover when, as a child, the family German shepherd took a near fatal bite from a rattlesnake that was meant for her. In the early years of the Iraqi war, she discovered a special website where she read about fallen soldiers. She also learned that she could “adopt” several K9 handlers and their military working dogs (MWDs) in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the stories that impressed her was about Sgt. Adam Cann—a K-9 dog handler who died in a suicide attack that killed 58 people in Iraq in 2006.

Sgt. Cann was from her hometown of Davie, Florida.  Bruno, the dog survived.  She decided to track down Bruno’s new handler, Corporal Justin Granado and she began writing. His story is one of dozens of stories of military dogs and handlers that she ultimately captured in her new book K9 Heroes; Together We Protect, Defend, and Conquer As One.

Sgt. Adam Cann and Bruno.

 

K-9 Heroes is a heartfelt and galvanizing collection of true stories about courage and duty, love and loss, as told by the men and women serving with military working dogs. Sgt. Cann and Cpl. Granada are among the nearly 30 elite marines and soldiers who are featured. Each story relates describes the experiences the handlers had and how their dogs are fearless, loyal and protective partners during missions and loving companions and that relieve stress and boredom when times are slow.

Military dogs have long been used in combat, but since 2001, the number of dogs has increase from 1,300 to 2,800. They are used to scout, search, and rescue. Some are trained to detect explosives. Others are used as sentries, mascots, attack dogs, and guards. General David Patraeus stated that their skills “cannot be replicated by man or machine.”

All are ready to lay down their lives for their handlers.

K9 Heroes, By Nicole Arbelo

List $ 14.95, ISBN: 978-1-4327-4475-5

Format: 6 x 9 paperback, published by Outskirts Press.

It is available at bookstores online. For more information visit www.outskirtspress.com/K9Heroes

K9 Heroes is illustrated with more 100 photographs that support the touching and often heart-wrenching stories of soldiers and their dogs. Arbelo also has a following of over 6,000 on Facebook—“K9 Heroes”—where she posts the latest news in the world of MWDs, police dogs, and Search and Rescue dogs. She also recruits generous people who develop friendships with deployed K9 handlers and their military working dogs and continuously send care packages.

Visit K-9 Heroes on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/K9-Heroes/276347852850?v=wall

 

About the Author: Nicole Arbelo has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Human Development. She began working with special needs students in elementary schools in 1998, and now is involved with deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students. She is working to become state certified in American Sign Language to be an Interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing. She lives in Clayton, California.

Hero Dogs: We Salute You

via HomeAgain Newsletter

Although the exact date of the origin is disputed, there is no question that the 10,000+ years of the human/dog relationship has been of significant benefit to human beings. Over the years, dogs have made their way into our lives as fearless hunters, skillful herders, best friends, and helpful heroes. Our focus is on the latter, selfless hero dogs that bravely protect and rescue human beings on a daily basis.

Boldly going where we can’t. One of the key ingredients in the make-up of a hero dog is the ability to chart dangerous terrain and squeeze into tiny and cavernous places. Dogs have the right blend of lithe, stealth, and agility that enables them to accomplish extraordinary athletic feats. The hero dog also has the cognitive focus and discipline required to stay calm in a precarious situation. Search and rescue dogs accomplish amazing tasks and are a true asset when disaster strikes and tests the limits of what people can do.

The evolution of the search and rescue dog. Let’s imagine the first dog rescue took place thousands of years ago. Perhaps a lonely and tired shepherd slipped on a rocky slope and was injured and trapped at the bottom of a steep ravine. Night fell in the village, and only the dog returned home, antsy and barking. The villagers sensed, through the dog’s distressed state, something was wrong and followed the dog into the night. The loyal and clever animal led the people to his master, and the shepherd was pulled from the ravine, alive and very grateful.

This is pure speculation, but it was certainly instances like this that inspired us to begin breeding and training dogs to fulfill this valuable search and rescue role—a role that comes quite naturally to them. In modern times, search and rescue dog training involves a specialized focus on specific types of rescues:

• Wilderness
• Disaster
• Cadaver (Human Remains Detection)
• Avalanche
• Drowning

Search and rescue dogs are a vital part of nearly all emergency response teams and having specific training and field experience is one of their biggest on-the-job assets.

What’s in a nose? The constantly twitching and cold-to-the-touch nose of a dog is a very busy and very powerful organ. Beyond its remarkable capabilities to alert a dog, mid-slumber, that there is a sandwich nearby, a dog’s nose can detect and discern among hundreds of scents in its environment. In fact, most of a dog’s brain function is devoted to smelling, and dogs have olfactory bulbs as large as four times the size of humans. Equipped with super-sniffers like that, it’s no wonder search and rescue dogs can hone in on accident victims trapped underneath feet of rubble and debris.

Scent-training begins in puppyhood and typically involves a kind of game-like training where puppies are taught basic retrieving skills that evolve into scent-tracking skills. The most common dog breeds trained for air-scenting and tracking are German and Belgian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Golden or Labrador Retrievers. For these dog breeds, it’s the size and shape of their nose that makes them a natural choice—longer and larger dog noses are generally more discerning and powerful.

Remembering the search and rescue dogs of 9/11. Every September now marks the somber memorial of the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks. It is a sad time, as we mourn the loss of our family, friends, and fellow Americans who were the victims of the national assault and the brave protectors who were called to support the rescue efforts. Their sacrifice, bravery, and heroism does not go unforgotten or unappreciated.

This year, as we honor the memory of bravery and selflessness that constitutes heroism, don’t forget the extraordinary accomplishments made by the 9/11 search and rescue dogs. These dogs also bravely answered their call to duty and tirelessly canvassed the rubble and wreckage in search of survivors. Over 300 hundred search and rescue dogs were called in to assist the rescue efforts, and amazingly, none of the dogs perished in the line of duty. These dogs worked hard to save lives and brought to the rescue team a much needed sense of inspiration and camaraderie in what will always be considered one of our nation’s darkest hours.

Everyday dog heroes. Some dog heroes spend their day-to-day life pursuing the hero’s quest. Better known as service dogs, these dogs fulfill a valuable role in our society assisting those of us who need it most: the blind, the deaf, the developmentally challenged, and the elderly. Service dogs protect and serve their owners by keeping them safe and making daily life challenges a little easier to manage.

Service dogs for the blind are the most common and almost everyone has seen one of these guys on the job. They are trained to lead their owner around safely by avoiding obstacles and are keenly aware of traffic signals and safety protocol. Please remember that service dogs really are working dogs. When you see them out with their owner, they are on the job. Refrain from petting these gentle friends because those kinds of distractions can be a danger to their owner.

Celebrating the hero dog in your life. Not every dog needs to save a small child from a burning building to be considered a hero. For most of us, it’s the everyday feats of love and loyalty that make the biggest impact in our lives: enthusiastic welcome-home greetings with vigorous tail-wagging, cold-nose nudges that remind us of our four-season commitment to after-dinner walks, and an uncanny cuddle-response to our bad-day stress and anxiety. These are the kinds of heroic feats that are the endless rewards of owning and caring for a dog. Take the time out each day or, as needed, to celebrate the shy puppy, clever mutt, or happy hound that is the true hero dog in your life!

 

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