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Do Tell: What Words Make You Think of Puppies and Kittens?

PetSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:30:27 -0700

Although I caught the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday, other than that I didn't watch much of the events on TV. The one sport I did see was the balance beam finals. You may be wondering what this has to do with PetSugar (other than the fact that both Nastia and Shawn are doggie owners), but just bear with me here.
While I was watching this competition, I was struck by how differently the two girls performed and behaved at the event.

The lithe Nastia was very elegant while performing, and seemed composed and reserved on the sidelines. Shawn the dynamo, however, just looked so friendly and was bouncing around and happily chatting with her coach as the scores were tallied. So here I went with my 24/7 animal-crazed mind, and realized there were some words that I unconsciously associated with cats, and others that made me think of puppies.

Now, by no means am I intending to insult either girl (or the sport of gymnastics), but those words I used when describing Nastia totally reminded me of all the stereotypes of a cat, while those for Shawn made me think of a cute, lil puppy - am I totally off-base here? Are there any adjectives that you associate with puppies, and others that you would reserve for cats? Feel free to say I'm silly in your comments below!

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Top 10 Things That Make Some Animals "Less Adoptable"

PetSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:25:00 -0700

Today is Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day! While I'm not suggesting everyone go out and rescue a pet today (if you weren't already planning on it), let's shine a spotlight on those reasons that make some animals "less adoptable." Curious what I mean? Click away and find out.

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9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting

PetSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:20:23 -0700

It's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Throughout October, I'll be sharing tips and tricks for rescuing pooches. If you're thinking about getting a pup, make sure you can answer "yes" to the following nine questions first . . . before you go and fall in love with a furry face.

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Remember the Rescue: Brush Up on Adoption

PetSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:00:28 -0800

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is technically over but that doesn't mean the good deeds should stop. No matter the season, keep these needy dogs in our minds - 'cause they still need help!

9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting	5 Resources to Adopt a Purebred Pooch	6 Common Pre-Adoption Requests
Understand Rescue Facts and Fiction	4 Ways to Help Shelters (Without Donations)	What Do You Know About Animal Shelters?

Have You Ever Regretted Not Adopting?

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:00:02 -0700

My pet-less pal took a trip down to LA last week, and was totally smitten by a certain kitten that was for sale outside of a store. She told me that she hadn't even considered adopting a pet before, but something about that particular cat made her want to put it on the next flight home with her (think Samantha and Baby in the Sex and the City movie). Unfortunately, she didn't take kitty home, now totally regrets her decision, and thinks about "what could have been" every day since. Aww!

I've been known to come close to an adoption breakdown, but I've never had that feeling of regret for not adopting. Besides, I have North at home already! Have you ever come face-to-face with an animal you didn't take home, but later on knew you should have?

Do You Celebrate Adoption Anniversaries, Birthdays, or Both?

PetSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:00:48 -0700

Don't worry, this cute kitten just posed like that before his first trip home - he safely rode in the lap of one Sugar staffer who recently celebrated his adoption anniversary. This got me thinking: Even if you know your pet's exact birth date, do you honor the time you brought him home along with (or instead of) the day he entered the world? I'm all for as many celebrations as possible so I'm marking down Aug. 27 on my calendar so I can remember to honor it for North.

Adam Lippes Adoption Extravaganza

PetSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:00:26 -0700

Seems like another designer wants to lend a helping hand with dog adoptions! Adam Lippes will partner with the ASPCA from April 4 to 6, and host an adoption event right in his Manhattan boutique! Representatives will be on hand to facilitate adoptions of these needy doggies, about 20 of various breeds and sizes will frolic in the windows of the store. What's more is that any shopper choosing to give one of these pups a forever home will receive this limited edition "ADAM Loves Dogs" tee. Adam himself will even be attending on April 5 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and has said, "I can only hope that all of these dogs will find loving homes and will be surprised if I don't walk away with one of them myself."

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Did You Adopt a Baby or an Adult?

PetSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:15:04 -0700

When misslarue asked my opinion on adopting a puppy or an adult dog, it gave me a great poll idea. I've experienced both and can see advantages of each side. Puppies are a fresh start, but you have to make it through that start and middle before the end result of a good dog, whereas adult dogs can be trickier to train if left untrained for a long time (but easier if you don't have the experience/time to train them yourself). Nothing is impossible with a little dedication and a lot of love, but I'm asking what route you traveled for your furry friends.

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The Scoop: Obamas Plan on Adding to the Family

PetSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:00:54 -0700

In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, once again Barack Obama declared that, win or lose, their family would be welcoming a new addition: a dog! It seems everyone has an opinion on which pooch he should choose as the AKC released a list of five hypoallergenic dogs for his daughters' allergies (Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier), and even animal rights activists share their opinions. In a letter to the senator, PETA expressed their view on why Mr. Obama should be looking at shelters instead of breeders:

Millions of Great American Mutts - the dog that should be our national dog - are set to die in our nation's extremely overcrowded pounds and shelters for lack of good homes. Adopting an animal not only saves a life, but demonstrates compassion, and the companion animal overpopulation crisis deserves attention from all Americans.

Although the Obamas have already expressed interest in rescuing a dog, I'm sure no matter which dog they choose they will give their new furry friend the love and attention it deserves. I can't wait to see the new addition!

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Who Decides to Adopt?

PetSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:40:13 -0800

Adding a new furry family member is a big decision! Even if the pet is "yours," everyone who lives in the household is affected by this new addition, including partners, roommates, and other pets. Is everyone in the home on board to help care for the pet if situations arise? And, even if you live separately as a couple, where will the pet stay, and who gets the pet if the relationship ends? There are so many variables at work here, so I tried my best to come up with choices below to reflect the many aspects to consider. I'm curious to hear how you feel about whose responsibility it is to adopt a pet.

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