PetSugar

Awww, Hurricane Ike's Tiny Bushy-Tailed Victims Need Help

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

It's not just pets that need help in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, over 1,000 baby squirrels are undergoing care in what's best described as a "squirrel neonatal unit". The Houston SPCA still receives 20 to 30 lil ones each day, causing these creatures to far outnumber all of the other animals there.

We’re feeding them puppy formula every three hours. . . . We’ve had a pelican and a couple of seagulls, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the squirrels, said Sharon Schmalz, executive director of the society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, who explained that this was the height of squirrel birthing season in Texas.

The orphans – many less than three inches long – are hand fed via these nipple-tipped syringes and will remain in the care of volunteers until they reach 12 weeks old. They will then be re-released into their natural habitats, places like rural areas outside city limits or tree-filled suburbs, with newfound strength to frolic freely and leap from limb to limb.

Source

How You Can Help Furry Victims of Hurricane Ike . . .

PetSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:00:08 -0700

Thankfully, there were improved plans in place before the recent hurricanes hit, but I'm reminded that plenty of pets still need help in the storms' aftermath. Shelters including the Houston Humane Society and the Galveston Island Humane Society are working around the clock to photograph all the arriving animals to help keep track of the pets, and locate their owners. Much of the area is still without running water, electricity or gas . . . but the stray and injured animals keep on coming!

In addition to accepting monetary donations online, if you're local to these areas (or any place affected by the storms), don't be shy about stopping in to volunteer or bring by some much-appreciated goods. To see the items on the shelter's wish list, read more.

Towels
Batteries (especially 9 volt)
Crates of ALL sizes
Tarps
Bungee Cords
Bottled Water
Cat Litter
King Size Kong toys for dogs
Rabbit Food - Timothy Hay pellets or Timothy Hay
Small TVs with built in VCR/DVD
Soft Chewable Dog Treats
Current Key Maps
Disposable Rubber Gloves
Digital Cameras
8- and 12-Inch Cable Ties (50 lb strength)
Newspapers
Food for Hamsters, Rats, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, and Gerbils
Halters - small and medium size
Fly Spray and Masks
Thrush Medicine
Mucking Forks/rakes

Source

Do Tell: What's the Pet-Friendliest City?

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:00:14 -0700

NYC jumps straight to my mind as the pet-friendliest city with the sheer number of boutiques, high-end services, and dog runs, but, after that, what's next? Now a couple months back I rounded up a list of cat-friendly places, but Rent.com recently released a list of the Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities, and I've gotta say I was surprised not to see a few of my faves on it. At first I was bristling about San Francisco's low placement, but then I remembered how hard it was for me to find a pet-friendly place here . . . and I'm inclined to agree that it's far from number one considering rental industry data.

Check out their list and share your favorite cities for animal lovers and pet owners when you read more.

New York, NY
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Houston, TX
San Francisco, CA
Austin, TX
Washington, DC/ Alexandria, VA
Portland, OR
Charleston, SC
Ann Arbor, MI

Fight Flab and Fill Out a Food and Fitness Log For Furry Friends

PetSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:20:43 -0700

Most of the time losing weight comes down to dieting and exercise for people . . . and for pets, too. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are estimated to be overweight or obese – eeks!

If your pet could stand to drop a few, Spring's the time to start getting in shape – there's more sunlight for indoor and outdoor activities and the weather's improving in many places. If you're super serious, Kijiji is offering a Pet Fitness Sweepstakes in six US cities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, and Houston) to motivate you. Even if you're not in that area, commit to change by filling out a Pet Food & Fitness Log (refresh your memory on canine calorie counting here) and get ready to see results!

Source

Animal Planet Dog Championships Tonight at 8pm

PetSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:45:35 -0700

If you haven't had your fill of dog shows over the past few months, from Wesminster to the AKC/Eukanuba show, then you're in luck. From the channel that brings you thePuppy Bowl, Animal Planet's own Dog Championships air tonight (April 5) at 8pm e/p.

This multi-city competition starts out tonight in Portland, Oregon, then makes its way across the country to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where the top pooches from Oregon battle it out with the new PA pups. The third stop on the tour is Houston, Texas, which brings all three groups to compete for "Best in Show". So intense, right!?

Source