This is a Martingale Collar (or Premier)….. it's a no-slip collar! It tightens if the dog tries to slip her head out of the collar while you have her on a lead. I use it for all shy or feral dogs. Often, I use two martingale collars! If I drop one leash, I've got a second one attached to a collar, so the dog doesn't escape. Always have a PLAN A, B and C for the containment of shy dogs!

Are you trying to place a dog in a new home? A thorough adoption application and interview are important screening tools. (use my adoption application in the menu bar)

• I look for someone with a good pet history of neutered pets, flea and heart worm preventatives, indoor homes and a lifetime commitment.
• Vet your dog first (spay/neuter, shots, worm) and ask an appropriate adoption fee that covers your expenses. Free dogs have no value, so the higher adoption fee usually assures a better quality home. 
• Advertise on your Facebook page, on Petfinder.com or in your local newspaper. Go to my rescue page (on this blog) for a good adoption application! 
• Don't be afraid to say "no, it's not a good match," if you don't approve the potential adopter. 
• With a good picture and bio of the dog, the right adopter will come along!

What's the best way to be a good dog owner? NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG A CHANCE TO BE BAD! This tip has assured my dog's safety and good behavior over the years. For example....

Does your dog escape your yard? TIP: Don't leave him outside unattended. Crate him safely in the house while you're gone!
Your dog doesn't come when he's called? TIP: Always keep him safely attached to a leash. Train him for recall.
Your dogs don't get along? TIP: Keep them apart until a trainer can be consulted.

Remember, good dogs are made, not born...

2 lb-Festus

3-month-old Bugsy

Do you know the proper age to sterilize your dog or cat? 

Pups can be fixed at 12 weeks of age and kittens at 2 pounds. 

If you wait longer, you risk an accidental litter or higher costs at the vet, (since most vets charge by weight.) 

Another benefit of an early spay/neuter is that young animals heal quicker than older animals! Its never too late to fix your older pet, as they can have litters at any age.

rescue supplies

Travel much? Good things to carry in a car when you encounter a stray dog or cat...

1. puppy food (high calorie)
2. leather gloves
3. sturdy slip lead
4. bowl/water jug
6. packaged meat sticks
7. canned pet food
8. dog biscuits
9. fold down wire crate
10. towels
11. Capstar flea tablets

I found a stray dog on the roadway. She was shy, but eventually came to me when I offered a 'Slim Jim' meat treat. I put a slip lead over her head as she ate the treat. I wore leather gloves and  gently picked her up and put her in the crate in my car. She was pregnant and had pups the next day. Momma and her 8 pups were eventually adopted out to lovely indoor homes, thanks to that enticing 'Slim Jim.'

Are you experiencing cold weather this winter season? Imagine living outdoors, trying to stay warm in a doghouse. Unless that doghouse is sealed, insulated and heated, it does nothing to provide warmth to the dog inside. Because animals can't complain, owners mistakenly think their pets are fine. Unfortunately, animals suffer silently. During freezing weather, bring dogs and cats inside a heated area. Provide warm bedding and plenty of high calorie food to supplement their excessive energy needs.

Male Cardinal

Do you own a cat?  Outdoor cats kill millions of songbirds per year. Wild birds eat harmful insects and add beauty to our lives. Keeping your cat strictly indoors prolongs your cat's life, reduces vet bills and prevents bird deaths. To keep your cat content, keep his litter box clean, provide window perches and toys. 

"REWARD" dog tag

When ordering your pet's ID tag, list 2 phone numbers and the word "REWARD," rather than the pet's name. This is good incentive for the finder to call you!

Puppies for adoption

Got puppies or kittens? To rehome a dog or cat, it's important to ask an adoption fee. People that pay money often want the animal - and can afford to have one. Free animals have no value. 


Seventy-five dollars to $150 is fair for an animal that has been vaccinated, wormed and fixed. Interview, do a home visit and give vet records to the new owner. (See "all about rescue" for an adoption application.) Use low-cost spay/neuter clinics to fix them.

Keep for a lifetime

Thinking of adding a new family member over the Christmas holidays? Shop the shelter! Remember that a pet is more than a present, it's a lifetime commitment. There are plenty of purebreds and mixed breeds for adoption at your local shelter. If you're looking for a specific breed, go online and search 'breed rescue.' If you wait until after Christmas to adopt, put a stuffed animal (with a gift certificate) under the tree for the kids. 


Rescue groups are looking for good adopters, so be sure to visit them too! Shop your local Petco and PetSmart stores. 

laser pointer fun

Do you have a high-energy dog or cat that requires lots of play? Try a laser pointer. You can purchase them at most hardware or pet stores. 


A laser pointer gives an animal something safe to chase and is great exercise! Try to play at the same time each day, as pets enjoy routine and consistency.

Dime

When posting a dog for adoption, use a creative bio and great picture. This is your best advertising tool. Post the info on www.Petfinder.com. The sample below attracted a good applicant in a few short days...... "Black and white puppies are a dime-a-dozen at shelters. One of the most popular shelter currencies are Border Collie mixes. Four month-old "Dime" was at the Lampasas Shelter and had no venture capital to buy his way out of this high-kill shelter. But, Dime was so cute that he found a way into rescue and yielded high rates of interest! True to his Border Collie reputation, Dime is intelligent and playful. He’ll stick his head in a water bucket and madly dash around the yard. He is housebroken, crate trained and adores people. He’ll gradually mature into a 50 lb dog. Dime invested wisely with his vet and is current on shots and neutered. If you’re looking for a mutual fund companion and a lifetime investment, Dime is worth your dollar!"

Dogs need physical activity to stimulate their emotional and physical well being. The following activities are healthy and necessary to engage a dog's heart and mind... Remember, a tired dog is a good dog!

• daily walks
• fetch
• hide and seek 
• play dates 
• training sessions

Starved/chained dog (later rescued)

RUFF TIP  

If you observe an animal being neglected, here are a few things you might do.....


1. PHOTOGRAPH the animal. Document its body, living conditions, food/water pan or untreated injuries. Pictures are legal proof!


2. Call the authorities with an address/detailed description of the animal. Ask for follow up with the officer once he's answered the call. If you don't get resolution, don't give up. Call a supervisor. Document it all.


3. Research your local/State animal laws. Knowing the laws will help you insist on proper enforcement.


4. Politely knock on the owner's door and ask if you can provide food or vet services for the animal. If you make friends with this person, he may give you the animal.

5. Send pictures and a short factual story to local news agencies. Ask them to help you seek justice for the animal.


6. If the animal strays onto a road or public property, pick it up and take it to a shelter. It will have a chance of adoption or rescue. Send pictures of the stray to your friends and give them a kennel number and shelter location.

Unspayed Shepherd

RUFF TIP

If you live near a dog that barks frequently, it may be lonely. Dogs are pack animals and need companionship and socialization. Many people acquire pets that don't get proper care and attention. 


You might knock on the owner's door and introduce yourself. Inquire about the barking dog. Ask to say “hello” to the pet(s). This way, you move the conversation to the vicinity of the pet, making it easier to ask questions related to the dog. Ask what the dog's name is and if she's friendly (bring a treat for the dog.) Be polite and respectful to the owner. If you're able, volunteer to walk the dog daily. 


If the dog is unfixed and you have the resources, ask to take the dog to be fixed for free. Make it easy. If the owner says "yes," volunteer to drive the dog into the vet. Have the owner pick her up after surgery. (Transportation to the vet eliminates excuses and guarantees arrival.) 


Ask the owner to make a donation or pay for vaccinations/ heartworm prevention for their pet. This creates an investment in the animal and models better future pet care.