Pets for Life

What a wonderful thing this is.  Pets for Life is a program sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and a grant from PetSmart Charities.  This program helps low income families keep their pets…for life.  The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is one of only 10 animal care organizations that received one of these grants.  This video is from their recent event on November 11, 2013.

In 2012 the following groups received the grant. 

This grant provides each group with $40,000 for spay/neuter clinics, community outreach, and microchips.  What a wonderful thing to help people keep their pets when they are down on their luck.  With programs like this and groups like The Pet Project Midwest, there are more and more opportunities for people to keep their pets and care for them properly instead of giving them up to a shelter because they can’t afford to keep them.

Studies prove that owning (or being owned) by a pet is good for your health.  Research show that dog owners get 54% more exercise that pet-free people.  Pets help lower stress, blood-pressure and cholesterol.  This Huffington Post article from May, 2013 has a slideshow that explains many ways owning a pet is good for your health.  I like slide #3, but have yet to convince my boss on this subject.  J

There are so many articles and studies out there to look at.  This one from Mental Floss made me smile.  And it’s not just dogs.  Owning any kind of pet to care for is good for your health.  That is why I think Pets for Life is such a wonderful program.  As the last quote on the video above states:

“Experience has shown us that when we extend our compassion to the humans as well as other animals and extend resources where needed, we can create long-term and meaningful social change.”

 

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

ASPCA 2013 Dog of the Year

Remember when I posted this blog about Xena the Warrior Puppy?  That blog was about the difference between Therapy dogs and Companion dogs.  This is what Xena looked like when she was found in September of 2012:

I found out a couple days ago that Xena has been selected the ASPCA Dog of the year for 2013.  The story of her rescue and her bond with Jonny has gone international.  They are now spokesdog and spokesboy for Autism and are 'spreading the word' about autism to the world.

This photo of Jonny congratulating Xena is just so precious.

 

I just wanted to take a moment to Congratulate Xena & Jonny and their amazing family.  They are such an inspiration for Autism and Animal Rescue. 

Be Well & Be Happy,
Pet~Pourri

Ringing in 2014 ~ With a New Calendar

It’s that time of year once again.  As 2014 approaches people are looking ahead to what kind of calendar they want.  Do you want mountain scenes, an animal calendar, or a comedic calendar?  The list goes on and on.

I would like to recommend you check with your favorite animal rescue to see if they are offering calendars as fundraisers.  I know we are.  J  One of our amazing volunteers creates and prints the Reskie Tails Calendar every year.

 

 

The calendars are available to order on our website at www.eskiedog.org or through Paypal.  They cost $15 per calendar plus $3 S&H for the first calendar and $1.50 for each additional calendar. Extra donations continue to be welcome.  100% of the proceeds raised goes to the dogs.

 

 

Some of our other favorite rescues also offer calendars.  There are Giddy and Twinkie’s Tip of the Day calendar from Peace and Paws Rescue.  These can be ordered at www.peaceandpaws.org.

 

 

Then there is Obie’s calendar.  Obie became famous as the 77lb Dachshund who now weighs in at 27 lbs.

 

 

Animal Rescue League of Iowa has their Happy Tails Calendar.

 

 

If you want to see if your favorite rescue group is offering a calendar, just ask.  J  It is an awesome way to support Animal Rescue and it pays you back all year long.  Plus they make great gifts.  Just order one for a friend and ask the rescue group to add a note saying a donation was made in their name.

Get yours today!!

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri