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Happy World Animal Week

Posted by Clare Bristow | Leave a Comment

October 4 is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

In 1931 a group of ecologists meeting in Florence, Italy started World Animal Day to highlight the plight of endangered species. Since then the event has grown to encompass all animals throughout the world - the day is intended as a celebration for anyone in the world who cares about animals.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) supports world animal week from 4 to 10 October, and uses it to promote it's Animals Matter to Me Campaign which has the following aim:

Help us achieve global recognition that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer and that we have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. We seek 10 million signatures to let the governments of the world know we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. WSPA

To date over 700,000 people have signed the petition in support of the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

If you can spare two minutes please add your name to the petition and help end animal suffering worldwide and end animal cruelty - for good.

Click here to sign the petition.

Click here to read the WSPA Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Click here to see which animal organizations in your region are supporting the campaign.

Can You Adopt a Dog this Month?

Posted by Clare Bristow | 5 Comments

“Celebrating October as Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month is a great way to highlight the unlimited potential shelter dogs have to be unequaled pets,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres in a recent Press Release.

A great example is Toula a rescue Border Collie who was recently voted America's Most Talented Pet. Here's the dog video I recently posted showing Toula performing her dog tricks:

Many dogs that are trained for search and rescue and as assistance dogs come from shelters - giving these dogs a second chance at life has enriched (and saved) many peoples lives.

According to ASPCA estimates, approximately eight to 12 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide each year, more than half of which are euthanized due to a lack of space or resources.

If you are able to adopt a dog this month, or add to your existing pack there are two types of shelter dog that are often overlooked and really would love a second chance at life:

The ASPCA web site offers a lot of helpful information about adopting dogs, and emphasizes the fact that shelters (usually) offer support and advice for people who adopt dogs from them.

If you can't adopt, consider making a donation to a local shelter this month (in many countries your donation is deductible for tax purposes) - either money, food, bedding or your time. Ask your shelter what you can do to help.

American Kennel Club Promotes Responsible Dog Ownership

Posted by Clare Bristow | Leave a Comment

On 1 September the American Kennel Club's (AKC) month long celebration of responsible dog ownership begins. Dog clubs and organizations will be holding events throughout the month, and there are two AKC flagship events being held on Saturday 15 September.

The aim of the month long event is to educate people on the importance of being a responsible dog owner and to celebrate the bond between humans and dogs.

"As dogs are increasingly viewed as family members, the need for all dog owners to train their pets to be good citizens and practice responsible dog ownership is more crucial," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "More communities and businesses would have dog friendly policies if they felt confident that all dog owners would be courteous and respectful."

Unfortunately there will always be dog owners who won't train their dogs properly, let them trespass over other peoples' property, and who refuse to clear up after their dogs - they give all dog owners a bad name, and it's little wonder that there seems to be a growing anti-dog sentiment.

As responsible dog owners ourselves, the best thing we can do to counter this anti-dog feeling is to consistently show non-dog owners that dogs can be well behaved in all sorts of different environments, they make great companions, and we take our responsibilities for owning a dog seriously.

As part of the celebration the AKC is encouraging people to sign its Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise, in which you show your commitment to providing proper care for your dog - click here for a printable version.

Events are being held in most States throughout September, and will include things like:

• Microchip clinics;
• Health clinics providing advice on spay and neuter, general health and dog first aid;
• Information on Dog Breed Rescues and Rescue Groups;
• Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Performance demonstrations;
• Therapy, Search and Rescue Dog and Police K9 Unit demonstrations;
• Safety Around Dogs presentations; and
• AKC Canine Good Citizen tests.

To find out what's happening in your State use this link to the AKC website.

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