October - Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Millions of dogs face euthanasia every year across the country because there are not enough caring homes for them. This is why Adopt A Shelter Dog Month was established. Celebrated every October, the tradition promotes dog adoptions from animal shelters and provides an opportunity to spread the word about responsible pet care. Improve your life with a dog’s companionship, and support these voiceless creatures.

Why Adopt a Dog?

Dogs are generally considered faithful and fun companions. But there are many other benefits of dog ownership.

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, an increasing number of dog owners are citing health benefits and “walking, jogging and exercise” as top benefits of having dogs in their lives. Pets help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease and fight depression and loneliness.

Dogs can also serve as a “social aid”. They can facilitate introductions to new people, promote conversation and encourage increased social contact and greater bonds between people. Studies show that pet owners are more likely than people without pets to participate in community activities and do favors for their neighbors.

Before You Adopt a Dog

Like children, dogs are completely dependent on their owners for all their needs, including food, water, health care, exercise, shelter, and most important, companionship. But unlike children, dogs will never learn to take care of themselves. And if you are getting a dog for your children, consider the age of the dog and the ages of the children. Dogs can live up to 15 years. Will you still be able and willing to care for your dog after your children have grown up and moved out?

Also consider things like your schedule (both work and travel), your home environment (do you have a fenced-in yard?), your physical activity level and your budget.

In a study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, researchers surveyed people turning animals in to 12 various shelters around the country to try to find our exactly why animals end up there. The study's researchers reviewed reasons why people gave up their dogs up for adoption, and found the following frequency of answers:

• 29 percent surrendered their dogs due to behavior problems
• 29 percent surrendered their dogs because of the family's housing situation
• 25 percent surrendered their dogs citing incompatibility with the family's lifestyle
• 15 percent surrendering their dogs due to the family's preparation and/or expectations.

According to The ASPCA, people bringing a companion animal into their lives need to thoroughly review their lifestyle and their readiness to take responsibility for the animal's care. The ASPCA advises people to consider the five questions below before they adopt a dog:

• Am I ready to make a long-term commitment? Adopting a pet means being responsible for it's health and happiness for the rest of his or her life which could be up to 15 years for dogs.
• Is the animal right for my household? A strong, active pet may be too much for a young child or elderly person to handle. Small pets may be too delicate for rough play with children. Always make sure that everyone in the household agrees to adopt an animal.
• Who will be the primary caretaker for the animal? One adult in the home should be designated as the primary caretaker so that the pet's needs do not become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.
• Can I afford the animal? The cost of a pet is more than just the purchase price or adoption fee. Remember to include the cost of food, pet supplies, veterinarian bills and training.
• Am I ready to commit to making this dog a good canine citizen? A well-trained dog is a pleasure and is welcome in public parks, on walks, and as a visitor. Research shows that people who take the time to train their dogs are more likely to keep them longer than people who don't.

Looking for a dog to add to your family? Consider adopting a shelter dog!

October 15 - November 30 - Wishbones for Pets

Wishbones for Pets (WBFP) is a charitable program designed for pet sitters to collect and distribute pet goods/funds to local pet shelters and other pet related agencies in their own community.

Due to the recalls of pet food, WBFP is not endorsing the collection of pet FOOD or treats. They are instead encouraging pet sitters to collect pet supplies, such as toys, blankets, bowls or any other non food item including FUNDS.

Pet Education and Therapy, LLC will be collecting items during this time period for donation to the CT Humane Society. If you would like to donate an item, please contact us via email or at 860-667-2663. Thank you for your support.

October 2nd Week - National Wildlife Refuge Week

Hearing wolves howl, tagging monarch butterflies, snapping pictures of soaring eagles, or just walking in the woods, thousands of Americans will be making a special connection with nature during National Wildlife Refuge Week.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, with 550 national wildlife refuges nationwide, protects approximately 150 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Scores of national wildlife refuges are offering special programs to help celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week across the country.

The week also highlights the six wildlife-dependent recreation uses offered on national wildlife refuges: hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, wildlife observation, interpretation and environmental education.

There is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state, and residents of most metropolitan areas can find a national wildlife refuge less than an hour's drive from their front door.

To find a national wildlife refuge near you, go to the Department of the Interior or call 1-800-344-WILD (9453).

October 3rd (partial) Week - National Veterinary Technician Week

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Inc. (NAVTA) has proclaimed this week as National Veterinary Technicians Week. The event is celebrated annually to recognize veterinary technicians for their contributions to the animal health care team.

Veterinary technicians work at the direction of the veterinarian to provide nursing care, assist in surgery, take x-rays, induce and monitor anesthesia, and perform diagnostic testing.