• Buying a pet can easily cost $500 to $1,000 or more. Adoption costs range from $50 to $200, depending on whether the pet comes from the city shelter or a rescue group that has spent money on boarding, vets and grooming.

• You’re getting more for your money if you get a mixed breed. Based on the well-established principle of “hybrid vigor,” a mixed-breed animal is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Many purebred dogs are prone to developing health problems ranging from breathing difficulties to hip dysplasia to an enlarged heart.

• A pet purchased from a pet store is a complete unknown. And, once you walk out of the store, you are on your own – most pet stores don’t provide any support if you have questions or problems with your new pet. When you adopt, especially from a rescue group, you know what you are getting because the group has a history on the animal. The rescue group will also help you through the familiarization period because they are invested in providing a good home for that animal.

• When you adopt a pet, you are saving a life. When you buy a pet, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, you are supporting an industry that thrives on short-changing the welfare of animals. Puppy and kitten mills (which sell to pet stores) are in business to make a profit, so they churn out puppies and kittens as fast as they can. These animals are often in ill health and have problems like poor socialization skills due to lack of human companionship and genetic defects due to inbreeding.

• If you adopt, you get your choice of any age. Though puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly, they can also be a handful. An adult or older pet may be a better “fit” for you. For example, adopting an adult dog who’s already house-trained and knows basic commands is often much easier than adopting a puppy, who must be taught these things.

• You get just as much love (if not more). An adopted pet is every bit as loving, intelligent and loyal as a purchased pet, even if you get an adult or older animal.

For all of these reasons, adopting rather than buying is pretty much a no-brainer. As Homer Simpson would say, “Doh! I’ll take the adoption … and a donut, please.”

This article was written by Francis Battista, one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. He directs Best Friends programs in Southern California, helps to oversee animal care at the sanctuary and contributes regularly to Best Friends magazine.

photo credit: eva101

Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road • Kanab, UT 84741
Phone: (435) 644-2001 • Fax: (435) 644-2078
E-mail: info@bestfriends.org

www.bestfriends.org

Best Friends – the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless pets.
Best Friends – the nation’s largest network of people who care about animals.
Best Friends – working with you and with humane groups across the country to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets.

Related articles:

• Best Friends Animal Society Dedicates New Puppy Care Center (prweb.com)

Here's a cozy cat, just hanging out in the sun.  Pets love sunshine and warm weather as much as people, but don't forget to help your pets stay cool this summer.  Make sure they have plenty of water and some shady spots to rest in.  Try to take your dog for a walk in the coolest part of the day, to avoid overheating.  Contact Dr. Schindler or your current veterinarian if your pet shows unusual signs of fatigue or stress from heat.

Tim Rosson, President, BBVA Compass, and District Executive, Commercial Banking South Alabama, made the check presentation to Sonja Presley, BARC Executive Director and Maria Gwynn, BARC Board President.

The donation was made possible by The Compass for Your Cause Program. Whenever someone opens a BBVA Compass checking account, the code for BARC is listed then the bank pays $20 to the organization.

Rosson remarked “We support BARC's mission to minimize pet over-population and reduce euthanasia as a means of animal control. Our donation will perpetuate their efforts to spay/neuter every dog or cat that is adopted through them.”

BARC! has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals since 1979. For more information, call the office at 251-928-4585 or visit www.BaldwinHumane.org.

Registration starts at 10:00 am for the best trick and costume contests; entry fees are $5.00 per dog per contest. Raffle tickets are a $3 donation (or 2 for $5) for vendor prizes; all proceeds go to BARC!

The Emerald Coast’s Foremost Pet Psychic, Sarah Christopher, will do intuitive readings for pets and people for $10.

“Purr-Furred” vendor booths for pet reflexology, pet sitting, groomers, training, pet portraits and pet foods will be open at Palm Plaza next to the Ferris Wheel.

BARC! will hold a pet adoption and rabies/microchip clinic. Rabies shots $10 and microchips $25.

Free pictures with Easter Bunny will be taken and uploaded to www.TheWharfAl.com.

At 11:00 am the Best Trick Contest will be conducted by American Kennel Club Evaluator Deneen Balistere.

At 11:30 am are the contests for best kisser, biggest dog, smallest dog and best pet/owner look-a-like.

At noon is the Fido Fashion Show; the winner will lead the parade around the stores at The Wharf.

The Baldwin County Humane Society incorporated in 1979 as a not-for-profit county-wide animal welfare organization. For more information contact BARC office at 251-928-4585.

For vendor application or for complete event details, visit www.BaldwinHumane.org or contact Lesley Dethloff, Special Events Coordinator at The Wharf, at 251.224.1012 or lesleyd@thewharfal.com.

photo credit: ginnerobot

The event was hosted by Dr. Lee Ann McGill at Magnolia by the Gulf Small Animal Clinic in Gulf Shores and was sponsored by Ellen Murphy, Hot Dawgs in Paradise, Professional Pet Pampering and Grooming.

Parade participants were judged on costume creativity, originality, behavior and showmanship. Royalty crowned was King, “Toodles” Garcia; Queen, “Deuce” Munsey; Princes, “Boykin and Mimi” Dees; Princess, “Katie” Wireman, and Court Jester, “Bear” Crosby.

Each member of the royal court rode in the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade. Judges also selected Honorable Loyal Royal canines to be part of the Krewe.

Dr. McGill and Ellen Murphy co-founded the Mystic Krewe of K-9 Kritters three years ago. Murphy remarked “It has been a joy to watch it grow and benefit our Humane Society.”

Proceeds from the event go towards low-cost spay/neuter programs for residents county-wide.

BARC! has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals since 1979. For more information, call the office at 251-928-4585 or visit www.BaldwinHumane.org.

The Baldwin County Home Builders Assocation (BCHBA) asked students from the North and South Baldwin Centers for Technology to build custom dog houses for a Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) fundraiser.

Both dog houses will be on display at the Annual Home and Product Show March 6 and 7 at the Daphne Civic Center.   $2.00 donations will be accepted for a chance to win; all proceeds go to BARC!

One doghouse is for a medium size dog and mainly built from recycled materials, with the exception of 12’ of beveled siding. The house is finished on the inside and is insulated with 2” of ridged insulation. The exterior is finished with beveled cedar siding. John Kane, Carpentry instructor for South Baldwin Center for Technology commented “A dog will be proud to call this home. The House was built by mainly the night class.”

Tickets can be purchased this week at the BARC! office at 306 Magnolia Ave in Fairhope or at their exhibitor booth Saturday, March 6, at the Daphne Civic Center.  Drawing will be held March 7; winners need not be present to win.

Fran Druse, BCHBA Executive Vice President, remarked “We like to give back to the community and this is one way we can help the only county-wide animal welfare agency.  100% of the ticket sales will go towards BARC’s spay/neuter programs.”

The Baldwin County Humane Society, a not-for-profit 501(c)3, has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals since 1979.  For more information, visit www.BaldwinHumane.org or call 928.4585.

photo credit: brandongreer

Right now, BARC! is offering $20 vouchers to Baldwin County residents (regardless of your income.) There’s no limit on how many vouchers individuals can buy.

SKP Voucher sales continue thru March 31, 2010, or whenever 500 have been sold.

To purchase SKP vouchers, you can visit the BARC! office at 306 Magnolia Ave in Fairhope or mail in a $20 money order to PO Box 206, Fairhope, AL 36533.

Additionally, SKP vouchers can be purchased at the Lillian Veterinary Clinic (for use there) or with Gina Ramer, Animal Control Officer in Bay Minette, for use at Dr Palmer’s Bay Minette Animal Clinic.

BARC! would like to thank the 22 veterinary clinics that accept reduced fees for spaying/neutering for clients using our SKP voucher. SKP vouchers must be redeemed by April 30, 2010. For a complete list of participating clinics, visit www.BaldwinHumane.org.

Martha Barton, SKP Program Coordinator, commented “This is BARC’s fourth year to do this promotion.

Cats average three litters a year and we’re trying to prevent a bumper crop of kittens this Spring.”

The SKP program is funded by the generosity of donors and through foundations and other grantors who share our goal of bringing an end to pet overpopulation.

BARC! incorporated in 1979 as a not-for-profit county-wide animal welfare organization. For ways you can help the homeless, abused and injured animals, call the office at 251-928-4585.

photo credit: coxy

1. All dogs (except for the truly hairless breeds) require frequent brushing regardless of coat type. Brushing is very important to your dog’s health and happiness. Brushing stimulates the skin by removing dead skin flakes, encourages natural oil production, removes irritating debris and encourages blood flow to the skin. It also uncovers skin and coat troubles, such as dandruff, parasites or dry or brittle fur, which may indicate an illness. Failing to brush your dog regularly may result in mats, which breed bacteria and infections and can be very painful for your dog.

2. Dogs should be bathed regularly. Brushing before a bath is recommended, as it breaks down dirt, grime and debris so the shampoo will clean more effectively (and it might also relax the dog). Don’t wash dogs outside; the frigid water from a garden hose is extremely uncomfortable and can make them sick.

3. Treat your dog to a visit with a professional groomer periodically. Dogs with coats that need regular trimming -- such as poodles and Shih Tzus -- can be professionally groomed every four to six weeks. Many mixed-breed dogs and those with multi-length coats -- such as golden retrievers, many spaniels and sheep dogs -- can get a professional grooming every six to 12 weeks. Dogs with uniform-length coats -- such as Labs, and beagles -- can visit a professional every 12 to 16 weeks, but can get by with home brushings. A professional can identify and remove mats safely. In addition, nail clipping, ear-hair removal and anal-sac expression are safer when performed by a trained professional. Professional groomers also have the tools and experience to safely cut and style your dog’s coat.

4. Inspect your dog’s ears frequently. Clean inside the ear only when you see dirt, wax or debris. Use an unexpired canine ear-wash solution and cotton balls to clean the ear (do not use cotton swabs). Squirt the solution into the dog’s ear canal and massage the base of the ear canal for 20 seconds. Then use cotton balls to remove the wax, but only as far down as you can see. Stop immediately if your dog cries, bites or exhibits any sign of pain.

5. Perform inspections of your dog’s skin and coat. Because your dog is covered in fur that can hide medical and grooming problems, you should inspect every inch of the skin and coat with your eyes and fingers. Regular brushing will make the inspection easier because dirt, mats and tangles won’t get in your way. Look for any changes or abnormalities, such as bites, parasites, injuries, lumps or changes in the skin's color or texture.

6. Remember, it’s cold outside! Dogs with short hair and dogs that get cold easily should wear coats or sweaters while on a walk to keep them warm. You can also cover their feet with booties to protect their pads from salt or chemical de-icers. Wipe off any salt that might get on their stomach to keep them from licking it off.

Some of the information in this press release was taken from “Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog’s Body, Mind and Spirit” by Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr. For every copy sold at www.happydogland.com or www.barkerandmeowsky.com, $1 will be donated to American Humane. For more information about the book, you can also visit www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/happy-dog.html

For more information about American Humane’s programs please visit www.americanhumane.org, or find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane.

Photography credits, in order of appearance: photo credit: jpctalbot, photo credit: Terra Vermelha, photo credit: Nieve44/La Luz

Cantrell has established the “New Year, New Dog” free dog training program with a dedicated section of her website at http://www.yourbestdogever.com.

The site will be updated daily throughout the month of January with new dog training articles, tutorials, and videos aimed not only at solving common dog obedience issues, but at helping people really understand their dogs and why they behave the way they do.

“One of the reasons why I’ve invested so much time and energy into developing this free month-long dog training course is because I know many, many people choose to adopt or buy a new dog or puppy for the holidays,” says Cantrell.

“While just about every expert agrees that this is not something they would recommend people do, the facts are the facts, and I want to do what I can to help.”

Statistics show that a large percentage of dogs who are brought into a new home as “gifts” during the holidays will wind up abandoned and in shelters just a few months, or even weeks, after the “excitement” dies down.

Cantrell says that most of the dogs who suffer that fate wind up there simply because their new “parents” lacked the knowledge and skill to know how to handle common challenges that come with any new addition to the family.

“So what I want to do throughout this month is to show you how easy it can be to solve common obedience problems,” Cantrell says.

“And I want to show you how dogs THINK, so that you can understand their behavior and STOP problems before they ever start. I want to show you how to create a lifelong bond with your dog, so that the two of you wind up truly becoming best friends,” she says.

Cantrell plans to address common issues people have with their dogs, including:

• How to housebreak a puppy or housetrain an older dog
• How to easily solve common obedience problems such as barking, chewing, and pulling on the leash during walks
• How to teach basic skills such as “Come,” “Sit,” and “Stay”
• The proven steps to establish yourself as pack leader in your dog’s mind
• How to socialize your dog with other dogs, and with people
• An introduction to “Clicker Training,” an easy-to-learn dog training method that’s fast and effective
• And more!

The free program is open to anyone (not just people who recently adopted or purchased a dog) who wants to learn how to raise “Your Best Dog Ever."

Registration is fast and easy at http://www.YourBestDogEver.com/newyearnewdog

About Krista Cantrell:

Krista Cantrell has been training dogs for more than 17 years. She is the author of Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right: How to Train Any Dog in Five Minutes a Day; Tao of Puppies: How to Raise a Good Dog Without Really Trying; and Housetrain Your Dog Now. She has appeared on Fox News, CNN, and NBC, as well as numerous radio shows and in print publications across the country. She teaches people worldwide how to train your dog and train a puppy through her blog at YourBestDogEver.com.

Photography credits: photo credit: Gudlyf, photo credit: TravOC, photo credit: dickuhne

The Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) has debuted its online fundraiser featuring over 100 amazing acrylic, wooden, ceramic, fabric and canvas products made from your photos of pets or people.

Mugs, mousepads and key chains cut-out, round and square are favorites priced at $14.

Pet items include personalized dog collars, bowls and leashes.

Pillowcases, purses, ties, light switches, bookends, coasters, puzzles, license plates, huggers, double-sided clipboards and tote bags are examples of the fun gifts, home decor and apparel to personalize.

Visit www.BaldwinHumane.org to order photo novelty items year-round. Orders are fulfilled by Denny Manufacturing Company in Mobile and ship within four days by UPS Ground.

Use discount code BARC at checkout and save 15% off your order plus a 15% donation will be made to BARC!

This will be an ongoing fundraiser with Pet Portrait Network, a “Purr-Furred” vendor for the humane society.

Hamp and Ginny Johnston of Magnolia Springs have rescued six dogs and cats. They wanted a way for their family business, Pet Portrait Network, to benefit an animal welfare agency. Johnston stated “On the 15th of each month we will give BARC! a check for 15% of sales from orders placed on the website.”

The Baldwin County Humane Society incorporated in 1979 as a not-for-profit county-wide animal welfare organization. It is volunteer driven and operates solely on grants and donations. For more information, call 251-928-4585.

photo credit: Gibson Claire McGuire Regester