Packing for a Trip

We are getting ready for a trip to Hannibal, MO.  Dad is all packed but Mom and I are still working on it.  Dad is laughing at Mom saying she always packs twice as much as she needs.  I don't know if that's true, but Mom does always have the biggest suitcase.  Maybe she should make herself a packing list like mine.  Everything I need to travel fits in one suitcase, except my food and water.  Mom puts that in a separate box.  What's in my suitcase?  Here's my list!

1. My Leash - almost every city has some sort of leash law so bring it along unless you want to spend the entire trip in your crate in a hotel room.

2. My Collar with ID Tags - just in case you get lost, your ID tags should help you get home. Mom got me a microchip, but if you don't have one, you definitely want the collar and tags.

3. Food and Water - who knows what the local food and water may be like. Bring your own!

4. My Dishes - you'll need something to eat and drink from. Bringing your own dishes will also make strange places seem more like home.

5. My Blankie - I always sleep better with my favorite blankie!

6. Pooper Scooper - it's just polite to clean up after yourself.

7. My Favorite Toy - sometimes traveling can be stressful. Having my favorite toy along with my favorite blankie is comforting.

8. Copy of Pet Health Certificate or Shot Record from your Dr. Karen - just in case you do get sick or hurt, this will help the vet give you the best care.

9. My brush - so I always look my best!

10. Carpet deodorizer or Cleaner - just in case. I'm a good dog, but accidents do happen!

That's it! Sometimes she brings some extra things like my carrier, or my toothbrush, or some treats. But this is the basic list. I even have my own little travel bag to pack everything in. Put together your own list using mine to give you some ideas. Then tell your mom and dad that you're packed and ready to hit the road!

Kansas Humane Society Has a True Vision for the Future

To end the euthanasia of all adoptable animals by 2014.  That's the vision of the Kansas Humane Society.  Wouldn't that be wonderful?  A world where no little dogs (or cats) had to worry about being put to sleep? 

We had the opportunity to visit them while we were in Wichita.  They provide a wide range of services dedicated to helping homeless animals.  Mom and I were pretty impressed and we want to share their story with you.

The Kansas Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that receives nearly 17,000 animals each year from citizens unable or unwilling to care for them. They receive no local or state tax dollars, United Way funding, or support from the Humane Society of the United States and depend entirely on private donations and adoption fees. They are Wichita's largest, privately-funded, non-profit animal shelter.  Not only do they provide adoption services, they also provide spay/neuter services, dog training classes, education programs, and programs for kids. 

The Kansas Humane Society has a good adoption record.  Part of the reason is their Meet Your Match program.  By evaluating the personalities of their adoptable pets and then matching it to potential forever moms and dads, they increase the chance of successful adoptions.  This program is available for both dogs and cats.

I know - not everyone is a dog or cat person.  Hard to believe, but it's true.  But you are in luck because the Kansas Humane Society also has small animals for adoption.  There are rabbits, guinea pigs (my new favorite pet), rats (?), and even gerbils.  Something for everyone.  Even rats need love.

One of their education programs got Mom's attention.  They have a Pet Pals Patch program for Scouts.  My mom used to work for the Girl Scouts so she was very interested in this program.  She said she wished our animal shelter here had something similar.  Maybe she could help them start one.  Wouldn't that be a great idea?

A world where no homeless pets are euthanized.  Or better yet, a world where there were no homeless pets.  That's our dream.  But until then, I am glad there are places like the Kansas Humane Society watching out for us.  Please visit them, support them, and adopt a forever friend from them today.