"Top Ten" Checklist for Adopting a Cat

1. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Plus they’ll provide more benefits to you. Cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves – and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile. A great place to start your search is online. Sites like petfinder.com let you search numerous shelters in your area simultaneously to help narrow your search and more quickly find the match that’s right for you and your new feline friend.
2. Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours. Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active. Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.
3. Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption. You’ll want to take any medical records you received from the adoption center on your first visit. Kittens in particular should accompany you to make the appointment – even before the exam itself – so staff can pet the cat and tell you that you’ve chosen the most beautiful one ever.
4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home. Visiting the shelter or animal control facility should be a family affair. When adopting a new cat with existing pets at home, discuss with the adoption facility how to make a proper introduction.
5. Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat. Understand any pet is a responsibility and there’s a cost associated with that. A cat adopted from a shelter is a bargain; many facilities will have already provided spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip for permanent identification.
6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers.
7. Cat-proof your home. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will serve to teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).
8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family. It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded to a single room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside) until the cat is used to the new surroundings; this is particularly important if you have other pets. If you’ve adopted a kitten, socialization is very important. But remember – take it slow.
9. Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan. You probably have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency. Adjust this plan to include your pets. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list.
10. If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process. Though well-meaning, the surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period. Remember, adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewelry – this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being.

PAWS of Coronado

Not only is San Diego host to the Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition, but the people of San Diego really care about animals.  That's why they have places like PAWS of Coronado.

PAWS of Coronado was founded in 2003 as a non-profit animal welfare organization. They believe that “Saving the life of one animal will not change the world, but for that one animal the world will change forever!”  I know this is true.  Being adopted is the best thing that ever happened.  My life has never been the same. 


PAWS of Coronado works with the Coronado Animal Care Facility (ACF) to provide shelter and find homes for the orphaned cats and dogs of Coronado. These animals include those that have been surrendered by their humans, are stray or abandoned, or have been rescued from abuse or neglect.

PAWS and the ACF are committed to 100 percent placement of adoptable animals.  They hope that someday every friendly, healthy, homeless animal can be cared for until their forever family is found. 

One of the best things about PAWS is their socialization programs.  They have both cat-petting and dog-walking programs.  Because they animals at PAWS are relaxed and trust people, they have a much better chance of being adopted.
Come find a forever friend of your very own. You can come meet the cats and dogs daily from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Tell them Bob sent you!

Teo and Pearly need homes!

As promised, this post features some of my Hot Springs brothers and sisters that are waiting to write their own story that ends with beginning life in a new home. All of these pets are available at the The Humane Society of Garland County.

The Humane Society Of Garland County was established in 1974. They were originally known as The Garland County Animal Welfare Association Inc. The H.S.G.C. is a non profit, 501(3) (c), donation funded no kill organization. Currently they care for over 100 animals. They have both dogs & cats at this time. The majority of their animals come to them as a result of abandonment, mistreatment, cruelty, and neglect - which means they would REALLY appreciate a home of their own with someone to love them! The H.S.G.C. functions mainly from volunteers, with only (3) part-time paid employees in the entire organization. As part of their mission since the H.S.G.C. was founded they concentrate on rehabilitating all animals that enter their facility so that they can become socially interactive and be placed for adoption. They have recently opened a low cost spay/neuter clinic on site in order to help control the unwanted,pet over population. If you like one of the pets listed below, or if you want to see other pets that are available, visit the shelter at 1249 Ault Loop, Lonsdale, AR.72087. The shelter is open Tue.-Sat. 11:00am-4:00pm Sun. 12:00-4:00. They are closed on Mondays. Or visit their web site at http://hsgconline.org/ for more adoptable pets.

Their adoption fees are as follows: Dogs-$60.00 Cats-$60.00. Requirements: you must have a fenced yard and be able to provide care for the animal. The animal must be spayed/neutered.

Contact the shelter today to adopt one of these great pets!'

Duke

Duke is a beautiful Redbone Hound. He was born approximately 2007. He was brought to the Humane Society as a stray. He weights about 60 pounds, has a beautiful red coat and is gentle and gets along well with the other dogs.

Teo

Teo is a female black lab. She also has a sister at the shelter named Rio. They are happy pups and are learning to walk on leashes. they live in the same run and would love to be adopted together but like sisters, they would be happy for each other if they had to be parted if they both got happy homes. They are both very sweet!

Sissy

My name is Sissy. I don't quite understand why I am here but all I know is my family split up. The nice lady in my family left and the nice man in my family travels long distance all the time and could not keep my sister and I any longer. They had us neutered so we can't have puppies, which we didn't want to do anyway. We are Shepherd mix, medium size and both of us are very pretty. We were born approximately 2006. We like other dogs and in our last house we were house broken. It was a little hard for us here at the Humane Society to get adjusted. We were afraid to go for walks but now we do and we are right next to each other, which we like very much. Both of us hope we can find another home, this time forever.

Pearly

Pearly is 8 months old. His mother and siblings were found under an empty trailer He loves to play. Will make someone a very good companion.

Remember, I have a goal of helping 1000 dogs and cats across the country find homes like mine by the end of the year. So if you adopt one of these pets, please let me know. I need to be able to track my success.

Dog adoption and cat adoption saves lives. Adopt a dog or adopt a cat and you'll have a friend for life! Contact this shelter, or contact another local humane society, animal shelter or SPCA. You'll be so glad you did. Just ask my Mom!

There's no place like home for the holidays

I want to tell you a story about a little dog. This dog was a good little dog. Yes, he chewed on shoes and piddled on the floor. But he didn't mean it. He was just a puppy after all. He wanted to be good. But the man and the woman who lived with him and his 4-legged mom said they had too many dogs already and that the little dog was too much trouble. So they took him to the animal shelter. The little dog was put in a small cage with no friends to play with and no one to pet him. He had food and water and sometimes he got to go outside and walk around, but most of the time he was in the cage - alone. It was very scary! Sometimes the people who worked at the shelter would come and get a dog for a walk - and the dog would never come back. The little dog heard that they were put to sleep. Sleep was good, but somehow sleeping and never coming back didn't seem right. The little dog worried that might happen to him and he was afraid. Sometimes, people would come in to the shelter and take a dog from the cage. These dogs also never came back. But the little dog heard that this was different. These dogs were going to new homes where they would be loved and be part of a family. The little dog wished every night that someone would take him home.

One day a man and woman came in to the shelter. They stopped at the little dog's cage and talked to him. The little dog sniffed at the woman's fingers as she reached through the cage. She asked if she could hold the little dog. When she picked him up, the little dog reached up and kissed her on the chin to say thank you for taking him out of the cage. The woman cuddled the little dog, looked at the man, and said, "I want him." That's was all it took! The little dog couldn't believe it. Someone was going to take him home.

In case you haven't figured it out, the little dog was me and the story is how my Mom and Dad found me at the shelter. I was lucky. I have lived here for 11 years and I am loved and cared for every day. I have food, and a bed, and toys, and playmates - I even have a cat. Mom helps me write this blog and holds me and takes me for walks and plays with me. I have a great life. But there are thousands of dogs and cats who aren't so lucky. So this Christmas, I am asking you to think about adding a furry friend to your home. I'm not suggesting you give a pet for a gift unless you are certain it will be a good idea. That's how many of us ended up in shelters to begin with. But if you have room in your house and your heart for one more thing to love, please visit your local animal shelter and adopt a pet in time for the holidays! They would love to share Christmas with you.

To help with this, each month I am going to take one post and devote it to featuring some of the pets from different shelters across the country. Since I introduced you to NWA last time, I'm going to introduce you to some great NWA pets that need homes today.

The following pets are available from the City of Rogers - Animal Services. They are a city-run shelter that handles animals within the city limits of Rogers, Arkansas. They strive to provide caring, competent, and professional assistance to the animals and community. Their adoption procedure is very simple. Find the perfect pet that you can give a "forever home". Their staff will help match your personality and needs to the pet that best suits you and your family. Adoption costs $61.00 per animal. This fee covers a Bordatella vaccine, worming, microchipping and $40.00 towards the spaying or neutering of the animal. ALL ANIMALS ADOPTED FROM SHELTER MUST BE SPAYED or NEUTERED! A few things to remember about the adoption application.... **If you rent, you will have to have letter from your landlord stating that you can have pets. This letter needs to include limitations if there are any. **If you have other animals, regardless of where you live, you will have to provide proof of rabies vaccinations for each pet. You may now access their application online at http://www.rogersarkansas.com/! You can find all of the pets featured here - plus others - at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/AR125.html


Baby, female, Black and white, terrier mix

D06 1853

D39 2010
Labrador Retriever, Shepherd [Mix]
Large Adult Male











D20 2049
Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler [Mix]
Medium Adult Female







D09 2126
Shepherd [Mix]
Large Baby Female




C05 2191
Tortoiseshell
Small Adult Female





I would like a couple of favors, please. First, if you adopt a pet featured here, please let me know so I can put another needy pet in their place. Plus I have a goal of helping 1000 dogs and cats across the country find homes. I need to be able to track my success. Second, tell the shelter you found your pet on my blog. I am trying to encourage them to link to my blog and if they see it's successful, that might encourage them.

I also want to help a wonderful organization in their efforts to find homes for pets - PetFinder.com. So - starting today - for every purchase from my CafePress store (http://www.cafepress.com/travelwithbob) Mom will make a donation to the Petfinder.com Foundation so that every little dog like me can find a happy home.

Support Adopt a Shelter Cat Month!

I know - dogs and cats don't get along (or so they say). But I'm going to share a secret with you. I have several cat friends. My human adopted them from the same shelter she found me at and I have to admit they are okay. Once I showed them who was in charge, they really became good companions. They share their food with me and they don't complain too much when I chew up their catnip mice. And on cold winter nights they sleep next to me on my blanket and help keep me warm. So I hope you will all encourage your humans to enter this contest and maybe even consider getting a cat of your own!

We all know how special cats are. But let's face it, not everyone gets it. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats don't have a cool slogan like "Dogs are man's best friend." Throughout history, cats have been the victims of superstition and misunderstanding – and even today, cats are in trouble: More than 70% of cats in animal shelters are euthanized (compared to a still-shocking 56% of dogs).

But you can help. June is national Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month and Cat Fancy has teamed up with Petfinder.com, the world's largest online database of adoptable pets, to raise awareness of the crisis facing our feline friends with the Cats Rule! Ad Contest.

Here's our challenge to you: Create a 7" x 10" ad that shows the world the value and importance of cats. Finalists will be posted online for readers to vote for their favorite, and the winning entry will run as a full-page ad in the September issue and be featured on CatFancy.com and Petfinder.com.

CONTEST RULES
Submissions will only be accepted between April 1, 2008 and May 23, 2008.
Your ad campaign should include a one-page print ad (7"x10"), in PDF format with minimum resolution of 300dpi. (If using a bleed, add 5/8" to all four sides.)

The ad should communicate:
Why cats are excellent pets
Why cat lovers should adopt a rescue/shelter cat
All submissions should be e-mailed to CatChannel as .pdf attachments

Do not:
Include any copyrighted material (photos, logos, etc.)
Use inflammatory images or copy
Specifically denigrate any organization, corporation or group

Ads will be judged by Cat Fancy/CatChannel.com and Petfinder.com on:
Overall creativity
Clarity in expressing the message
Technical & artistic execution
In the event of a tie, the entry judged to be the most creative will win.

RELEASE FORM
By submitting an ad, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the following terms and conditions:

All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. All submissions become the property of Cat Fancy/CatChannel.com and Petfinder.com and will not be returned. Users warrant that their ads are their own original creation, do not violate any law or regulation or infringe upon the rights of any other person or company (including but not limited to copyrights), and do not contain offensive, defamatory, vulgar or profane content, as determined by Cat Fancy. Ads that do not comply with the above shall be rejected. By submitting an ad, each user grants permission, without further compensation, to Cat Fancy/CatChannel.com and Petfinder.com and their agents and licensees to use the entrant's name and the ad itself in any media now known or hereinafter devised including, without limitation, print, Internet, radio and/or television throughout the world and for any purpose, including advertising, promotional or other purposes, with or without charge or cost to end users or other parties. Submission of an entry will constitute the user's representation that user has secured any and all rights, releases and permissions necessary for Cat Fancy/CatChannel.com and Petfinder.com's use hereunder, including without limitation those related to any person, place, music, performance of music, video, photographs, graphics and/or other elements, and upon request, each entrant shall provide proof that such release and permission was obtained and that no further permissions or fees are due for Cat Fancy/CatChannel.com and Petfinder.com's use of the submission or any elements therein. By uploading an ad, each user agrees that if requested, he or she will sign a release and waiver of liability.