Giving Thanks! - National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
The first week of November is National Animal Shelter Appreciation and we want to take time to recognize those that take it upon themselves to make a difference in our community and to help the numerous animals in need.
Giving Thanks!
National Animal Shelter Appreciation
Often times I ask myself where I would be without my animals, and I’m sure others have done the same.
The amount of love and dedication that they have brought into our lives can’t be surpassed. I try and remind myself to show them the gratitude that they deserve on a daily basis, and also share in appreciating those who take time to volunteer to care for and even train the animals who are not yet as fortunate to have a current furever home.
The animals in shelters have so much love to give, and many times there are many more animals coming into the shelter than being adopted out. Who are the marvelous people that take care of the fur babies in need, and what makes these shelters so special?
It’s important to know that not all shelters are the same.
There are many differences, including that some are government-run and others happen to be private facilities. Ultimately the goal is to take in animals that are in need and help to rehabilitate them, while a search for a happy home continues. The shelters that make most of a positive impact, is that run by all professionals and is able to treat and care for sick animals. This includes being able to provide a clean environment for them during their rehabilitation process / temporary housing with the shelter.
Funds, regardless of how the facility is run, can often run low. Because of this the shelters rely on the community for support to help them to continue to run as best as they can.
We have previously discussed how you can help to save the animal world, and volunteering for shelters was one of those ways. Both Ilana and Kelly and some other of our FairyTail pet sitters volunteer their time with Suncoast Animal League. Suncoast is a non-profit organization that is a no-kill environment and works to find animals a place where they belong. Because the facility is a mere 1,700 sq ft, they rely on foster families a lot since they can not house all of the animals on the property itself.
Because each shelter is different, requirements are also independent to each one’s needs.
If you have been interested in helping with a local shelter, no time is too late. They are always in need of extra help. The unfortunate situation at hand is, that these shelters are only needed because of our own human neglect and negligence. A lot of animals are either abandoned or a result of puppy mills/ irresponsible breeding. The animals are helpless without the shelters and volunteers themselves.
Special needs shelters are also a part of the many shelters up and running throughout America.
These shelters are made available to help the fur friends who have a little bit more of a need than others. These special needs shelters include care for felines who may have feline leukemia virus or even immunodeficiency, such as Big Sid’s Sanctuary.
Others specialize in taking in animals with disabilities or elderly animals. At Bright Haven, there are also holistic approaches to treatment and education centers available to help those that are interested in learning more so they can be of help as well.
There are even shelters for the blind and for the critters that are unwanted, including exotics, reptiles, and farm animals, such as Fallin’ Pines Critter Rescue.
The first week of November is National Animal Shelter Appreciation and we want to take time to recognize those that take it upon themselves to make a difference in our community and to help the numerous animals in need.
Without you, there would be a whole lot more pain and hurt surrounding us and the kind hearted fur babes, that want nothing more than to give their all to a family where they belong. Continue to go out and make your mark however you can to be a part of this awesome cause. It can be in a way of your own, or you could reach out and see what is needed/necessary to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Either way, you are making a difference in the life of an animal!
THANK YOU!
The Vault Wedding with Tequila - Tampa, FL
Tequila, the dog, took her role as Best Dog very seriously at Mom & Dad's downtown Tampa wedding!
Tequila took her role as "Best Dog" almost as seriously as she takes a game of fetch!
We spent the whole day together; exploring downtown Tampa, playing fetch at Curtis Hixon Park, & spending time with her Dad & his groomsmen at Le Meridien Hotel. Tequila, as her name might suggest, is a fun-loving, high energy, perfect little pup & her parents absolutely adore her.
Erik & Stefany reached out in the very beginning stages of wedding planning because they knew the day just wouldn't be right without their best friend by their side! Aside from spending quality time giving Tequila constant love & games of fetch, we also planned a SURPRISE entrance with the couple for their reception.
After everyone in the bridal party was announced into the reception at The Vault, the Tequila Song started playing and guess who strutted into the party - Tequila herself! She danced with Mom & Dad & brought a smile to literally every single person's face - it was incredible! What a great night!
Since we were already crashing the reception, we figured we'd sneak into the Photo Booth to leave behind a memory of one of the most fun FairyTail Weddings yet!
Professional Photos Courtesy of the Amazing Castaldo Studio Team!
Check out Tequila's FairyTail Wedding video to get a closer look at all the fun!
5 Tips to Prevent Your Pet From Getting Lost
5 Tips to Prevent Your Pet From Getting Lost
The thought of losing your animal can be really unnerving. Don’t panic and remember the encouraging fact that 93% of pups and 75% of cats are reunited with their owner! Those findings were in the first national lost pet survey in 2012, which was conducted by the ASPCA over a five-year span. I can imagine those numbers may be even higher due to social media becoming so much more prevalent! Thankfully there are some things you can do to both prevent and prepare in case this unfortunate event does occur:
1. Use a Collar With Dog Tags
Yes, I know, you’re probably reading this like…well duh? A collar is a no brainer right? Well, you would be surprised how many dog and cat owners feel as though at times a collar is just not necessary. Whether it be because they have their pup inside and don’t think they need one, or they just feel comfortable enough letting them out in the yard for a few minutes and have confidence they will come right back inside. It is important to know your dog and their characteristics. However, having a collar that is secure and has proper identification and contact information can help bring your fur baby back to you immediately.
2. Teach Basic & Important Commands
Along with a dog comes the responsibility to properly train your animal. It is crucial for their safety, your safety, and the safety of others. Teaching your pup commands and working on self-control with them could really be useful in unpredictable situations. There may be distractions that take place surrounding you both that will be out of your power, but with a simple and solid ‘Come’ and ‘Stay,’ you could prevent your pup from leaving your side and getting lost. It is also beneficial in providing a level of respect within the relationship you and your pet share.
3. Microchip Your Pet
The microchip has become popular among the animal lover world. Thankfully with new advances in technology, your vet can inject a microchip that can be scanned. Once scanned, this chip will provide information such as contact/owner name, number, and address. This has actually helped about 15% of owners find their dog or cat. Another wonderful thing is that it is so small it is basically painless!
4. Secure Your Home And Yard
Before even taking in your animal, you should consider any and all ways they could either escape, or get into something that they shouldn’t. Remember they see your home and yard much differently than you do, so it might be useful to try and view things from their perspective. Do whatever you need to in order to make your home/yard puppy and kitty proof. There are many perks to having a good fenced in yard as well. If you plan on having any leash free playtime outside, make sure there are no holes or breaks in your fence that your dog can get through. You may also want to consider the height of your fence, how big is your dog compared to it? How high can your pup jump?
5. Use Social Media & Spread The Word
Now that social media is accessed by millions of people on a daily basis, there are plenty of groups that are specifically for lost pets. These groups are typically extremely helpful and they can likely share your pet post with friends that are in the surrounding area. Be sure to share with all of your personal friends and neighbors and even on your community pages as well. I myself have witnessed many lost pets being found and returned to their owner due to these posts! Any time you see someone else in a similar situation be sure to help out and share the animal they are searching for as well. We can all help one another!
If you apply these useful tips and are aware and active in supervising your pet, you have an extremely high chance of having a happy outcome!
Another fun fact, spay/neutering your pet may also actually have a part in your pet staying or running. According to the ASPCA, 75% of dogs and cats owned are fixed, but only 10% of the animals in the shelters have been spayed/neutered.