Pawprints

Click here for a few great tips on how to dispose of pet waste in an environmentally friendly manner. 

Human Society Legislative Fund (HSLF)

In their own words, The Human Society Legislative Fund is "a social welfare organization, working to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office." Although this election season the HSLF's Board of Directors has unanimously voted to endorse Barack Obama, the board is made up of both Democrats and Republicans and focuses not on politics or party lines, but rather the candidate who most effectively fights for and protects animal rights. To find out which political representatives in your area have the support of the HSLF, click here. And consider bookmarking their home page - it's a great and easy way of staying on top of the most important political animal issues and initiatives (like the historic Yes on Proposition 2 in California coming up in November). 

Gag Me With a Leash

A recent graduate (along with my one-year-old collie-husky mix, Safari) of "Adult Beginner" dog obedience class, I've learned a thing or two about dogs that I never knew before. The most striking - and seemingly most obvious - is their instinctual "opposition reflex." Dogs have a natural tendency to pull against any pressure applied to their throat/neck area. So don't be fooled! Your favorite leash-puller will not just figure out that you wan't him/her to heel if you keep pulling back on the leash. He/she will pull tirelessly instead. It's instinctual.

If you're using a regular collar and leash, try short tugs rather than steady pressure. Any time the dog slows down, make sure you shower him/her with praise - but ONLY when there's slack in the leash. Never praise while the dog is pulling or he/she will mistake that for the good behavior. Timing is everything.

You can also try the Gentle Leader head collar. (It comes in several sizes, according to dog weight, and works with any leash.) It's brilliant - both for you and the dog. Designed to place the pressure caused by resistance on the bridge of the nose, rather than the neck, it feels disorienting (not painful, hence the use of "gentle" in the name) enough to get them to slow down. Instead of hurting them or trying to overpower them, it merely throws them off. They learn very quickly not to pull - though you can probably expect a few paw swipes to their face as they might first try to get it off. It's important not to give attention at those times - no coddling (this will only reinforce that the Gentle Leader is a reason to be coddled) or turning around to look (i.e. no attention)! Better to ignore that kind of behavior. Keep your shoulders facing foward and continue walking. If he/she's resisting, pull your pup along with a few quick tugs so he/she is unable to keep clawing at it and follow your example in walking calmly forward. Always reward - BIG! - for good behavior.

The big claim the people at Gentle Leader make is that it enables children and the elderly to walk any size dog with control and comfort. After working its magic on both my 40-pound and my 90-pound dogs, I have to confess, I wouldn't think twice about leaving them in the hands of my ninety-year-old grandmother. Now there's an idea ... I am looking for a dog-walker....

Humane Society Slide Show - Galveston Rescues

If you can muster a little extra might - not because it's gruesome, but because it's heart-achingly moving; you see some pretty compromised animals getting lots of incredibly loving help - please check out this photo album from the Humane Society's rescue operations in Galveston, Texas in the wake of hurricane Ike. It's a good reminder and inspiration.

Today's Animal In Need: Samantha

Samantha is located at the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in Buellton, California. She could sure use a family (all adults or adults and older kids) to help make her dream come true: Samantha wants to be the biggest loser (she's a bit on the hefty side). Otherwise she's an affectionate, playful girl (she's got a soft spot for cat nip, surprise surprise). If you'd like to sponsor her, click here. (Look for the starred "Sponsor Me" icon to the right under her picture.)

(y)IKE(s)!

At the time of this posting, hurricane Ike is due to make landfall in the Galveston, Texas area at somewhere between category 3 and 4 strength. As a precautionary measure, Galveston has been evacuated. Whatever punch Ike ultimately packs, it's clear that Galveston Island will be hit - and hit hard. Please consider the animals, too, in the aftermath. A good place to begin would be in clicking here to donate to the Galveston Island Humane Society.

Today's Animal In Need: All of Them

I know it may feel like all I've done of late is offer ways for you to part with more money - and I promise to mix in a more varied collection of posts in the coming weeks - but as Ike swirls toward Texas, my heart and conscience are with those families and their animals who are in harm's way. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th (much later than I thought), so with over two months still to go, maybe it's not such a bad time to be a little one-note here. If you'd like to help not just one specific animal, but all those living in the devastated conditions of these intense storms, click here. The money will also go to victims of storms yet to come. 

Today's Animal In Need: Scarlet

In light of September's turbulent weather, I feel compelled to focus on the states in the hurricane belt right now, so you may see animals from Florida, Louisiana and Texas popping up often.

Scarlet is an Arabian horse who was born with a broken shoulder and consequently has some deformities. She was brought to the Humane Society of Louisiana (Acadia Chapter) in Church Point, Louisiana due to neglect and abandonment. She is a 13-15-year-old sweet-natured mare and deserves to live out her years in peace and comfort. If you'd like to sponsor her, click here.  (Look for the starred "Sponsor Me" icon to the right under her picture.)

Today's Animal In Need: Sapphire

Sapphire is located at For the Love of Cats, Inc. in Marco Island, Florida. She is ten weeks old and had a rough start to life, being thrown against a wall and cracking her hip. The good news is, she has not only recovered, but grown into an energetic, loving lap cat. If you'd like to sponsor her and help her continue to flourish until she finds her forever home, please click here. (Look for the starred "Sponsor Me" icon to the right under her picture.) 

Today's Animal In Need: Charlie

Charlie is a Plott Hound mix located in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. Still a bit bashful, he's come a long way since being abandoned and left to walk the streets on his own. He's safe in a shelter now, making many canine - and hopefully soon, human - friends. Click here to sponsor Charlie and his brightening future. (Look for the starred "Sponsor Me" icon to the right under his picture.)

Sponsor A Pet (Like Buddie)

Have you been feeling eager to help in the efforts to rescue homeless animals but unable to adopt at this time due to living arrangements or allergies or the ark you already have at home? Good news! Petfinder.com has made it possible for you to help save a shelter pet without actually adopting. Click here to view their "Sponsor a Pet" page. If you scroll to the bottom, you can choose a state and find local animals who could use your support, even if you're not ready to open your home. Any size contribution will help and is tax deductible. 

Today's Animal in Need is Buddie (see above). He's located at the Westport, Connecticut Humane Society. You can read about him - and sponsor him - here. (Look for the starred "Sponsor Me" icon on the right under his picture.)

Today's Animal in Need: Hazel's Puppies

This is the first of what I hope will be many posts devoted to introducing you to specific animals out there right this very minute in need of kind-hearted souls. I know I'm more moved to help when I can see where my help is going. So, in the spirit of putting faces on those in need....

Meet five puppies in Georgia (two are pictured above) who were recently rescued from a high-kill shelter. Shortly after their rescue, it was discovered that they have parvovirus, or "parvo," a disease that is often fatal if not treated. They are currently being boarded in Georgia until their health improves. Should you feel moved to see to it that they have every means to restore their health, please send donations of any amount to (please specify that your donation is for Hazel's puppies):

Saving Shelter Pets, Inc

P.O. Box 2942

South Bend, IN 46680

And to read more about Saving Shelter Pets, Inc., a wonderful nonprofit dedicated to saving the lives of shelter animals, as well as promoting spaying and neutering, click here.