Results matching “lost pet” from Valley of the Dogs

I got several emails about various holiday issues in regards to your pets. I'm sure you've read it all before but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of things like this. Here's something about what to do when traveling with Fido or Fluffy during this season.

TIS THE SEASON TO TRAVEL WITH PETS

Easy Pet Travel Tips
(New York - November 17, 2008) -- Whether you are traveling to a neighboring town or over the river and through the woods, it's important to always put your pet's safety first, which can easily be overlooked with the holiday hustle and bustle.

According to Jane Manfredi, DVM, being prepared is the best thing pet owners
can do to ensure a safe and easy trip with a pet this holiday season. Below
are a few tips to ensure a merry ride for you and your pet:

Always Use an ID tag: Just like you always tag your luggage, be sure to tag your pet. Pet owners are discovering a new generation of web-based pet identification services that can easily help you find your pet. CLICK HERE for previous posts on such services. A reader commented on another web-based pet ID service called Return Moi Pets! Click the link and check it out. It's got the same idea.

Do Your Homework: If you and your pet are, please review the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations about traveling with pets. Make sure your pet has proper ventilation and spacing in its cargo. If your pet is flying as a passenger, confirm that your carrier meets FAA size regulations.

Document It: Before hitting the road, be sure to pack a copy of your pet's vaccination records, including rabies. More and more public places like dog parks,
hotels and pet playgroups are requesting this documentation.

Create a Home Away from Home: Help create a sense of security for your pet by familiarizing them with their travel crate weeks prior to your trip. Be sure to include cozy reminders from home, such as your pet's favorite blanket or toy.

Feed a light meal to your pet three to four hours before traveling. Pets should never fly on an empty stomach or be fed while in transport.

Don't forget to tell visiting family and friends your pet's dietary guidelines. It's often tempting to feed a cute furry friend table scraps that may disagree with your pet's sensitive system.

Check and Groom Before You Go: To ease the stress of travel on a pet, it's best to take your pet for a check up at your veterinarian's office and a grooming appointment at least a week in advance of travel. Get some anxiety medications from your vet prior to traveling. And make sure your pet as ample supplies of other medicines he or she needs.

Don't forget having your dogs nails trimmed can make traveling more enjoyable for both dog and owner. Finally, just remember the winter season is upon us and the weather outside can be frightful... pets should never be left unattended in a parked car for any
period of time especially during the chilly winter months (or hot summer months if you're traveling south of the equator).

I recently posted about IDTAG.com, a unique way to find your lost pet. I just got information on yet another lost pet alert system designed to easily help you find a lost pet. Now I'm not here to say which service is better since I've never used either (still thinking about it though...have to weigh the pros and cons of each). But I'm just giving you information so you can come to your own conclusions as to the best avenue to take. One thing is for sure! These things are like insurance (car or health etc...): you're glad you have it but you hope that you'll never have to use it.

New Pet ID System to Raise Bar in Lost Pet Prevention and Recovery

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Chicago, IL Global Pet Search Inc.® announced the launch of their revolutionary lost pet search and rescue tagging system, Pawtags®. Pawtags provides instant 24/7 live operator assistance and leverages both a proactive and reactive process for reuniting pets with their owners.

Each Pawtag is a high-quality, colorful, weatherproof tag with an exclusive, deep-stamped ID number. Upon purchase, members register their pet's information, including vet info, rabies tag number, city licensing information, and microchip data, into their profile and can include up to ten emergency contact phone numbers. This allows the Pawtag to serve as a multi-tag component, storing all of the pet's information in one place.

In the case that a pet is lost, Global Pet Search's highly trained call center staff will work their way through the listed contacts until a live person is reached. The staff has been specially trained to help return lost pets to safety through a variety of methods, including Google mapping locations and three-way conferencing between the owner, pet-finder, and call center.

"Our rescue assistance procedures for lost pets are close to 911 emergency assistance services for people," said John Capriotti, Sr. Director of Marketing for Global Pet Search. "Microchips are good for identification, but they are only useful after the pet has been rescued. They have to already be in a facility that can scan and find the chip, which isn't always the case."

Included in the standard member's package is access to Global Pet Search's exclusive nationwide lost pet search program, the Pet Alert Warning System®, or PAWS Alert, which is the first in the country to provide pet owners with an open line of communication with all 10,000 intake facilities registered with the National Animal Control Association.

The main problem with lost pet searches is people do not know where to look for their pets. Most municipalities contract out their Animal Control Services. All lost pets go to those facilities first. Then a select few get picked up by Humane Societies and adoption facilities. The rest are euthanized in some cases within 2 or 3 days!

"Nationally, almost 80% of lost pets retrieved and brought into animal control facilities are euthanized," said Capriotti. "The main reason for this devastating figure is facilities that have found the pet don't know who owns it, and owners don't know where to look for their lost pet. Our PAWS Alert System is the sorely needed conduit between these gaps."

Global Pet Search is initiating various national programs, linked with pet industry advocates, in hopes of changing the current standard for pet identification in the United States. "We are committed to dropping the current 80% lost pet euthanasia rate though dedicated, devoted live assistance and advanced technological adaptations," said Capriotti. "Our members are comfortable knowing their pets are protected 24/7 and our staff will extend every effort to help them locate their lost pet."

Pawtags are competitively priced, with an initial purchase price of $9.99 providing both a durable tag and one year's worth of live operator search and rescue services. Members can renew each year for the same price or upgrade to a lifetime membership for only $19.99. The tags, which are the first cash-and-carry prepackaged pet tag in the country, will soon be available at local retailers, shelters, veterinary offices, rescue groups, and pet adoption centers, and can be purchased immediately at www.pawtags.com.

For more holiday gift ideas CLICK HERE!

Here's a great gift for the dog or cat owner in your life (or even for yourself). I.D. tags that make tracking your lost pet even easier. I call it the pet version of the LoJack...LOL!! But in all seriousness...this is a great thing. Hershey already has a microchip but Marcie doesn't so I think I'll get her one of these. Not sure if Hershey will allow me to put on a collar but we'll see.

Bone I.D. and Cat face I.D. tag. Check the website for more unique tags.

SAY GOODBYE TO STANDARD PET ID TAGS
New Generation of a Virtual Amber Alert(tm) System for Pets Released

(New York - November 12, 2008) - Did you know each year nearly 8 million lost pets are placed in animal shelters across the country, with nearly 75 percent euthanized? And with more people traveling with their pets, this number is sure to increase. Having accurate, easy-to-find contact information is one of the best ways to increase a pet's chances of being reunited with its family. And to increase these odds even more, IDTAG.com comes to the rescue.

IDTAG.com is a web-based pet identification service that provides the fastest, easiest way to reunite owners with lost pets. Each IDTAG.com pet tag is engraved with a unique identification number or pet "social security number," enabling the pet owner to create a secure, on-line profile containing current photos, videos, health records and emergency contact information about their dog or cat. So if your precious pet ever goes missing, one call to the IDTAG.com emergency support line or a click of the mouse and an instant lost pet alert will be sent to any shelter, veterinarian or rescue group within 50 miles of the pet's last known location. In a similar fashion, anyone who recovers the pet can simply call the toll-free number on the tag or log onto www.IDTAG.com. When every second counts, it's like an Amber Alert(tm) for lost pets!

Service Features:

• Simple, three-step online registration process that takes minutes to complete
• 24/7 toll-free emergency hotline, (866)-60-FOUND
• Secure on-line access to personalized pet and owner profiles - ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
• One-Click(tm) Instant-Lost Pet Broadcast Alert to more than 15,000 animal shelters, vets and rescue groups - new rescue contacts are added to the network weekly
• Text message and e-mail alerts sent to the network
• Lost-pet bulletins automatically posted on missing-pet web sites
• Stylish pet tags with no engraving necessary, serial numbers won't wear off
• Affordably-priced
• Even if IDTAG is missing, lost pets can still be recovered

The instant broadcast of pet emergency information saves time when searching for a missing pet and gives peace of mind that you are giving your pet the best protection available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Microchipping is another alternative to traditional engraved tags, but only IDTAG.com can be instantly and easily updated online and requires no additional scanning equipment. IDTAG.com's web site also allows pet owners to list multiple emergency contacts for maximum protection, with images, microchip numbers, rewards and even video. In the event a pet finder cannot easily access a computer, IDTAG.com operators will call every emergency number in the pet's profile, until the owner is successfully reached.

This new service is also beneficial to busy animal shelters. "An important part of the Valley Animal Center's mission is helping people keep their pets safe," said Brittnee Maxfield of Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California. "We are so pleased to be partnering with IDTag.com, providing pet owners another way to be reunited with their four-legged friends in the event that they ever get lost."

How IDTAG.com Works:

1. Use the serial number on the product tag to create a secure user profile on IDTAG.com. The profile creation process is easy and takes only a few minutes.
2. Lost pet? Call the emergency hotline or log into IDTAG.com. The service will send broadcast alerts to any shelter or rescue group within 50 miles of where your pet was
3. last seen. Shelters receive images of your pet, a list of special needs and primary and secondary contact information within MINUTES.
4. An e-mail is sent automatically to the user with listings of the shelters/rescue groups that received the lost-pet bulletin - no need to wait for the shelter to contact you.
5. If someone finds your pet, they simply log onto www.IDTAG.com or call the toll-free phone number on the tag.

IDTAG.com can be purchased at PetSmart, Meijer and at thousands of independent pet stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.IDTAG.com.

I know this has been said time and time again but I can't stress this enough. I'm sure we all have given into the demands of our furry friends at the Thanksgiving dinner table (or any other day for that matter) but, in reality, it's a really bad idea!

According to animal expert, Diana L. Guerrero. "There can be deadly consequences for animals during the holidays. Holiday threats to animals can include seasonal decorations, ornamental lighting, ingestion of inappropriate or toxic items, excessive consumption of rich foods or harmful food, candle flames, and many other hazards." (quote can be found here!)

Here's a list of hazardous items according to Guerrero:

• Rich, fatty foods (turkey skins, gravy, etc,) can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious--requiring emergency veterinary assistance.
• Cooked bones can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in a pet's digestive tract.
• Baking strings, if ingested, can create trouble if ingested by your pet.
• Onions in holiday stuffing can lead to canine anemia if consumed by your dog.
• Grapes and raisin toxins can cause kidney failure in pets.
• Ingesting chocolate can kill your pet.
• Caffeine and alcohol are also toxic for pets.
• Keep all goodies out of reach!

Guidelines for Pets on Thanksgiving

• Make sure all Thanksgiving day guests know the rules: no one should feed the pets any food meant for human consumption. This includes any snacks offered to guests before or after dinner, as well as the dinner items themselves. Foods that are high in salt and/or fatty foods such as turkey skin can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs.
• Feed your dog or cat its normal food at the regular time. Do not change the feeding schedule.
• Do not deviate from the pet's regular exercise schedule. Walking, playing in the yard, and other normal activities help reduce stress, so exercise can be especially important on Thanksgiving day.
• Safely dispose of any aluminum foil, wax paper, paper, or plastic wrap that was used to cover or wrap foods. Pets will try to lick the food off the packaging and may ingest the coverings, which can cause intestinal problems.
• Ensure your garbage is secure and away from where your pets can reach it.
• Do not allow your dog or cat to eat chocolate, as it can be harmful, even deadly, to pets. Signs that your pet has ingested chocolate include hyperactivity and rapid breathing. Seek medical attention if your pet shows signs of haven eaten chocolate.
• Keep turkey bones away from your pets. These bones can easily break and lodge in the esophagus or irritate the stomach or intestines.
• Make sure items such as skewers, toothpicks, and string (used to tie the turkey) are kept away from pets. They will be tempting because they smell and/or taste of food.
• If your pets are allowed to mingle with your guests, allow some quiet time as well. You can sequester your dog or cat in a spare room or in a large crate to help keep their excitement level down.
• Provide enough water for your pet. Keep it out of the way of house traffic but easily accessible for your cat or dog.
• Do not take your dog to Thanksgiving day parades. Crowds can increase a pet's stress level, and it is possible for your pet to get lost in large gatherings.
• Make sure your pet has current identification tags and license (if applicable). It is easy for a pet to slip out the door when there are many people coming and going in the house.

Of course you'd definitely need the money. While searching for the lost momma kitty who I'm still on the lookout for, I got several emails and calls about pet detectives that use bloodhounds and all kinds of other NOSEy (LOL!!) dogs that can help look for the momma kitty. Unfortunately there's no way I can afford to pay them $800 per day on my meager salary.

But here's a great Daily News story that proves that these pet detectives work. CLICK HERE for the story. Here's an excerpt from the story:

Over the past month, pet detective Landa Coldiron said her dogs found 15 out of 17 pets they searched for. The dogs led her and pet detective Annalisa Berns directly to seven of the lost pets, though five were dead.

Even if the dogs don't lead directly to the pet, she calls all the nearby veterinarians and pet shops and teaches her clients the finer points of launching a flier-and-poster campaign - hundreds of fliers and bright, fluorescent posters that loudly promise generous rewards to whomever finds the lost pet.

Even if the dogs found the pets dead, the owners can at least find some closure as to what happened to their pet. I know all too well what it's like to have a lost pet without knowing what happened to them. It's the worst feeling. Several years back I lost my dog Sasha. He had no collar (it broke off and we were just about to put on a new one when our lovely gardeners left the gate open). Thank God we found Sasha a few days later (some lovely people found him and were honest enough to post found signs) but during those three days I was a complete mess because I didn't know whether he was dead or alive.

Even if you can't afford their services they offer loads of information on ways to find your lost pet.

Due to not getting around to posting much, I have accumulated a plethora of pet-related books to write about. I've been wanting to write about this particular book for awhile since I can sort of attest to mental and spiritual experiences with my pets (especially my cats). I haven't read this book but I have skimmed through it. I'm not sure if I agree with everything I've seen, but I should read the book with an open mind.

Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions: Connecting with the Spiritual Awareness of All Life by Dawn Baumann Brunke moves beyond the "how" and "why" of animal communication that she wrote about in her previous books.

Here's an excerpt from the back of the book:

Through conversations, dreams, and merged consciousness with a variety of animals and spirit beings, she reveals the vast treasure of wisdom and experiences offered to us as we open ourselves to the consciousness of others, confront and release our fears of death, and expand our sensory perception to include other modes of existence.

While skimming through this book I did come across a snippet that I could relate to (though I'm not so sure about what she delves into following this snippet).

Here's the snippet:

Isn't it wonderful how little details of life often bring us confirmations of the most unexpected sort? Although I wrote a short personal account about Barney's death and shared it with many others via e-mail, I did not tell anyone of the vision of Barney with the little girl (in her dream). The following morning, while reading through some loving e-mails from those who had known Barney, I found a note from my mom:

Hi Dawn: Thanks for sending your good-bye to Barney piece. It did help and I thank you. Still miss him terribly, though I do have thoughts/vissions/dreams of him happily trotting in the sunshine next to a little girl. So who knows _ maybe his new life? Lots of love, Mom.

In 2005 I lost my beloved Cleo in 2005, I would constantly hear, see her (in the corner of my eye), feel her next to me (I still do on occasion), and I'd dream about her knowing that she was coming to visit me to say that she was okay. Now I know that many of you are probably thinking that I should be sent to the loony bin. But I do believe that animal spirits do go somewhere and that they do have some kind of a soul. I believe in some idea of the Rainbow Bridge, but blog post on that would cause the internet to clog up and shut down...LOL!!!

okay...back to the Cleo story. Like I said...after her death, I would constantly feel her walk up to me, lay down next to me, meow, and I'd see her in dreams. Now I don't know if that's just the essence of my memories of her immediately after her death, or if it was really her. I hope that it's really her. I didn't dare tell many people (except for a friend of mine who is an expert in this stuff) for fear that they would lock me up in a mental institution.

Well lo! and behold! My mom randomly commented that she too could see and feel the spirit of Cleo walking around the house (she died while I was living with my mom) and that she has to occasionally do a double take because she thinks that Cleo is either lurking around the corner in the house or hanging around her grave site (she's buried in my mom's back yard).

Now this story does not say that we shouldn't be skeptical, but there is some truth the the spiritual and mental connection we have with the animals in our lives. Don't even make me talk about some of the telepathic experiences I've had with Marcie and the dogs that have made their presence in my life. There may be no words in the communication there's a definite understanding that can go on between you and the animals in your life. I love it when that happens.

So if you're in tune to animal communication, you might want to pick up a copy of this book. Again...I can't guarantee that it will be a quality read since I haven't fully read it myself. If anything...I love the picture on the cover because Barney (I'm assuming that must be Barney) looks allot like my Nike, who also passed away (and who I've also encountered in dreams and such).

The book retails for $16 and is available at the usually places (you know...amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble...you name it).

This morning I just perused the net for...you guessed it!...pet-related news. I found this interesting article on human behavior when it comes to two polar-opposite types of animal cruelty.

Click here for the article..

Compare this...

Dogs rescued by Santa Cruz County Animal Services from a home north of Boulder Creek, California rest in the safety of the Animal Services kennels in Scotts Valley, California on Monday July 28, 2008. Shmuel Thaler/Santa Cruz Sentinel ( Shmuel Thaler )

To this...

Deborah Wright of Sicklerville, N.J., holds the cat dubbed "Princess Chunky" which she picked up at the pound last weekend. The 44-lb. cat is really a male name Powder who was abandoned by his owner after she lost her home in foreclosure. (McClatchy-Tribune photo by John Costello / July 31, 2008)

The article also has a point in that so many healthy animals that come from fairly happy beginnings often get passed up because so many people want that pet that has a history. So yeah...go down to your local shelter and adopt whatever animal you fall in love with...regardless of it's history!!

That everyone should be prepared in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Thank God nothing major happened to us over here (or any of you...hopefully). And our pets are okay. The minute this place shook I immediately thought about my cats (and then my husband...who was okay too) and all the things that could have fallen on them. Thankfully they were unharmed...very shaken...but unharmed.

I was going to link to a post at our sister blog Southbay Pets but, just like us, they lost everything that was entered earlier today. Heck I couldn't even get on here until now. So I'm going to post the exact same thing because it was emailed to me as well. Here's the press release from the spcaLA. You can never get enough of this information. Today was yet another reminder that disaster can hit anytime, anywhere and we must all be prepared.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS

What Pet Owners Need to Know in an Emergency

Los Angeles - Disasters strike at any time, don't get caught unprepared. It is now fire season and a major earthquake just hit the Chino Hills area today, only 29 miles away from Los Angeles. When a disaster strikes a community, essential services are often unavailable and precautions should be taken for the entire family including the safety of pets.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) strongly recommends pet owners prepare for an emergency by following simple guidelines to ensure their pet's safety in the event of an urgent situation or natural disaster.

"Pets depend on us for their safety, food, water and more," says Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. "With the earthquake that just occurred, it is important to have a disaster plan in place to ensure all members of the family are accounted for properly and it only takes a little advance preparation."

The following are the most important things pet owner can do to prepare their pets for an emergency:

* Make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food and bottled water with other emergency provisions including pet prescription and medicine.

* If roads are blocked due to a natural disaster, professional help may not be possible immediately so familiarize yourself and other family members with pet CPR, resuscitation
and general first aid procedures. Your quick action could save your pet's life.

* Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets. Most animals are very aware of their owner's emotions and can read your stress. This can cause otherwise calm pets to display aggressive behavior.

* After a fire or disaster, check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.

* Ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows. If none are available, make your own by listing your pets on 3X5 card and display it prominently. This alerts emergency teams there may be pets that need assistance.

* Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times. This will make it easier for you and your pet to be reunited if separated.

* Keep up-to-date on your pet's vaccinations. Pets may become disoriented and stray, or housed in shelters with other animals, thereby potentially becoming exposed to infectious
diseases.

* Alert local shelters immediately upon discovering that your pet is missing.

For more information, contact spcaLA at 1(888) spcaLA-1 or visit www.spcaLA.com.

Aside from this advice I received a tip from L.A. Animals Services on how to keep your pets safe on the Fourth. Here's the press release:

REMINDER: KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE JULY 4TH

Los Angeles - LA Animal Services is suggesting pet owners get their pets licensed and micro-chipped before the 4th of July. More animals are lost during the 4th of July celebrations than at any other time of the year. Loud noises from fireworks frighten animals due to their heightened senses of hearing, and they will do anything to escape the noise. This behavior is usually unpredictable and out of character, and it may include chewing through a leash, jumping through screens and glass windows, digging under a fence, jumping over a wall, bolting away from the owner, and running into traffic.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to help ensure your pet's protection. Just follow these five simple guidelines to make July 4th a great holiday for both of you.

Don't take your pet to fireworks displays. The explosions of the fireworks are loud to the human ear. Imagine how loud it sounds to your dog, who can hear sounds up to 60,000 cycles per second --that's three times greater than the human ear can even register.

Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen. This practice is also illegal in the state of California.

Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure you've removed any items your pet could destroy or may be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending 4th of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal care center, where they have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Two forms of ID are always best when it comes to protecting your pet. If an individual finds your pet, the first thing he or she will look for is an ID tag. If your pet is taken to a shelter, it will also be scanned for a microchip. LA Animal Services micro-chips pets for $25.

For more information or assistance call LA Animal Services at 1-888-452LA-PET1/1-888-452-7381 (TTY Hearing impaired: 877-875-8205) or visit the website at www.LAAnimalServices.com

And this just in!!

I just received this month's Paw'llywood Reporter (yes that's right folks), an email newsletter from the SPCALA. I'll elaborate on more news items later but this one fits the theme of this blog entry:

If you are planning to travel, spcaLA is happy to offer a coupon for the spcaLA Pet Hotel and Grooming Salon.

Be sure to book your appointments well in advance! (yeah I just got this so I'm not sure if it's far enough in advance. Doesn't hurt to try right!!) Go here to get the coupon. Now if you live in the Valley I'm not sure you'd want to drive to Long Beach just to drop off your pet. If you own a cat in the valley you might want to try this place, which was written by fellow coworker Holly Andres. But I'm sure they're booked to the hilt. And you certainly don't want to try the Petsmart Hotel in Canoga Park. I went there today and the entire store was filled with dogs and their owners trying to book a place at the hotel.

Remember this entry and this entry?

Apparently Petco has heard the call for people dealing with foreclosure and the possiblity of giving up their pets. Since I'm too lazy to type my own thing at the moment (hey! It's hot outside!) I'm just going to copy and paste the press release:

PETCO Foundation Helps Keep Pets with Families Through Tough Economic Times

Animal Welfare Groups Can Now Apply for Assistance from 'We Are Family, Too' Fund

SAN DIEGO (June 18, 2008) - As tough economic times force more and more pet owners to surrender their animal companions to shelters, the PETCO Foundation is launching a new fund to support local programs that help keep pets where they belong - with their families.

The "We Are Family, Too" fund provides short-term funding for animal welfare groups to help pet owners who have lost their homes or are experiencing temporary financial hurdles. We Are Family, Too funds such programs as pet food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet-friendly housing, short-term foster pet care, spay and neuter services, and veterinary services.

"Through this fund we are giving voice to the thousands of pets that have lost their families - abandoned or surrendered because their owners lost their home or could no longer afford to feed and take care of them," said Paul Jolly, PETCO Foundation vice president and executive director. "Animal welfare groups across the country are working to alleviate this growing crisis, and the PETCO Foundation is proud to support their efforts to keep families and pets together."

Animal welfare groups can apply for We Are Family, Too grants of up to $2,500 by clicking on the PETCO Foundation link on www.petco.com.

Pet parents nationwide can also help by purchasing PETCO reusable shopping bags, which sell for $1.99 at all PETCO stores and at www.petco.com - with $1 of the purchase price funding the We Are Family, Too program.

More information on how to apply is here.

Photo by Photo William Thomas Cain/Stringer / Getty Images

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Regardless of our political stance we must always honor the heroic work our service men and women have done for us and we must remember with dignity those that have lost their lives for our country.

Today I thought that there's got to be information on patriotic dogs that have served our country in some way and I came across this blog.

For the most part we always hear about human soldiers putting their lives at risk but you never hear about the estimated 2,300 working dogs that can do things that humans can't.

Here's an exerpt from an article on military dogs.

With an acute sense of smell five to 10 times stronger than a human's, working dogs are able to detect minute traces of explosives or drugs and alert their handlers of their presence, Rolfe explained.

But at the same time, dogs have ability to inflict fear in an aggressor in a way a human -- even if armed -- often can't, and will defend their handlers to the end. "People see a dog and don't want to mess with it," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Mier, a military working dog trainer who has deployed to Southwest Asia three times as a handler -- twice to Saudi Arabia and once to Qatar. "A dog creates a strong psychological deterrent."

Read the entire article. It's an eyeopener as to what military dogs do for our country. The Dog Tags program is also a testament as to what dogs are doing for our disabled vets.

And here's something on wartime cats. I found another article on wartime cats but it was too disturbing to post here. Not sure if we have one here in the states but I also found this wikipedia link to a war memorial for animals in the UK.