Where do people get their dogs?

Pet SourceA recent survey of people who have gotten pets (cats as well as dogs) within the past 12 months. I thought the findings were kind of interesting:

25% got their pet from a family member
24% got their pet from a shelter (those making more than $55,000 a year are more likely to choose this option than those making less)
19% took in a stray
12% bought from a purebred breeder
8% bought from a pet store
5% kept the offspring of their own pet

In another finding, 42% of people who added a dog or cat to their family did NO research before making the move. This is scary because the number one reason why animals are dropped off at shelters is because the pet didn’t meet the expectations of the family. Kind of hard to have realistic expectations when you don’t do your research first.

Come back tomorrow to take our Saturday Survey so we can all find out if our readers mirror the general population or not.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

FDA Warning on Dog Treats

If you use Merrick Beef Filet Squares manufactured by Merrick Pet Care, you need to be aware that some of the treats are contaminated with salmonella according to the Food and Drug Administration. Although they have not currently heard of any illnesses linked to these treats, there is a possibility of humans getting sick if they handle the snacks.

The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs have a “best buy” label of 111911. The agency recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.

Products suspected of being contaminated should be discarded in a secure trash can with a lid.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

California Hires K-9s to Help Ease Budget Crunch

 I wish I could remember where I picked it up, but I have been reading a publication called Kind News, Jr. Edition.  It is a 4-page newspaper put out by the Humane Society Humane Society.org/Kids specifically for children.

 In the issue I have, it talks about a unique program developed by the California Department of Fish and Game.  Under current economic conditions, employees in all departments have been cut to the bone.  Due to the large amount of territory each remaining officer must cover, they have a hard time catching poachers who illegally take wildlife such as bears, trout, and elk.

 As part of the solution, the Department began training dogs to recognize the scent not only of the protected wildlife, but also of gunpowder.  The dogs they use?  Pooches from local shelters!  What a great way to reduce overcrowding at shelters while giving the dogs meaningful work and contributing to the state’s well-being.

 Because the state budget didn’t allow for the care of these K-9 employees, Fish and Game officers were paying for their partners’ vet care, food, and other expenses.  The HSUS stepped in with a grant to help out.

 Kudos to the California Department of Fish & Game and the HSUS for partnering to rescue shelter dogs as well as to protect the state’s wildlife.

 Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

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