More Loveable . . . Not Less Adoptable!

Too often I hear about dogs and cats that are considered “less adoptable” due to their age, breed, perceived disability or even the color of their fur! Petfinder's “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week”, which is celebrated the last week of September, is actually on a continuous mission to change minds and misperceptions about homeless pets. I still find it difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that black cats are still considered less adoptable mainly due to superstition, and that black animals in general are considered 'unlucky'.  Hard to believe considering it’s 2014. I have shared my home with many black cats, and dogs, and other black animals, in addition to a variety of colorful and wonderful pets, for most of my 53 years on this planet. For me, personally, I think all animals are gifts from God, as well as incredibly intelligent sentient beings.  However, there is something especially alluring about dark fur and big green eyes, or blue eyes, or hazel eyes . . . something magical and mystical about these beautiful animals, which is why I tend to gravitate towards them.  Then it occurred to me that perhaps my readers may have a specific belief regarding “less adoptable” companion animals. If we all work together to share our stories about our pets and how amazing they are, regardless of perceived "imperfections" or "handicaps", I believe we can help dispel these myths and perhaps help increase the adoption rates of less fortunate animals who are in need of loving, forever homes.  If more potential adopters could see past the minor "imperfections", they could experience the delight of sharing their lives with pets that have so much love to give, and who show us their gratitude every single day.

Here are some of the categories of the pet population that are considered “less adoptable”, and the advantages of sharing your home with one or more of them:

www.Petfinder.com

Senior Pets

Kittens and puppies are adorable, but training can be labor intensive and not always ideal for people with busy schedules. When you adopt a senior pet, there are many advantages. There are no surprises with behavior issues or growth spurts . . . you know in advance what you’re getting. Senior pets generally have a longer attention span so often training is easier. In general, older felines are more patient with other pets and children in the household. And finally, senior companion animals are often a perfect match with senior citizens. The companionship of an older dog or cat can provide much needed friendship and interaction for seniors who live alone. I have started a foundation called Senior Pet Project, whose mission is to 'Keep Senior Pets in Forever Homes & Help Seniors Keep Thier Pets'.  Won't you please make a generous donation today? www.SeniorPetProject.org  ♥

Black Animals

Dark colored dogs and cats are much harder to place than their lighter colored counterparts. Yes, superstition plays a role when it comes to black cats. Actually, some shelters and rescues will not adopt out black cats during the Halloween season, for fear that some harm might come to them. However, there may be other factors that come into play. I recall an article I read awhile back stating that lighter colored animals stand out more in a crowd. So, when future pet parents go to a shelter to choose a pet, they see the lighter, more brightly colored pets first. The next time you find yourself looking to adopt, don’t forget to look very carefully at all of the animals because choosing the darkest pet could brighten your life for many years to come.

Misunderstood Breeds

American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and similar mixed breeds are often referred to as Pit Bulls. Many disreputable people have exploited Pit Bull types, training them to be aggressive and to fight. As a result, Pit Bulls top the list as the most euthanized dog in the country. Actually, these breeds are loyal and generally good with children. In the UK, they were known as “nanny” dogs in the 19th century. There are other misunderstood dog breeds that are harder to place including larger dogs like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows and others. In my capacity as an animal welfare & animal rights activist, adoption advocate, as well as fundraiser & awareness proponent, I have had a lot of personal experience with several of these breeds, and have nothing but positive things to report. The success stories regarding adoptions and the incredibly loving relationships pet parents have with these misunderstood dog breeds far outweigh the few unfortunate incidents that occur, and that are sensationalized by the media. Has anyone else noticed the pattern of demonizing a certain breed in each decade? In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German Shepherds, in the '90s they blamed Rottweilers. Now they blame the Pit Bull. When will they wake up to reality and blame the humans?

Medical Challenges

Finally, there are the dogs and cats with chronic medical problems, often as a result of abuse or misfortune. Some common disabilities include animals who are blind, deaf or may be missing a limb. In many cases, pets with disabilities are not harder to care for than those that are completely healthy. However, sometimes pet parents may need to devote more time, patience and veterinary care to these pets. Rest assured, medically-challenged companion animals can enjoy happy and fulfilling lives with the right families and they can give back so much more than they receive.

Senior Dog

If you have welcomed a “less adoptable” pet into your home and experienced the love and affection of these special animals, please help me spread the word.

* Portions of this article excerpted from the Life's Abundance Blog.

Cats Get Lonely Too . . . .

"Of all God's creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat." - Mark Twain



Oftentimes people select cats over dogs because cats can be left alone ~ with appropriate food and water ~ for a day or two.  For many people, this makes cats the ideal companion animal.  And, while it is true that cats do not need to be let outside like dogs do (nor should they be allowed to roam about unsupervised and unprotected outdoors, however that's a whole 'nother article!), be careful not to assume that cats don’t get lonely, or bored.  They do.  

Cats enjoy our company and like to be with us.  When we are gone, they miss us.  So if you plan to be gone for a day or two, consider having a family member or a qualified pet-sitter come over and spend time with your cat.  Provide some good, quality cat toys (and some good snacks for the “sitter!”), and let the sitter know how your cat likes to play, and whether he/she likes to be snuggled or carried (or not).  You may even want to arrange a meeting between your sitter and your cat before you leave so your cat isn’t surprised or frightened by a total stranger when you are gone. 

Even if you have more than one cat, please do not underestimate the company of people. Consider providing your cat(s) with some human company when you need to be away. You will all be much happier, and you can have peace of mind knowing that a trusted sitter is keeping an eye on kitty . . . as well as your home, in your absence.




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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique, premium pet food business, and holistic healing therapies. She is also a professional intuitive, spiritual coach, and holistic healer who works with the Angels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms when counseling clients, which includes animals and people.

Help Senior Pet Project Earn a $5 Bonus . . . . and Possibly WIN $500 or $1000 in October!!

Senior Pet Project (www.SeniorPetProject.org) needs your help!  As members of iGive, Senior Pet Project earns donations when our friends sign up and install the iGive button, which activates when you shop at a participating online retailer!  It doesn't cost you anything to use iGive, and you just shop online as you normally would.  Just click the iGive button to make sure it is active when you shop.  The best part is that Senior Pet Project earns a percentage of every online purchase you make from participating online retailers!  It's so easy, and it's FREE for you to use, however it earns crucial donations for our cause.  Here is the link to sign up:  http://www.igive.com/4oG4ig7

Each "new to iGive" member who joins under Senior Pet Project with this link: ~ http://www.igive.com/4oG4ig7  ~ during October 2014 and tries the iGive Button beginning within a week of joining, and continues to try the Button through 1/15/15 will earn a $5 bonus for his or her chosen cause.  The member who successfully invites and signs-up the greatest number of "new to iGive" members between September 30, 2014 and midnight (Chicago time) October 31, 2014 will win $1,000 for his or her cause.  The second and third place members will each win $500 for their cause. The new member must try the iGive Button and it must be "phoning home" properly to be considered "in use" and active through 1/15/15 to be counted.

Here is Senior Pet Project's dedicated link for you to sign up with!  Every donation is a blessing for us, so please . . . . won't you sign up and help us through iGive, and share with your friends and family?!  Senior pets everywhere are in need.  Thank you in advance.

http://www.igive.com/4oG4ig7

Bravo Recalls Select Chicken and Turkey Pet Foods Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 26, 2014 - (Manchester, CT) Bravo of Manchester, CT is recalling select lots of Bravo Turkey and Chicken pet foods for dogs and cats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide beginning on November 14, 2013 to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube.

1) These products are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! TURKEY BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS
Product Number: 31-102
Size: 2 lb. (32 OZ) plastic tubes
Best used by date: 11-05-15
UPC: 829546311025
Keep Frozen

Bravo! Blends All Natural Chicken Blend diet for dogs & cats
Product Number: 21-102
Size: 2 lb. (32 OZ) plastic tubes 
Best used by date: 08-11-16 
UPC: 829546211028
Keep Frozen

2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that tested positive.

Premium Turkey Formula BRAVO Balance RAW DIET
Product Number: 31-405 
Size: 5 lb. (80 OZ) 2.3KG plastic tubes
Best used by date: 11-05-15
UPC: 829546314057
Keep Frozen

Bravo! Blends All Natural Chicken Blend diet for dogs & cats
Product Number: 21-105 
Size: 5 lb. (80 OZ) 2.3KG plastic tubes
Best used by date: 08-11-16
UPC: 829546211059
Keep Frozen

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in two lots of product. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers.

No additional products affected by this recall. The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with these products to date.

In addition to the voluntary recall of the above products, Bravo has chosen to voluntarily withdraw the following poultry products from the marketplace to provide its customers with the certainty of safety. Those products include all sizes (2 lb., 5 lb. and 10 lb.) of Bravo Chicken Blend(s), Bravo Turkey Blend(s), Bravo Balance Chicken Balance and Bravo Balance Premium Turkey Formula frozen raw diet products with best used by dates between June 20, 2016 and September 18, 2016. This is being done out of an abundance of caution despite no evidence of any manufacturing defect or distribution problem. None of these products are known to have tested positive for the presence of pathogens. This market withdrawal has NOT been requested by the FDA, but is being done voluntarily by Bravo.

The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). Customers who have purchased the recalled pet food can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo websitewww.bravopetfoods.com for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found atwww.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

Original post on the FDA website - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm416452.htm

TIRED OF PET FOOD RECALLS?

Choose Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food! They have NEVER been recalled and the food is shipped fresh to your door within 4-6 weeks of being made. They have been in business since 1999! Choose a pet food you can trust! This food is only sold online to ensure you receive the freshest food possible. Click Here to order.

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Life's Abundance Agility Formula for Dogs & Cats

Good joint health is crucial to your companion animal’s wellbeing. The ability to walk, run and jump represents a large part of your dog’s unique ability to express emotion. Unfortunately, aching and stiff joints are just as much a part of aging for dogs as it is for humans. In fact, there are an estimated 68 million dogs experiencing hip and joint challenges ~ that’s nearly 60% of the canine population! 

At present, there are several hip and joint formulas marketed for companion animals. Unfortunately, most of these products treat the joint as an isolated goal; it is for this reason that they do not work as well as they could.

Our Agility supplement is a holistic formula, which means that it takes into account the needs of the whole body, including all the parts that work with the joints.

This formula helps maintain healthy joint cartilage and connective tissue, and to aid in the production of healthy synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.

This supplement features Glucosamine, MSM, sea mussels and hyaluronic acid. Agility Formula is a natural, holistic, multi-action joint support formula containing scientifically-tested ingredients.

Glucosamine helps maintain and promote joint and connective tissue health.

It has been shown to be essential in the healthy development and ongoing maintenance of connective tissue and synovial fluid. Research studies indicate that Glucosamine supports healthy joint flexibility, mobility and lubrication. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural source of organic sulfur, an element vital to the maintenance of healthy joints, bones, ligaments and tendons.

Sea mussels also contain Chondroitin Sulfate, which works in tandem with Glucosamine. And hyaluronic acid helps to keep cartilage strong and flexible to better cushion joints. These nutrients work synergistically with the other ingredients in Agility (vitamins E and C, boswellia serrata, alfalfa leaf extract, chondroitin sulfate, manganese and boron) to supply your companion animal with a comprehensive formula to help maintain the health of the entire musculoskeletal system.

And last but not least, this holistic formula has a delicious flavor that your furry friends will love! Join thousands of satisfied customers, and help your dog to live a healthier and happier life with Agility Formula. 60-count bottle (also available in 120-count bottle . . . contact Seller directly for additional info).

Pricing is per ONE (1) Agility Formula and includes Free Standard U.S. Shipping! The Gifted Pet prides itself on featuring these types of high quality products in our store. As always, we appreciate your business! 


Shop for Agility Formula HERE!

Shop ALL Life's Abundance HERE!!

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her atRaven@TheGiftedPet.com

Dog Breeds 101 ~ Bulldogs

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Height: 12–16 inches
Weight: 40–55 pounds
Coat: Short, straight, flat, close, fine, smooth, glossy
Colors: Brindle (all varieties), piebald, red, fawn, fallow, white

ORIGIN AND HISTORY: 

These dogs were first classified by cynologists as “bulldogs” in the 1630s, although mentioned in earlier texts under the names “bandogge” or “butcher’s dogge.” Bulldogs and Mastiffs probably shared a common ancestor ~ a large butcher’s dog called the Alaunt. Between the 13th and 19th centuries, ancestors of the Bulldog were used for the heinous sport of bullbaiting. Fortunately bullbaiting was banned in 1835, after which time the Bulldog evolved into the shorter, squatter dog we are familiar with today. He was also bred to be a kind companion, and many consider him a symbol of courage and tenacity.

PERSONALITY PROFILE:

Despite his tough beginnings, the Bulldog is probably one of the gentlest breeds. He retains a strong protective instinct, though, and makes a wonderful watchdog. He is extremely affectionate with his family and craves their affection and attention. Gentle with children, agreeable with other pets (especially if socialized to them from an early age), today’s Bulldog wants to make those around him happy ~ and usually succeeds.

CARE REQUIREMENTS:

Exercise: His short nose and broad head make breathing somewhat difficult for the Bulldog, who shouldn’t be overstressed with exercise. A simple stroll or the workout he gets keeping up with his family will fulfill his needs.

Grooming: His short coat is easy to care for ~ brushing with a soft brush a few times a week will keep him looking good. The wrinkles around his eyes and nose need regular attention, as they need to be kept clean and dry to ward off infection.

Life Span: 10 to 12 years.

Training: The Bulldog needs early training from someone who appreciates that it may take him a little longer to learn than some of the more obedience-oriented breeds. His charm and steady temperament win him friends and fans wherever he goes, so socializing him to people is no problem.

SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY! Bath Fresh Mist ~ Kiwi & Mango Scent

New Customers & Existing Customers:

Receive one entry for every product you order from our store from now until September 30th. So, if you order a case of canned food and a bag of dry food, you receive two entries! If you order a case of canned food, a bag of dry food, and a bag of treats, you will receive three entries! Simple as that!  

Sign up as a New Customers OR Refer A New Customer to me and receive double entries!  

Drawing will be held on Wednesday, October 1st.  Good luck to all! 

Open to U.S. residents . . . apologies to our international friends. 


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Bath Fresh Mist contains pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts for a strong, healthy and vibrant coat. Bath Fresh Mist is also enhanced with a moisture activated odor-fighter that safely absorbs and neutralizes odors, keeping your pet with a fresh "just bathed" feel and clean smell of Kiwi Mango longer. The perfect finish to a bath or a great between bath freshener, Bath Fresh Mist can also be used when you brush your pet ~ he or she will love the attention! Not just a cover up ~ actually neutralizes odors.


http://bit.ly/BathMist



To sign up as a new Life's Abundance Customer, and to place your order, visit our website here:

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com