Bark in the Park~Go Braves!

It was such a hit the first time, the Atlanta Braves decided to host Bark in the Park twice a year! This is the opportunity to take your pooch to Turner Field to take in some of America's past time.
That may be easier said than done however with all the fun activities planned for the furkids. There are hundreds of dogs to play with, with LOTS of baby pools filled with cool water so your pal can spend some time wading in the water alongside their new found friends, PLUS, don't forget to stop by the Lick-A-Lot stand for your free doggie ice cream treat! From the smallest 4 lb. Chihuahua to a French Mastiff tipping the scales at close to 200 lbs. you can see dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Turner Field blocks off several upper lever sections in the shade for you to sit with your pooch and enjoy the game...but be forewarned that howls fill the stands during the National Anthem and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Be sure to pack your camera and a portable water bowl...volunteers walk the aisles handing out scoops of ice for the dogs to chomp on. And the best part of the day? A portion of each ticket purchased for Bark in the Park goes to the 'Bobby Cox Paws Because ... They Are Worth Saving' Foundation. (http://www.homelesspets.com/index.asp)

The most recent Bark in the Park was September 7th...but stayed tuned for next year's dates! The event sells out quickly.

Transports to Save a Life (or several!)

Often times shelters and animal rescue groups in the other parts of the US have more space to save animals than we do here in the Southeast. Because they don't have as much of a pet overpopulation problem, they can help by taking in animals from our part of the country. But what are the logistics involved with this?? (More than you would think!)

Well some wonderful people put together intricate routes and then work diligently to spread the word about each transport that is scheduled. Volunteers dedicate time to driving one or more leg of the transport to get the rescued animals from start to finish safely. Kelly Gibson is one of the wonderful organizers and has helped save MANY animals through her transports. You can keep up to date with her scheduled transports through her blog:

http://community.greatergoodnetwork.com/blog/Kelly-Gibsons-Transport/1800024837.

And if you see one you can help with, don't be shy! Step up and volunteer. You get to meet a new furry friend (or friends!) and spend a couple hours to ensure they are going to a great place. I have driven 3 transports for her...some of the pictures of the wonderful pups I have driven are below.

Physical Therapy...for your pet?

Yes! It is wonderful and can benefit MANY animals. When my Sophie began recovering from her recent collapse, she had to re-learn how to walk. It was tough seeing her unable to stand and keep her balance. I found Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness through some great referrals.

AAR&F (http://atlantaanimalrehab.com/) can help animals recovering from surgeries, dealing with arthritis, and even overweight animals get back to a healthy weight!

Jonna and her staff have gone above and beyond to see that Sophie is recovering. You can tell they really know their stuff and care about your pet's progress. And not only dogs go there-they have helped all types of animals. I can't say enough good things about them. With this growing field, AAR&F books up quickly so call early to ensure the best in physical therapy for your pet.

Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness
900 Mansell Road, Suite 22 (Right next to the Animal Emergency Clinic and Longhorn)
Roswell, GA 30076
770-594-2688
http://atlantaanimalrehab.com/

Back and Busy!

It has been quite a while since I've posted...and I've been through some huge changes with my own furkids. Sophie, the pretty pretty princess and my amazing assistant was recently paralyzed within 12 hours of receiving her rabies vaccination. I am one that is not huge on vaccinations so this only amplifies my feelings against them. She was at GA Veterinary Specialists for almost a week and is now learning to walk again through the help of physical therapy and exercise. Although she is 14 years old, you would never know. Her puppy faces never ages beyond the grey.

Either way, she is still here assisting me and seems to be improving a little each day!

Pet sitting has been quite busy the past few months. With 4 sitters on staff, we are all kept busy. I love all my sitters and wouldn't make it with out them.

One of the best bits of news we have gotten from a client this month is news that our favorite little Mini Pin Juanito recently had surgery to correct his progressive blindness. He is a totally new dog now and as energetic as ever! Will post pictures soon!!

I plan on using this blog to update all my clients on the latest news and safety issues going on in the pet world. Please check back and we will keep you up to date!

***Warning on Dangerous Dog Toy!***

Attention doggie parents!! There has been a recall the Four Paws Pimple Ball with Bell (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9)-a red or multi-colored ball with a jingly bell inside. If you have one of these in your home, please pick it up immediately! They pose a serious threat to your dogs. For more information, see the whole story here:

http://www.securepet.biz/wordpress/2008/08/four-paws-pimple-ball-poses-dangers-to-pets/

Who said you are what you eat??

Have you ever compared food items in the grocery store? Do you make a special trip to a fresh food market just to get local and organic produce?

Well unfortuantely our pets can't shop for their own food so we are responsible for what they eat for each meal. Many foods contain by-products and ingredients we would never dream of feeding our pets.

Check this wonderful website (http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/) out and search for your dog’s food-you may be surprised by what you find. They have a rating scale from one to six stars, along with editor reviews of each food. I strongly believe that what we feed our dogs will have a significant impact on vet bills encountered throughout their life. By finding the perfect food for your pooch, you can increase their quality of life!

Long time...lots of barks

We haven't posted in a while (Sophie and I). Since August, we have added 2 new furry members to our pack. Auggie and Piper (two crazy rescued American Pit Bull Terriers). They are absolutely nuts and love to drive Sophie crazy.

Since moving into my new house, I had room to add another furry member to our pack, but had no plans of doing so this quickly. While working on my house, I noticed a dog showed up locked on a neighbor's porch one day. He stayed there barking incessantly at us everyday that summer. I took him treats and water...sometimes food. He was a HUGE brindle pit bull puppy. I eventually got so tired of him sitting in the heat, rain and inclement weather without food/water or a a yard to play in, that I wrote the neighbor a note and left it in his mailbox. I told him that I would be glad to help him care for the dog. Three days later he called and offered him to me. Of course I couldn't say no! That is how Auggie joined my family.

Less than ONE month later I was pet sitting in a wonderful neighborhood for some of my favorite puppies and saw a blonde skinny dog hopping down the street on 3 legs. He was the happiest little dog and didn't even seem to notice that he was dragging his fourth leg. I saw a man walking about 100 feet away and stopped to ask him if the dog was his and if it was ok. The man was annoyed by me asking and said he was fine. Well, one week later this same sweet boy came running up to me, looking for food. I put him in my car and rushed to the vet. His leg was so swollen and needed immediate care. On the way to the vet, I decided to name him Piper~I'm not sure why but it really fit him.

My intentions were to get this little boy all fixed up and find him a wonderful home. Well Auggie decided to claim him as his own and they have been inseparable ever since! So that is where our household stands today...plus one very ornery hedgehog!