International Polar Bear Day

February 27, 2009 is International Polar Bear Day. Polar bears have small bumps on their paws, papillae, which help keep them from slipping on ice. Their claws help them catch prey such as seals and their nose is able to detect prey miles away.

Polar bears may not yet be an endangered species although listed on the threatened list under the federal Endangered Species Act in May 2008. Dangers to polar bears include hunting, pollution, poaching and industry. The largest threat to their survival is global warming, climate change. The warmer weather causes the loss of sea ice which reduces their habitat where they hunt, breed and den. Loss of sea ice results in a shortage of food which in turn increases the morality rate of cubs. In Alaska, the number of cubs that reach a first birthday is down 65% from 15 years ago.

Double Mesh Bird Feeder

Up to 30 birds at a time can eat at the two perch rings of this feeder, the "double-size" version of our regular mesh feeder. It holds over 6 pounds of sunflower seed and looks great sporting the Birds & Blooms logo. The 100% steel construction is squirrel-damage-resistant, and the mesh design keeps it cleaner than other types of feeders to protect birds from disease. No assembly required.

Click here to find out more!

Norwegian Forest Cats

These beauties are a domestic cat native to Northern Europe. Norwegian Forest Cats are an intelligent, robust and playful breed. They like the outdoors and are well suited to colder climates.

Norwegian Forest Cats have a tick, fluffy, double-layered coat, tuffed ears and a long bushy tail to protect them from the cold. Their coats are double layered, with a coarse outer layer and a dense under layer, which makes their coat essentially waterproof. They are known for their intelligence, playfulness and patience, making them a good pet for families with children. They enjoy high vantage points where you will often see them on top of appliances, bookshelves or any where else they can get up high.

The Norwegian Forest Cats are bigger boned than most domestic cats with the male weighing an average of 13 to 22 lbs. The female will be about 1/2 the males size.

If you have children the Norwegian Forest Cat might be a nice addition to your family!

15th Annual Spay Day USA

February 24, 2009 marked the 15th annual Spay Day USA. Spay Day USA takes place each year on the last Tuesday in February. The Doris Day Animal League originally created the event in 1995. The Humane Society of the United States joined the campaign in 2006. They hope to inspire people to spay or neuter their pets to save animal lives.

Over 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year. Spaying or neutering is a proven method to reduce the number of animals being put down. An unsprayed cat can produce 18 kittens a year and an unsprayed dog can give birth to 20 puppies a year. Many of these offspring end up homeless in animal shelters only to be a victim of euthanasia.

To read reasons why you should spay or neuter your pets, please Click here.

If you would like to learn how to participate in annual Spay Day’s, please Click here.

Pet of the Week

Camper - Downers Grove, IL

Hi, my name is Camper. I am a 16 month old, male, Shepherd mix. Life has not always been kind to me. I have not been treated nicely in the past, therefore, I don't readily trust people. The staff at WSHS recognized that not long after my arrival. They decided that I could use some one on one time with a trainer. I just got back from Bark Avenue Daycamp in Barlett where I spent two week learning all of my basic commands. I now know "sit", "down", "stay", "come", and "heel". I am much better but I still have a ways to go. I am going to need a special home that is kind and patient and willing to work with me on my trust issues. I am going to be a loyal friend and companion to the person who wins my trust. I also come with a free session with my own personal trainer.

If you'd like to meet me, please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600. http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/

Sesame - Tampa Bay, FL

Hey there, I'm Sesame!! I am a 16 month old, female, Labrador Retriever Boxer mix. I'm a wonderful, wonderful girl who is looking for a human to rescue! I love to run, play, and spend time with all sorts of people! Don't let my initial excitement fool you, I'm SUPER smart! I know how to sit, stay, and shake your hand as long as you are consistent with your commands! I'm a very unique pup with a great personality and a sweet disposition. I'll need a lively family that will be able to keep up with me. It's very important that I get plenty of playing and running time so I can stay healthy and happy! If you think that I'm the right match for you definitely stop by and visit me at the HSTB! I'm a Meet Your Match Green - Go Getter

For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138. http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/

DERMagic Dead Sea Aromatherapy Bath Salts

Harness the therapeutic power of natural sea minerals and nutrients to pamper and detoxify your pet. Our unique blend of Dead Sea salts and natural minerals eliminates dandruff, draws toxins from the skin, relieves itching, and leaves the coat and body fresh and relaxed. Formulated with organic whole-leaf aloe vera, vitamin E and rosemary essential oil, this special blend will also chase fleas away and calm your pet at bath time. Starting from the rear of the dog and moving along his spine toward the head, massage these healing salts into your dog’s wet coat. Rinse well and follow with our shampoo and conditioner. Also available in a convenient single-use organza pouch. For older dogs with achy joints, just drop the entire pouch into bath water and let your pet soak while these healing salts ease pain and discomfort.

Click here to find out more!

Tree Face Bird Feeder

In minutes, you can give a tree a new complexion and give the birds a real treat with this polyresin "face." Just hang the three pieces on nails (not included) and pour your own birdseed into the mouth. Eyes are each 2-1/4"L x 3-1/4"W and the mouth is 13-1/2"L x 6-3/4"W.

Then sit back and enjoy watching your birds eat from the Tree Face.

Click here to find out more!

Chloe’s Bill- IL puppy mill legislation proposal

A Cocker Spaniel named Chloe inspired Illinois legislation intended to regulate commercial dog breeders and is the namesake of the bill. Chloe is the sole survivor of her litter that was seized from an unlicensed breeding facility. The conditions in which Chloe and her siblings lived were deplorable. There were dozens of wire cages stacked upon each other. The pups were infested with fleas, soaked in urine, caked in feces and suffering from internal parasites. The legislation is intended to crackdown on puppy mills that do not have the animal’s best interest at heart.

If passed, the bill would mandate the following:
*Licensing for those who intend to sell the offspring of three or more females.
*Ban anyone with felony animal cruelty convictions from obtaining a dog breeding license.
*Require breeders and pet stores to provide buyers with a dog’s full medical history.
*Require breeders and pet store owners to provide facts about the responsibilities of dog ownership and the benefits of spaying, neutering.
*Require breeders to regularly sanitize their operation to protect dogs from injury and disease along with prohibiting wire flooring. The facilities must provide proper ventilation, cooling and heating as well.
*Creation of a Dog Breeder License Act where no more than 20 dogs are allowed in a breeding facility that have not been spayed or neutered.

Penalties would range from fines to animal seizure along with license revocation.

Opponents to the bill believe that mom and pop breeders who raise litters in their home would be hurt by the bill. Surprisingly, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association calls the bill misguided. Their fear is that the bill would result in a spike of sales from out of state puppy mills. Yet, The Humane Society of United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are supporting the bill.

Bird Migration

According to the Audubon Society study, as the average temperatures in the U.S. rises, birds are staying more northward than previously in the winter seasons. The researchers believe that this is evidence that climate change is having an affect beyond the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

More than half the U.S. bird species are spending winters farther north than they did 40 years ago and the average temperature rose about 5 degrees Fahrenheit during that time frame.

The Audubon Society will consider other factors when continuing their research such as habitat loss, insect spawning patterns, and changes in vegetation. Yet, their belief is that climate change is the most reasonable explanation for so many species of birds shifting northward in the U.S. during the last 40 years.

Pet of the Week

Ms. Face – Tampa Bay, FL

Hi, I’m Ms. Face. Don't let first impressions fool you! I may look a little rough around the edges but I've got tons of potential! I came in to the shelter as an original stray with TONS of silver and smoke colored fur. Unfortunately I had to have my coat shaved off since I was never brushed, and it started to turn into big knots and mats. I still have my face, tail, and foot fur so I look like I'm wearing snow boots! Contrary to my appearance, I am a very sweet and very beautiful Persian girl! I definitely had a home at some time in my life and I'm looking for that love from an owner once again. I'm very well socialized, sweet natured, and litter box trained. I'd make the perfect pet for any type of family since I'm easily adaptable to any situation whether it's an elderly laid back family or a high energy family with young kids. I ask that you please try to look past my appearance and give me a chance to dazzle you! Come visit me at the shelter!

Name: Ms. Face
ID#: 7119753
Sex: Female
Breed: Persian Mix
Age: 7 years


For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138. http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/

Hurley – Downers Grove, IL

Hi, my name is Hurley and I’m glad to meet you! I am a 9 month old, male, Shepherd/Terrier mix.
I was recently taken to West Suburban Humane Society because my owner became ill and could no longer take care of me. I am a friendly little guy that is full of energy. I was housebroken and crate trained in my previous home. I am good with other dogs though I do tend to play a little rough with cats. I tend to be a little shy in certain situations, so I will need help building my confidence. I would also benefit from obedience training. My ideal home would have children 10 years and older as I tend to be a little possessive of rawhides as well as my food. If you are willing to invest a little and energy on my training, I will make an excellent family pet. How can you pass me up?

If you'd like to meet me, please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600. http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/

Angels Eyes Stain Remover

Keep tear stains away with just a sprinkle a day on your pet's food. This completely safe, wheat- and dye-free formula is guaranteed to work better than any other tear product because it eliminates the cause of tear stains from the inside out. It removes the breeding ground for irritating yeast and bacteria that cause reddish brown stains. Effective for all breeds; suitable for dogs over 8 weeks old.

Click here to find out more!

Animal Matters Companion Car Seat

Let your pet travel first class - safely, comfortably and without missing the sights. The most innovatively designed pet Car Seat, in three sizes, has molded contours to fit your vehicle. Customized groove allows a lap belt to securely surround the front and a shoulder belt to buckle on the side. Extra clip in the back for stability; harness clasp. Dense upholstery foam is covered with luxurious padded rhino suede. Add the adjustable Attachment for securing multiple dogs.

Click here to find out more!

How Smoking Affects Pets

According to research led by Sharon M. Millberger of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, 28.4% of participants in an online survey said they would be motivated to quit smoking if secondhand smoke was bad for their pet’s health. If second hand smoke would hurt their pets, 8.7% of the online survey participants would be motivated to ask their partners to quit and another 24% would ask their partner to smoke outside.

3300 pet owners participated in the online survey with most participants being white woman from Michigan. Of the online survey, the majority of participants have dog and/or cats.

Published evidence indicates that second hand smoke is dangerous to pets not only humans. Certain cancers in dogs and cats, allergies in dogs, and eye/skin diseases along with respiratory problems in birds can be associated with exposure to tobacco smoke.

Click here to read the full article.

Click here for a sample of NicoDerm if you or someone you know wants to quit smoking!

2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

An oldie yet a goodie won the Best in Show title at the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which was held at Madison Square Garden, N.Y. A 10 year old Sussex spaniel named Stump was triumphant and set a record. Stump is the oldest winner of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Previously Kirby, a Papillon, who was 8 years old in 1999 held the title of oldest Best in Show winner. Stump was also the first of its breed to win the Best in Show prize.

Stump is familiar with the show as he had won the sporting category in 2004 before retiring. Stump had retired in 2005 due to a bacterial infection that almost killed him.

Dogs are judged by how well they fit the breed standards such as their structure, characteristics, movement and how they “show”. Stump’s breed originated in Sussex, England hence the name of the breed and they are known for their short legs and agility as a hunting companion.

There were around 2500 contestants that were made up of 170 breeds and varieties.

Stump’s formal name is Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee. His handler is Scott Sommer. His owners are Cecilia Ruggles and Beth Dowd.

Pet of the Week

Oregano – Downers Grove, IL

Hi, I’m Oregano! Nice to meet you! I am a 5 year young, female, black and white DSH. I have the cutest face; at least that's what they say here. I was adopted from WSHS as a kitten with my sister and we were returned a while back through no fault of our own. My sister has now been adopted and I am left to search for my forever home on my own. I have never given the volunteers here a minute of trouble and I have maintained my healthy stature. Please come spend some time with me. We'll become fast friends.

Note from StartSampling: I have been visiting the West Suburban Humane Society for a quite a while now working with them on the Pet of the Week section. I have meant and played with Oregano and she is such a wonderful cat! I would love to help her find a forever home! I would love to see her go to a StartSampling home where I know she will get a lot of love! So much so that StartSampling will give any member who adopts Oregano a $50.00 Restaurant Gift Certificate, a StartSampling T-shirt, a Big Thunder Tote Bag, and we will even give you and extra 500 FTMs if you adopt Oregano! If you are able to open your heart and home to Oregano, I know you will get tons of love in return. Please go visit her and fall in love today! All you need to do once Oregano is adopted is come back to this page and Click Here to complete the attached form and I will rush your StartSampling bonus prizes to you right way. So, don’t delay, go see Oregano today and tell them StartSampling sent you!

If you'd like to meet me, please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600. http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/

Gabby – Tampa Bay, FL

Hello everyone, I'm Gabby! I'm a beautiful brendal girl who is finally ready to find and STAY with the perfect family! I've been in and out of the HSTB a few times because my previous adopters just weren't the best match for me. Really I'm just a young pup who's excited about living life! I'm eager to learn and please the right owner, and I'm ready to feel like the right fit within a family! I'm in the T.R.A.I.N (Teens Reaching Animals In Need) program here at the shelter, and they are teaching me all kinds of new tricks and behaviors so that I can be the best dog ever! I would love for my new family to continue similar training, that way I can show off how skilled and smart I am to everyone in town! If you're an outgoing and active family who's looking for a sweet, intelligent, and loving dog, then I'm your girl! Through our personality assessment program here at the HSTB my results say that I'm a Meet Your Match - Goofball (Orange). To see if you're a compatible owner for me, stop by The Humane Society of Tampa Bay and meet me!!

Name: Gabby
ID#: 6208311
Sex: Female
Breed: Pit Bull Terrier/Shepherd Mix
Age: 1 year 4 months

For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138. http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/

Spring Migration

As we get closer to Spring it is time to start thinking about the migration of birds. It’s time to start thinking about cleaning up the bird houses, feeders and bird baths. It is time to get ready to treat migrating birds to a treat at your house as they travel through your area. It’s time to get out the camera to take a picture of birds you don’t normally have in your area.

eNature.com has a Spring Migration map that tells you what birds to expect and when. Click here to find out more about Spring Migration.

Bushy Tail Toys

If your dog loves playing with squeaky toys, check out the Bushy Tail Toys from InTheCompanyOfDogs.com! This toy will nurture your dog’s natural instincts with remarkably realistic, nearly life-sized toys. Durably constructed bushy-tailed critters provide hours of play. The plush poly toys come with squeakers inside the head and tail for loads of doggie fun!

Click here to find out more!

Cocoa Mulch - Dangerous for your Pets

Thank you to Joan from Pennsylvania who sent in the following information.

“Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.

Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.

This Snopes site gives the following information:http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.”

Click here to find out more.

Pet of the Week

Ashes – Downers Grove, IL

Hi, I’m Ashes!!! I am a 7 year old, male, grey DSH, with a 2 paw declaw. Yep, I am another one of those cats who was returned because of allergies. I lived for years in a home and now I live in a cage through no fault of my own. I make the best of it and everyone here loves me, but I know what it's like to be part of a family, so it's particularly hard for me to be here. I require a bland diet for digestive reasons, so lots of people who look at me pass me by. My food is available from any vet and it only costs a little more than regular cat food; sort of like getting Starbuck's instead of gas station coffee.

If you'd like to meet me, please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600. http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/




Silvia - Tampa Bay, FL


Hello. My name is Silvia and I am looking for my forever home. I am a 3 year old, female, Chow Chow/Shepherd mix. I wasn't very well taken care of and I am currently positive for heartworms. That's okay though, I am being treated at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and soon enough I will be all better. I am available for adoption through the foster to adopt program during my treatments. If you have a heart big enough for a pretty little girl like me, ask for a visit with me today! The lovely people here at the shelter can give you all the information you need about my heartworm treatment and the foster to adopt program. Hope to see you soon!!

For more information please contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa FL, 33607, (813) 876-7138. http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/

Small Dogs, Big Attitudes

Many times while walking my German Shepherd we will be confronted by a small dog that barks and charges up to our dog. So many times the owner of the small dog will say, “Don’t worry, he’s all bark.” That may be true, but as the little dog barks and circles my dog, my dog is focused on the challenge the little dog is presenting, not his size.

What the small dog owner doesn’t always realize is that the bigger dog may take the little dog up on the challenge issued. Watch your dog’s body language and reaction to the challenge. The smaller dog can cause the bigger dog to become frustrated, which may lead to a fight. This can cause serious injury to the little dog.

While it can look comical to watch a smaller dog challenge a bigger dog, this should be taken very seriously by all pet owners. Serious injury can occur if we are not watchful every time dogs meet, regardless of your dog’s size.

Finding Toys

When your dog has the free run of your house, you will probably find that he leaves his toys in different rooms. I constantly find our dog’s favorite ball upstairs, but he can never seem to find it when we tell him to get his ball. To help him find his ball, we trained him to look around the house for his ball.

To train your dog to look for his toys, you first need to train him what “Find your toy” means. Start by hiding his toy in plain site and tell him to “Find your toy” and praise him when he finds it. Little by little, hide the toy in hard to find places and praise him each time he finds it.

You also need to train “Upstairs” through association. Every time you go upstairs with your dog, say “Upstairs.” Your dog will start to associate saying “Upstairs” with going upstairs. Continue this until your dog starts heading towards the stairs by himself when you say “Upstairs.”

Then you are ready for the next step. Put they toy at the top of the stairs and tell him “Upstairs, find your toy.” Your dog will now start looking for upstairs for his toy. Soon, your dog will start looking for his toys upstairs for himself without you having to retrieve the toy for him.