Available for Adoption: Sarafina

Sarafina is a playful and bouncy young dog who graduated from foster care in December and is in our adoption room waiting for a new home! This beautiful Boston Terrier/Boxer/Stafford-shire Terrier puppy came to the shelter when her owners felt she was too vocal and was sent to a foster home when she became sick with kennel cough.

Her foster parent writes:

“When Sara came home with me, she was initially a little quiet and shy, but that lasted all of maybe two days.  She did have some nervousness over new situations (like stairs or rain!) but with some guidance learned it wasn’t scary at all.  She is/was very comfortable when being crated overnight and would even go in there on her own for naps during the day.

Run for The Anti-Cruelty Society

Are you planning on running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Sunday, October 7, 2012),
the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon (Sunday, July 22, 2012) or other races?

Visit our NEW Team Anti-Cruelty Website dedicated to our running team here!

To sign up for Team Anti-Cruelty today, click here

News: Responsible Pet Ownership

The American Veterinary Medical Association just released their guidelines for responsible pet ownership - and we couldn’t be more excited!

Read their suggestions below and spread the word:

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations.

Responsible pet ownership includes:

• Committing to the relationship for the life of the pet(s).

• Avoiding impulsive decisions about obtaining pet(s), and carefully selecting pet(s) suited to your home and lifestyle.

• Recognizing that ownership of pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.

Katrina

• Keeping only the type and number of pets for which an appropriate and safe environment can be provided, including adequate and appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

• Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that registration information in associated databases is kept up-to-date.

•Adherence to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements.

Sarafina

• Controlling pet(s) reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter, thereby helping to address animal control and overpopulation problems.

• Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

• Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of the pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, its veterinarian.

• Socialization and appropriate training for pet(s), which facilitates their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people.

Chloe

• Preventing pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment, including proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) to stray or become feral.

• Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to the pet(s)’ age, breed, and health status.

• Advance preparation to ensure the pet(s)’ well-being in the case of an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.

• Making alternative arrangements if caring for the pet is no longer possible.

• Recognizing declines in the pet(s) quality of life and making decisions in consultation with a veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia).

Meet Guy – our official Society blogger!

If you’re curious to hear about what’s going on behind-the-scenes at the Society, you’ll want to know Guy.

Guy is The Anti-Cruelty Society’s official amabassa-cat. Not only is he a rock star at special events, he’s also in the know on breaking news and animal-related tid bits.

You can follow Guy and all his adventures here.

New Years Resolutions: Pets can help!

If you’re working on your resolutions for 2012 take a moment to pause and consider the following: Your pet can help you reach your goals. How is that possible you ask?

Therra Gwyn writes in her article “How Pets Can Help You Keep Your New Years Resolutions” that “Many of us welcome a new year with high hopes and the best of intentions to thin our waist, expand our wallet, find love or learn something new. A pet can help with that.” So if you have a pet in your home, consider Gwyn’s tips to fulfilling your goals in the new year.

And if you’re one of thousands, or millions, of people without a cat or dog in your life, there is no better time than now to adopt! Shelters like The Anti-Cruelty Society have many pets looking for homes, homes like yours.

So get your 2012 resolutions off to a good start by incorporating your current pets into your goals – or if you don’t have a pet – adopting one today.

What goals have you set for 2012? How can your pets help you achieve them?

ADOPTED! In Foster Care: Autumn & Sofie

Autumn and Sofie came to The Anti-Cruelty Society with their mother, father and one other sibling when their owners were no longer able to care for them. These two adorable sisters were sent out to foster care because of their young age and low weight. They still have a couple more weeks to go, but the foster volunteer had the following photo update to share:

Pet Care Tips: Holiday Gifting

The holidays are a time when many people are scurrying to and fro purchasing gifts for family and friends. But what about those non-bipedal family members?

Swing by The Anti-Cruelty Society boutique for loads of affordable gift options that will give back to the shelter. Or, if you’re an online shopper, check out the incredible handmade gifts we found on Etsy below.

Pretty bow by Charlie Hearts Diesel

Catnip Cakes by The Cheekie Beastie

Small Dog Toy Donuts by The Critter Project

Dog Costume Hat by Handmade Monster

Catnip Radish by Wags and Wiggles

Modern Pet Bed by Mod Pet

Modern Cat Tree by Danchanand

Adopted! Goldie

A recent foster return named Goldie was adopted a mere few hours after entering our adoption room last week. To reflect on this kitten’s cuteness, the foster e-mailed us the photo below of Goldie enjoying her own cats while in her care.

Enjoy!

Pet Care Tips: Seasonal Safety

Article pulled from the ASPCA website.

“Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.”

To read more holiday safety tips read the full ASPCA article here.