Hazel's Story

It was a hectic, stressful morning, and, as we loaded up the car to bring our two foster dogs to an adoption event, we had no idea that our lives were about to change that day. One of our foster dogs, Jackpot, was just a four month-old puppy – a Jack Russell Terrier/Pitbull mix. He was a great puppy, very well-mannered, mostly white, and adorable. We didn’t expect to be bringing him back home that day without a potential adoption in the works.

The event was crowded. The store traffic was heavy and we had plenty of dogs for people to meet and consider making a part of their family. As the hours went by and the dogs patiently waited in their crates, I noticed one little puppy who was not in a crate. She was on a leash and volunteers kept passing her off to other volunteers. Someone handed her off to me and said, “Here, take this puppy!” I grabbed her leash and she began to jump up on my legs and nip at me. She was only three months-old and had very sharp puppy teeth. She would grab the leash in her mouth and attempt to play “tug” with me. She was not a very well-mannered puppy at all.

I thought that this puppy could benefit from Jackpot’s example, since he was such a model pup, so I decided to take them for a walk together. After a short wrestling match, I finally got both puppies under control, on leashes, and proceeded to take them for a walk outside. By the time I returned to the area of the store, where the event was taking place, the two puppies were walking, side by side, like little soldiers. Jackpot and his protégé were perfect little angels and I thought to myself, “Damn, I’m GOOD.” 

I put Jackpot and his new friend in a crate together, where they cuddled up and took a nap. As the day went on, I studied this puppy. There was something special about her. Maybe it was because I always seem to fall in love with the troublemakers. Maybe it was that I enjoy a good “project”. At the moment, I couldn’t figure it out, but I had a strong desire to take this puppy home with us.

We went to the event that day with the hopes of finding homes for two dogs. We ended up leaving with three dogs. Sometimes, that’s the way it goes when you foster dogs for a rescue. That’s okay. Everything we do is for the good of the dogs. We sacrifice so they can have what they need. They are like our children and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We eat, sleep, and breathe “dog rescue”. It’s what we were put on this planet to do and the Universe only gives us exactly what we can handle. The Universe sent us this puppy for a reason.

This puppy needed a name. We watched her, learned about her personality, and consulted with friends. Her most striking feature, the one that set her apart from any other puppy we’d ever seen, was her eyes. She has the most mesmerizing, hazel eyes. So we named her Hazel and it fits her perfectly.

Over the next week, Hazel and Jackpot were like two peas in a pod. They bonded instantly. They played, ran around, and swam in the doggie pool together. They went EVERYWHERE together! They were amazing to watch! Hazel seemed to be a different dog than she was at the adoption event. She still had some issues to work on, like her food-aggression, and leash manners, but we were prepared and working on those issues. We knew Jackpot was a good example and were confident that Hazel was thriving in our home environment.

Then Jackpot got adopted. We were thrilled for him and his new family. Our goal, as fosters, had been met, and the home Jackpot went to is perfect for him! His new parents adore him and he adores them. Another life saved and time to move on – to save anther one.

In our experience as fosters, two puppies are always easier than one. So, we had a spot open to help another puppy! The next day, we brought home Vinny – a five month-old, brindle pitbull. Vinny is twice Hazel’s size, very mellow, and just does his own thing. He’s the perfect dog for any family. But, not perfect for Hazel. It was shortly after we brought Vinny home that we began to notice something different about her. Hazel, as it turns out, is blind.

Hazel, without Jackpot - who was acting as her seeing-eye dog, suffers from food aggression, separation anxiety, again hates her leash, again is jumpy and nippy, and runs in to everything! It took Jackpot’s absence for us to figure out that Hazel is blind. Needless to say, I cried for her.

I also fell in love with her. She’s remarkable. Over the next few days, I worked even harder on her training. At one point, I decided, since she’s such a tactile learner, that I would bring her a pile of toys out to the yard and let her play with them. Hazel proceeded to take one toy at a time and place each of them by any hazard she found – the edge of the deck, the corner of the fence – anything she could run in to. Then, after she’d “mapped out” her safe zone in the yard, she ran laps inside her little area. She did this all on her own and I was enthralled with her intelligence and survival skills!

Hazel relies on her senses of hearing, smelling and feeling to navigate this world. If you pick her up, she panics, since she can’t see where you’re taking her. If you touch her unexpectedly, or try to put a leash, collar, or harness on her, she panics and bites you. Don’t get me started on the drying her off after a bath episode! Hazel is living her life in panic/survival mode. But she inspires me with her resourcefulness and tenacity.

 My life changed the day I met Hazel. She breaks my heart every single day with her disability. Then she mends it with her perseverance. I love Hazel and I am so honored to have her in my life.

Disaster Preparedness

Here is today's "Adoption Tip of the Day" from OK Humane....with all the natural disasters happening everywhere, I thought I'd share this. Enjoy!

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Step 1   Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.

To get a free emergency pet alert sticker for your home, please fill out our online order form ; please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.

Step 2   Arrange a Safe Haven Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:

·  Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.

·  Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.

·  Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.

·  Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Step 3   Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:

·  Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)

·  3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)

·  Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)

·  Litter or paper toweling

·  Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

·  Disposable garbage bags for clean-up

·  Pet feeding dishes

·  Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security)

·  Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)

·  Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)

·  A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet

·  Flashlight

·  Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)

·  Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)

·  Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter

·  Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner.

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

Step 4   Choose “Designated Caregivers” This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.

When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.

Step 5  Evacuation Preparation
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

·  Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.

·  Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier.

·  The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal's shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.

·  Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.

·  Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

Step 6  Geographic and Climatic Considerations
Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.

·  Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.

·  Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones.

·  Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.

·  In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.

If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it's crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.

Special Considerations for Birds

·  Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

·  In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.

·  In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird's feathers.

·  Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.

·  If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.

·  Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.

·  It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.

·  Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.

Special Considerations for Reptiles

·  A snake may be transported in a pillowcase, but you should have permanent and secure housing for him when you reach a safe place.

·  Take a sturdy bowl that is large for your pet to soak in. It’s also a good idea to bring along a heating pad or other warming device, such as a hot water bottle.

·  Lizards can be transported like birds (see above).

Special Considerations for Small Animals

·  Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.

·  Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hide box or tube, a week's worth of bedding.

Source:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

I used to be terrified of Pit Bulls

I used to be terrified of Pit Bulls. I had heard they are vicious, fighting dogs, who can lock their jaws. I had heard that they eat cats. I had heard they will attack, injure, or kill children. I had heard they will attack other dogs. I would avoid them at all costs. If I saw one at the dog park, I would leave. If I saw one coming toward me, being walked by its owner, I would cross the street.

They appeared to be 120-pound killing machines. It’s funny how something you are afraid of can actually look bigger than it really is. It brings me back to the day I was working as a gas station attendant and was held up at gun-point. I can’t recall what the robber looked like, or what he was wearing, but I can remember every single detail of the gun. The gun -- which appeared to be gigantic.

I’ll admit, I hadn’t actually met a Pit Bull. I had one friend who owned three of them. I would make her put them away when I came to visit. The media stories and rumors about Pit Bulls made me scared to death of these dogs. I believed what I had heard.

Then one day, I saw this picture of a little puppy who had been abandoned – dumped out on a deserted country road. She was a tiny little thing, with the most soulful eyes I’d ever seen. She needed a home. I contacted her rescuer and brought her home. I’d had many dogs, of different breeds, in the past, and had several dogs at the time. I love all my dogs, past and present. But THIS dog is different. I am IN LOVE with this dog.

From day one, she wants to snuggle and lay on me. She is extremely eager to please. Training her was a breeze. She was the star of her puppy training class. She loves all the other dogs in our house. She lets the cats swat at her tail, and rub their heads on her face. She adores my nieces. She is a wonderful example to every foster dog we’ve brought in the house in the past year. She comes to work with me, at the doggie day care and boarding facility I work at. She plays with dozens of other dogs there. This dog, as it turns out, is a Pit Bull. Her name is Aiden.

About two weeks after adopting Aiden, my first Pit Bull puppy, I got a call about a dog who needed help. I was told nothing about him except that he’s a Black Lab. I agreed to help and we got him home. Turns out, he was just a puppy, about a week younger than Aiden, and he is a Black Lab MIX. As he grew, we discovered he is a Black Lab/Pit Bull mix. He too, is an amazing dog, friendly and welcoming to other dogs, cats and children. He too, has been a wonderful example to all of our foster dogs. His name is Daegan.

When Aiden and Daegan were about nine months old, we rescued a very special little puppy. She was a tiny, eight week-old, Blue Heeler puppy. She had been abandoned in a box on a 105 degree day. She had serious neurological problems and was severely disabled. She was so anemic that she needed a blood transfusion or she would have died that day she was abandoned. Just as people can donate blood, so can dogs. That donation saved this puppy’s life. That blood donation, which saved Neela’s life, was made by a Pit Bull.

Neela, despite being so severely disabled, was a very happy, loving puppy. Her balance and coordination were so affected that walking, holding her head steady to eat and drink, and using the bathroom outside were all struggles for Neela. Yet, she was a determined little girl. She never gave up. She taught me so much about determination. Whenever I get discouraged or feel like something is impossible, I just think of little Neela and I press on. She was such an inspiration to me and everyone else she met. She survived for an additional four weeks after that blood transfusion. Although I dearly miss her, I am so thankful for the lessons she taught me.

She was sent to me for a purpose. Because of Neela, I got to meet that Pit Bull who saved her life. I also got to meet his other two Pit Bull brothers. So, all in all, my personal Pit Bull experiences had been with Aiden – best dog ever, Daegan – awesome dog too, and three more well-balanced, loving, life-saving Pit Bulls. I was beginning to learn that all those horror stories, rumors, and myths about Pit Bulls weren’t at all a good representation of these dogs. Neela was sent to me for a reason. Because of her, I am now dedicated to saving Pit Bulls.

Since Neela’s passing, almost one year ago, I have fostered over a dozen Pit Bulls. I’ve never had a bad experience with a Pit Bull. What I’ve experienced is that Pit Bulls are extremely loving, friendly, eager to please, adaptable dogs. Some of my foster dogs have come from abusive situations, or been used as "bait" dogs. Yet, to meet them, you'd never know the terrible things people have done to them. That is the spirit of a Pit Bull. They are amazing dogs. I actually go out of my way to meet other people’s Pit Bulls when I see them out in public now. Still, I’ve never had a bad experience with a Pit Bull. I’ve even gone to an abandoned house, which had a chain-link fence around the yard, with a Pit Bull in the yard. I actually hopped over the fence, in to HER yard, to check on her. She came right up to me, in HER territory, wagged her entire body, and then flipped over on her back for me to rub her belly. I, of course, obliged, and she proceeded to give me kisses on my face.

What I’ve learned, not from the media, not from rumors, and not from myths, but from my own experiences, is that Pit Bulls are awesome dogs! I actually love Pit Bulls now, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever own another breed of dog again. I still love all dogs, but Pit Bulls, they are just something extra special.

The Great Crate Debate

To crate or not to crate, that is the question. When I get a new dog, whether it’s a new member of my family, or a foster dog, the first thing I do is to crate train them. Dogs are naturally “den” animals. They typically enjoy the safety and security of a crate. It is similar to a child’s room. Just as kids like to have their own room – a space to call their own, dogs are just the same. The crate is where they sleep and eat. Providing a dog this luxury solves a myriad of problems too. For younger dogs and puppies, the crate is an essential tool for house training. A dog will not soil their eating and sleeping space.

We have started crate training puppies as young as four weeks old. At that age, I will simply place a crate, with the door open at all times, in the pen with the mama dog and the litter. It’s amazing to watch the puppies naturally gravitate to the crate. They will actually pile up in the crate, stuffing as many of themselves in as will fit in there, all on their own. Crate training puppies is just that simple. It’s in their nature. We recently crate trained a litter of four puppies, placing two in one crate, and two in another. At eight weeks of age, from the very first night, those puppies slept through the night without having an accident in the crates. They were also able to spend my entire work day in their crates without having an accident. Providing a crate also keeps the house safe from teething little puppies chewing up everything in sight. 

There are those who feel that putting a dog in a “cage” is cruel. I can’t count the number of people who have expressed this to me at various adoption events. I’ve met folks of all types at these events, including a lot of inexperienced dog owners. I do my best to educate them, but it always seems that the dogs who get returned to the rescue are usually the ones who weren’t crated in their new home. People have returned them due to chewing, soiling in the house, or incessant barking when the new owner is away. These are all symptoms of boredom and separation anxiety. Simply providing a crate would solve this. Dogs need a “job”, or to know what they are supposed to be doing at a given time. If left home alone with nothing to do, and free reign of the house, a dog will find something to do and it’s usually something destructive. Dogs learn that “crate time” is sleeping time, or chewing time, if provided with something to chew on.

I have three dogs and a revolving door of foster dogs. Of my three dogs, two of them are a little over a year old. The other one, Brenna, is six years old. Brenna is a Black Lab/Great Dane mix and the most well-balanced dog I know. She is a perfect example for every new foster dog we bring into our home. She is always the first dog we introduce the new dogs to, since she is neither dominant nor submissive. She brings a sense of calm to each new rescued dog and welcomes them into her space. She’s the perfect dog.

Brenna has not had any issues with chewing or barking. She is perfectly housetrained. For these reasons, Brenna has been the only dog in the house that has never had a crate. When we’re away, Brenna has always been free to roam the house and usually spends her days lying on the couch. That was until last November when we had to put Kirby, our fourteen year-old Dachshund, to sleep. After that, Brenna started being destructive when left home alone. She also began to use the bathroom in the house while we were away.

Five months later, Brenna is still bothered by the absence of Kirby. What she’s done about it has absolutely amazed me. Usually at feeding time, when we let the dogs inside, after some playtime in the backyard, each dog goes into their crate, while Brenna is supposed to go the couch. Once everyone is calm, they get their meal. Lately, Brenna has decided that she is going to get in a crate. She will actually jump in whichever crate a dog doesn’t beat her to. She doesn’t go in the same one every time – just whichever one happens to be available. If they are all full, she will get in one WITH the other dog! She’ll hop in it and wait for her meal. She’s actually shown me that she wants a crate of her own.

So, we had to get her one. Automatically, from day one, at mealtime, Brenna hops right in her crate and waits patiently for her meal. When she is loose in the house, Brenna actually wanders into her crate and lies down. She has her very own couch in our family room, but she prefers to lie in her crate instead. For the first time ever, a dog has crate-trained US!

The guilt I feel is indescribable. For six years, I have never seen a need to provide Brenna with a crate. I knew all the benefits of a crate. I’ve educated many people on this issue. Yet my own, well-balanced, perfect dog was missing all those benefits. To all those people who feel that a crate is punishment, just ask my Brenna how she feels about it. NOT providing a crate is actually punishment. My Brenna is a happy girl now with her very own crate.  

A Happy Pit Bull Story

Here is a story about one of my friends, Savannah, and her caregiver, Barbara. I loved it so much it made me cry, so I thought I'd share it with my readers...enjoy!

 

Savannah, a happy American pit bull

Photo: Barbara Blackman

And now for something completely different..a happy pit bull story

• By Cindy Marabito, American Pit Bull Examiner
• April 6th, 2011 3:56 pm ET

Barbara Blackman is a board member of “The Freckles Freedom Fund,” a group dedicated to saving shelter pit bulls across the country.

Together with her people friends, Toni Vale of Pennsylvania, Vicki Weales in Louisiana, Tiffany Russell in Oklahoma and Wendy Schugar in Florida, these gals are saving the lives of forgotten and cast aside American pit bulls.

Barbara has been active in trying to get the word out about the recent surge in pit bull abuse by circulating petitions for awareness and justice in the recent cases of Patrick, Snoop and Daniel.

Fellow board member, Toni Vale suggested Barbara write up the story of her rescued princess, Savannah and submit it. Savannah sounds like a southern girl and she is….South Philly, that is.
Here is Savannah’s story in Barbara’s own words:

“Savannah is a 2 year old, petite, female, black and white 'pocket pitbull' rescued from Philadelphia. I live in South Jersey and had just lost my beloved pit-weiler Dozer to cancer after 8.5 years on June 3, 2010.
I was very depressed and my family thought I should get another dog fast. I knew that I wanted a pit bull, but needed a cat friendly pit because I also have a cat, Bianca, that I rescued from a shelter. I agreed to go with my dad to a few of the local shelters in our area just to LOOK. None were in immediate danger and I did not feel that “connection” to any of them. So I went home.

A week later someone sent me a Petfinder ad but I had no idea who this email was from and to this day I still don’t know who sent her ad to me. I opened it, instantly saw her picture and HAD to meet her. There was something in her eyes; she had the same eyes as Dozer.  I swear that Dozer sent her to me.

I read on and found out that she was bred, had contracted an infection in her vulva and because the only way to clear the massive infection was to spay her, her people had no use for her anymore and abandoned her in South Philly.  Philly ACCT was called out to get her, and she was held for the required period and then when nobody stepped up for her she was put on the euthanasia list.

Her time was JUST ABOUT UP and PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, the ONLY no kill shelter/rescue in Philadelphia) stepped up and saved her life.  I can only assume that PAWS saw what I did later and took her in.

They got her medically treated and then put her in foster care. I contacted her foster mom and set up a meet. We were playing phone tag the day of the meet but I was relentless, I really wanted to meet her. So I drove out to Philly, in the hopes that she was home, and when she answered the door, Savannah ran up, sat down, looked at me and cocked her head to the side as if to say “You’re finally here."

I filled out the application right then, paid the adoption fee and prepared to take her home in 4 days.  I made all the necessary arrangements, got a new crate, new beds, new toys, new food, and made a vet appointment for the day I picked her up to transfer the microchip and make sure she was “good to go”.

From Day One, I knew she would be my savior, and she is. I adopted her officially on June 18, 2010.  There was a cat in the foster home, but Savannah clearly was not cat friendly at first, so after about 6-7 weeks of a lot of patience, love, positive reinforcement, separation and supervised play, the two are now best friends.

In September I brought Savannah to Leashes of Love in Cherry Hill, NJ for her therapy dog evaluation and she passed with flying colors. We just need to complete the orientation to do visits for them but she does go with me to Cinnaminson Center (where my grandmother is) and visits with patients there.

On October 9, 2010 she received her Canine Good Citizen Certification on her first try with no prep at all. This perfect dog was on the euthanasia list!!!!  Can you believe it? We go to every dog park around and Savannah particularly likes small dogs. SO, when we go into the small dog area (she weighs 53 lbs but looks as if she weighs 40), you can instantly see people tense up and get nervous. So I just let her make her own impression because every time without fail, within 5 minutes everyone wants to pet and comes to me asking if she is in fact a pit bull and what a great dog she is. I reply “Thank you, she really is” with such pride in my voice.

She changes people’s minds about pit bulls on a daily basis. My mother, for one, is fearful of all dogs and especially pit bulls, admitting that it is because of the media hype, but she now ADORES Savannah and is my dog walker 3 days a week. Savannah is invited to her home for family dinners and my mom takes her for car rides.

When a co-worker asked my mother what her two young granddaughters (my nieces) were being for Halloween last year, her reply was “I’m not sure, but Savannah is being a skunk!”

I even had a birthday party for her 2nd birthday at Camp Bow Wow in Cherry Hill, NJ and 27 of her furry friends came to celebrate with her. There was a gigantic 4 tier mad hatter style cake for the humans, and doggie bags (party favors) to go home with each dog, along with a pup~cake for them to eat at home.  It was such a fun event. She had a blast!

I entered Savannah in a mascot contest for our local shelter, the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees, NJ for their 2011 Paws & Feet Walkathon on May 14th at Cooper River Park. Savannah was the only pitbull entered and she won the contest, which was $1 a vote, by a landslide!  Her picture is on all their printed materials, flyers, brochures, and will be on all the event T Shirts. She is also going to be on a billboard on Route 73 later this month.

Savannah is precious and without her I would be incomplete. This girl went from being bred, to being useless to her people, dumped in South Philly, put on an E List, being saved, being in foster care, being with me and turning the world (our world) upside down with good things and great views.

She is an amazing dog and I am lucky to have found her!  She is my pride and joy. Every day is easier with her in it."

Savannah is an ambassador to the breed and an American pit bull.

To learn more about the great work Barbara and The Freckles Freedom Fund are doing, visit the website:
http://www.thefrecklesfreedomfund.com/
Connect on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Freckles-Freedom-Fund/188810237799808

How to Stuff a Kong Toy

First of all, let me say that I did NOT write this article, so please understand, I take absolutely NO credit for it. I get emails from the Humane Society, including the "Adoption Tip of the Day". This was today's adoption tip, and I couldn't resist sharing it. Those who know me know that I usually have over 10 animals in my house at any given time, and am always looking for money-saving ideas. I thought this was brilliant and a real money-saver when it comes to dogs and treats!

How to Stuff a KONG Toy

What’s a KONG?

The KONG is a nontoxic, dishwasher-safe rubber toy with a hollow center. When stuffed with food, it provides dogs with a healthy outlet for their natural desire to chew and lick. KONGs come in many sizes, from very tiny to extra-large. Some are made for puppies with baby teeth, some are made for regular chewers and some are made for dogs with powerful jaws. There’s a
KONG out there for every dog!

Why Give Your Dog a KONG?

Nature made dogs to hunt, forage, scavenge and work for their food—not have it delivered for free in a bowl! One reason dogs develop behavior problems is sheer boredom, resulting from a lack of physical exercise, problem solving and outdoor exploration and investigation. To make your dog’s life more enjoyable, you can give him fun “work” to do when he’s home alone or
when you can’t play with him.

Food puzzle toys give dogs a chance to work for their food. These toys are sturdy containers, usually made of hard rubber or plastic, that can hold food or treats. They usually have holes on each end or on the sides. A dog must work to get food to come out by shaking, pawing, rolling, nibbling or licking a puzzle toy. The effort dogs make to get their food from these toys eases boredom, reduces destructive behavior and lessens the anxiety they can feel when alone. In addition to the KONG, here are some of our favorite puzzle toys:

The Tug-a-Jug™, the Twist ‘n Treat™ and the Squirrel Dude™ by
Premier Pet Products

·         The Buster® Cube

·         The Tricky Treat™ Ball

·         The Atomic Treat Ball™

·         The TreatStik®

How to Use a KONG

You can stuff KONGs with almost any kind of food your dog likes. Feed him his meals in a KONG by mixing his regular kibble with a little canned dog food, cottage cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, canned pumpkin or mashed banana. After spooning the mixture into the KONG, you can use a bit of cream cheese or peanut butter to seal everything in. You can also fill your dog’s KONGs with special snacks to supplement his diet. See the recipes below for
creative KONG-stuffing ideas.


Start Out Easy


Dogs don’t automatically know how to use food puzzle toys. They need to learn how. When you introduce your dog to the KONG, you’ll need to make it easy for him to empty it so he doesn’t get discouraged and give up. Use small pieces of kibble or treats that will fall out of the KONG easily.


Make It Harder


When your dog learns how to use the KONG and can empty easy KONGs quickly, you can make his job more difficult. He’ll love the challenge!

·         Use bigger pieces of food. Wedge chunks of fruits and veggies and larger biscuits inside the opening of the KONG.

·         Put a few cubes of cheese inside the KONG. After stuffing it with the cheese and some of your dog’s regular food, put the KONG in the microwave for just five to eight seconds so that the cheese gets sticky and soft. (Be sure that the KONG is completely cool before you give it to your dog.)

·         Hide your dog’s KONGs around your home. Dogs love finding hidden food and unpacking stuffed food puzzle toys! Try putting your dog’s breakfast in KONGs and hiding them right before you leave for work in the morning. Your dog will have a great time working for his meal while you’re away. (A word of warning: Some dogs can make a bit of a mess while enjoying
KONGs. If a KONG has soft or wet food inside it—or if your dog tends to drool a lot when chewing on tings—you might want to give him KONGs only when he’s in his crate, outside or confined in a room with flooring that’s easy to clean, like tile or linoleum.)

·         Make a KONGcicle! They’re great for spring and summertime outdoor enjoyment. First, put a dab of peanut butter at the bottom of the KONG to seal the small hole. Then turn the KONG upside down and place it in a cup. Stuff the KONG with kibble, canned food, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, banana or anything else you like. Pour a little chicken broth or gravy into
the KONG and freeze it overnight.

KONG Stuffing Recipes

Here are some of our favorite recipes. Give them a try—or make up special recipes of your own! Just be sure to avoid foods that can be dangerous to your dog, like onions, garlic, avocados, macadamia nuts, bread dough, grapes and raisins, moldy foods, artificial sweeteners, fatty cuts of meat and chocolate. If you’re unsure about what’s safe to feed your dog, contact his
veterinarian for advice and please see our article, Foods That Are Hazardous to Dogs
<http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/71/Foods-That-Are-Hazardous-to-Dogs-..
aspx> .


Main Courses


The Basic KONG

You’ll need:

·         A special treat for “dessert,” like a cube of freeze-dried liver or jerky

·         Your dog’s kibble

·         Canned dog food

·         Sticky sealer (a blob of peanut butter, processed cheese or cream cheese)

Drop the special treat into the bottom of the KONG. Then mix together your dog’s kibble and a few spoonfuls of canned dog food. Spoon the mixture into
the KONG. When the KONG is filled, seal all the food inside using a dab of peanut butter, a smear of processed cheese or a little cream cheese. If you find that your dog can lick the KONG clean within just a few minutes, try freezing it overnight before giving it to him to satisfy him longer.

Meat and Potatoes

You’ll need:

·         Ground turkey, chicken, lean hamburger or cubed chuck steak or roast

·         Potatoes, brown rice, cooked oatmeal or crumbled whole wheat bread


·         Kidney beans and grated raw or lightly steamed veggies

Combine equal parts meat and potatoes or grain. Stir in a spoonful of beans and a sprinkle of raw grated or steamed and mashed veggies. Freeze the KONG overnight or serve it warm.

Chicken Stew

·         1 whole chicken or fryer parts (breast and thighs)

·         Potatoes or cooked brown rice, oatmeal or millet

·         Vegetables: Some that dogs like raw (grated or finely chopped) are parsley, carrots, zucchini, lettuce, bell peppers (green, red, orange and yellow), fresh corn, celery, tomatoes and beets. Some veggies that dogs enjoy steamed are green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, potatoes and hard winter squash.

In a soup kettle, cover the chicken with water, lightly salt and spice to taste, and add chopped veggies—celery, carrots, diced tomato, bell pepper, etc. If you’re using potato, add that to the stew as well. If you’re using grains, cook them separately. When the stew is done, you’re ready to combine everything. Put equal parts of meat and grain or potato in a large bowl, along with a tablespoon or two of the vegetables. (The vegetables should amount to about five percent of your dog’s meal.) Then spoon the mixture into a KONG. If you’re going to freeze the KONG, you can add some broth as
well.

Itchy Dog KONG (for dogs with allergies on restricted prescription diets)

Because dogs with food allergies usually can’t have regular treats or chews,it can be challenging to come up with ways to add variety to their diets. Using KONGs to feed your allergic dog can help spice up his life. Just be sure to check with his veterinarian or dermatologist for a list of approved
foods before you get started. The following recipe includes ingredients that many dogs with food allergies can eat. You’ll need:

·         Your dog’s prescription kibble

·         A few spoonfuls of water or prescription canned food

·         Grated, steamed or raw asparagus spears, broccoli, zucchini and/or carrots

·         A few chunks of apple, banana, watermelon, cantaloupe, a strawberry, some blueberries or a section of orange

·         A hypoallergenic biscuit, formulated for dogs with food allergies(ask your dog’s veterinarian about where to find these)

·         Baked russet or sweet potato

·         Vegetarian refried beans

First drop the fruit into the bottom of the KONG for dessert. Then mix together your dog’s kibble, the wet food or water, and the veggies. Put a spoonful or two of the mixture into the KONG. Then put a chunk or two of potato in. Repeat, layering the mixture and potato until the KONG is almost filled. Finally, cram the biscuit into the end of the KONG. Seal everything in with a dab of the vegetarian refried beans. Serve warm, at room
temperature or frozen.


Snack KONGs


Warm Veggie Delight

You’ll need:

·         Cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, green beans, tomatoes, peas and/or carrots (use any or all of the above)

·         Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Chop the veggies into chunks, grate them or steam and mash them. Put a few veggies into a KONG. Sprinkle in a spoonful of cheese. Repeat, layering the veggies and cheese until the KONG is full. Then microwave the KONG for five to eight seconds, just until the veggies are warm and the cheese is soft. Make sure the veggies and cheese aren’t too hot to eat before giving the KONG to your dog. To challenge him, you can freeze the KONG after stuffing
and microwaving it. (The melted cheese will be hard to get out after it’s been frozen with the veggies.)

Western KONGmelete

You’ll need:

·         One egg

·         Cheese

·         Bell peppers and tomatoes

Grate the bell peppers or lightly steam them. Chop the tomatoes into chunks. Then scramble one egg with a sprinkle of cheese. Spoon the cheesy egg and the veggies into a KONG. Seal the KONG with a small chunk of cheese. Serve warm.

Fido’s Fruit Salad

You’ll need:

·         Cottage cheese or yogurt (only use plain or naturally sweetened yogurt—not yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs)

·         Apples, banana and melon (any kind)

·         One small marshmallow

Cut the fruit into chunks and put them into a KONG until the toy is about two-thirds of the way full. Holding the KONG upside down, spoon cottage cheese or yogurt into the remaining space. Finally, finish by putting a small marshmallow into the KONG. Serve at room temperature or frozen.

“Pupkin” Pie

You’ll need:

·         Canned or freshly cooked pureed pumpkin

·         Yogurt or cottage cheese (only use plain or naturally sweetened yogurt—not yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs)

·         Cooked oatmeal

·         Low-fat graham cracker

Put a spoonful of cooked oatmeal at the bottom of the KONG to seal the small hole. Then put two spoonfuls of pumpkin into the KONG. Follow with a spoonful of yogurt or cottage cheese. Repeat, layering the pumpkin and yogurt or cottage cheese until the KONG is almost full. Then cram a few pieces of graham cracker into the end of the KONG. Serve warm or frozen.

The Nutty Monkey

You’ll need:

·         Half a banana, cut into slices

·         Peanut butter

·         Roasted peanuts

·         Plain, vanilla or strawberry yogurt (only use plain or naturally sweetened yogurt—not yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs)

·         A spoonful of wheat germ

Put a blob of peanut butter into an empty KONG to seal the small hole at the bottom. Add a few roasted peanuts. Mix the banana slices with a few spoonfuls of yogurt and the wheat germ. Then spoon the mixture into the KONG. Seal the KONG at the top with another blob of peanut butter. Serve at
room temperature or frozen.


Late-for-Work KONGs (As Easy As It Gets)


Running late? If you’re busy and don’t have time to create culinary works of art, you can simply take a few seconds to try the following ideas. This is KONG stuffing at its fastest!

·         Keep a stash of halved bananas in your freezer. When you’re on the run, just grab a banana half and slide it into a KONG. Or slice an apple into wedges and insert one or two of those into a KONG.

·         Cram a large dog biscuit or two into a KONG. If necessary, squeeze the KONG when inserting the biscuits to change the shape of the hole and fit them in.

·         If you feed your dog raw food, try purchasing frozen raw medallions, which easily pop into a KONG. Just turn the KONG upside down on a counter, large hole facing up, and push the medallion into the KONG using the heel of your palm.

·         Use a squirt of Cheez Whiz®. Just insert the nozzle into the small end of the KONG and squeeze in some cheese. You can also use a similar product made by the KONG Company, called KONG Stuff’N™ Paste, which comes in liver and peanut butter flavors.

·         Smear a spoonful of peanut butter or cream cheese (preferably low-fat) on the inside walls of a KONG. If you think that your dog might finish licking out the KONG too quickly, consider preparing a few peanut butter or cream cheese KONGs in advance and leaving them in your freezer for
quick use when you’re in a hurry.

Bon appétit! For more great recipe ideas and information on serving sizes and ensuring complete nutrition with home-cooked meals, we recommend Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard Pitcairn, DVM; Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome by Arden Moore; and Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald Strombeck, DVM, PhD.

Source:http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/76/How-to-Stuff-a-KONG-Toy.aspx

Back to my own words now.... There are a few things I will recommend when considering giving your dog a tasty KONG treat. He will love it! Especially if he's never had this extra special treat. He will love it so much, in fact, that if there are other animals around, he will be prepared to defend it. Please use caution in multi-pet households. In our house, we only give food and special treats to our dogs while they are in the safety of their own crates. Even then, they will sometimes "fight" through their crates.

The special KONG treat has been particularly useful for me in crate-training my rescue dogs. Lilly, our "mama dog", was the most difficult to crate train. She actually broke out of two crates before I tried the KONG. I finally got her crate trained by giving her a new, different KONG treat recipe each day when I put her in her crate. She quickly learned that "crate" = "treat". Now, she loves being in her crate and I don't even have to give her a treat to make her go in it.

I would also recommend this technique for diverting your dog's attention from anything he may "obsess" over. For example, I know of a dog who chases shadows. He must've been terrorized by a laser light at some point in his past. When his owner settles in to bed for the evening with a good book, and turns on the book light, the dog goes bananas. This would be the time to provide the dog with a tempting distraction, such as a KONG! You could also use this technique to desensitise a dog who barks at the doorbell, or to keep him busy when company comes over. We also like this for the winter time, when it's too cold to get the dogs out for a walk as often as we'd like.

A $10 toy and a few dollars in groceries sure does go a long way to provide your dog with the spoiling he deserves! Oh, and did I mention, they make KONGs for cats?!

Doggy KONG-
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2750604&lmdn=Dog+Toys

Kitty Kong-
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10939492&lmdn=Brand

How I save money and still spoil my pets

Being a mom of three dogs and five cats, and a foster mom to countless others, I have, through trial and error, learned some valuable money-saving tips on pet care. I am constantly answering questions from family, friends, and clients, and giving recommendations on everything from feeding to training to veterinarians. That got me thinking that I should gather all my knowledge and publish it, in one place. So, here it is!

You see, our "Pets" budget was close to $300 each month. That included food, litter, toys and treats -- the basics. That didn't include vet care or training. Our pets are our kids, so we don't mind spending money on them. We will do without so that they won't have to. But that was a big chunk of our budget. I decided to start doing a little research to see where I could make some changes to reduce that number. I am proud to say that our current "Pets" budget is now $80 each month.

Lets begin with dog food. We prefer to feed our dogs the highest quality food we can afford. We feel it is an investment in their health, thus reducing our vet bills by providing the best nutrition. We also have a Black Lab/Great Dane mix who has allergies, so we avoid any food containing beef, corn or wheat. We used to shop for food at Petsmart. The brand we bought costs $57 for 25 pounds. ($2.28/lb) We bought two bags per month, so on dog food alone, we were spending $114 each month .  After doing some research, I learned that we could find healthy, good-quality food at Tractor Supply. For the dogs, we now buy Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice Formula, which sells for $32 for a 40-pound bag. ($0.80/lb) We purchase one bag per month, so for dog food, we went from spending over $100 each month to spending $32 each month.

For our five cats, we were spending about $22 for an 8-pound bag of food ($2.75/lb), again, buying two bags each month, so spending $44 each month for cat food. Now, from Tractor Supply, we get them 4Health All Life Stage Cat Food, which runs $20 for 18 pounds ($1.11/lb) and one bag lasts us the whole month. So cat food went from eating up $44 of our budget each month, to a mere $20.

A 20-pound bag of the pine litter goes for about $10 a bag at Petsmart and Wal Mart. We found a fantastic brand of natural litter at Tractor Supply, called Paws & Claws Natural Kitty Litter, which comes in a 25-pound bag for $2.99. A lot of times, they will have it on sale 2 bags for $5.00, and we'll take advantage of that great deal! It's also scoopable and clumping, so we can scoop the litter, rather than having to dump the entire box and start fresh each time we clean it. We have eliminated the amount of product we were wasting, without having to compromise our health.

Speaking of litter, we found this fantastic litterbox. You see, anyone who has cats AND dogs in their household knows how helpful dogs can be at keeping the litterbox clean. Gross, right? Well, we found a litterbox that, not only deters the dogs from getting into it, but it also keeps most of the litter inside, rather than it getting tracked all over our floors. It's called the Clevercat Top Entry Litterbox. We HAD to have one! So, we spent the $35 it sells for. Well, that was two cats ago. So, our three cats shared it -- which was fine, since it's a pretty good-sized litterbox and holds a lot of litter. Now that we have five cats, we were in need of another one or two litterboxes for them. But another $35 - $70 was just not in the budget. That's when I came up with an alternative. The litterbox looks just like a Rubbermaid container, except the lid has an opening for the cats to enter. So, at the beginning of the new year, when the Home Depot, and most other stores, have organizing supplies on sale. We picked up two Rubbermaid containers, about the same size as the litterbox, for $5.00 each. We got them home and, using a box knife, cut an opening in each of the lids, saving us $60!

While we're away, at work, or wherever, our dogs stay in their crates. Well, all except one -- the Black Lab/Great Dane, since she's six years old and doesn't chew up everything in sight like the puppies! We like for the dogs to be nice and comfy in their crates, but crate pads for their size crates run about $28 for the cheapest ones. Also, our two Pitbull mixes are only a year old, so they are still in that chewing phase. We might as well give them 20-dollar bills to chew on daily! When they're older, we will definitely make the investment, but for now, they need a cheaper alternative. Also, their bedding needs to be washed pretty often, especially if they have accidents in the crate. Our solution is functional, soft and comfy, easy to wash, and cheap: fleece fabric. We actually had some scrap fabric from another project laying around the house, so I cut it into smaller "blankets" for the dogs. I was able to make about 10 blankets for free! They have been washed over and over again, and the fleece doesn't fray, so it's an easy, no-sew project. They have chewed on their blankets a little bit, but that's okay, we can make more for pennies!

Our little chewers are also "scarfers" when it comes to meals. They take about 2.3 seconds to "inhale" about 2 cups of dog food. We found these neat-o bowls made by Martha Stewart for Petsmart, that are made specifically to slow dogs down when eating. They no longer sell them now, but I believe they were about $15 for the large size. Problem was, (and this may be why they don't sell them anymore) if they fell, they would break! We went through several of them, since we kept breaking them. They did the job of slowing the dogs down, but they were fragile and difficult to keep clean. Our solution was to purchase stainless steel bowls from Tractor Supply, which run about $8.00 for the larger size. They're unbreakable and easy to clean. But, they don't solve the "scarfing" problem. So, we bought each of the dogs a Kong toy ($10), which we place in their food bowls when we feed them. They have to actually eat around the Kong, thus slowing down! We actually bought two bowls for each dog, so we can have on in the dishwasher and one to feed them with each day, and alternate them for breakfast and dinner. Not only will we not have to purchase new bowls again, but their bowls stay clean, inhibiting the spread of germs, keeping them healthier, and cutting down on vet bills! We've also switched to the stainless steel bowls for the cats and the water bowls. After battling kennel cough, we learned that the "community" water bowls are the biggest spreaders of germs from dog to dog. We wash all the pet dishes daily now, and don't use anything plastic anymore.

Let's talk about that bought of kennel cough. Our three dogs, and our two "inside" fosters, all had to be treated at the same time. They each took two pills a day for 10 days. That was 100 pills. We had to come up with a way to make them swallow the pills. They sell these cool things called Pill Pockets, made by Greenies. They sell for $8.00 for a 25-count package. That would have cost us $32 for 100 of them. Our solution was to buy a package of the grocery store brand American cheese slices. One slice could be torn in to five strips. We wrapped a strip around the capsule, which would stick to the pill. The dogs ate them right up in one gulp! Savings: $30. And we had some leftover for grilled cheese sandwiches for ourselves!

All spoiled kids need toys, and our babies are no exception! I'll start with the kitties, since they are pretty simple. Ours are ages 6, 4, 1, 6 months and 5 months. They all love to play and they love their cat condo. There's five of them, so the bigger the cat condo, the better. I don't know if you've ever shopped for one, but they can run anywhere from $50 to $300 and up! Well, I found a great little store on Ebay that sells cat condos. New ones. I believe our 5-foot tall cat condo set us back about $80. Is was delivered to our door, and took about half an hour to assemble. Our cats love to chase their toy mice and jingle balls. We usually wait until the end of a holiday season to purchase them. We can usually find a six or twelve pack of holiday-themed cat toys on clearance for about 2 bucks! Our cats don't mind playing with red and green mice in January, or orange and black ones in November. On the rare occasion we buy stuffed toys for dogs, we will do the same thing -- grab the holiday-themed ones they mark down right after the holiday.

For our aggressive chewers, the pibble puppies, things get a little trickier. It's a delicate balance between cost and durability. Anything plastic, made for large breeds to chew on, can NOT be given to our dogs when they are unsupervised. They are able to actually bite pieces of plastic off the toys and swallow them. We've tried ham bones, which they took about 30 minutes to completely devour, and them proceeded to get sick afterward. The only thing we've found that actually lasts, is safe, and not very expensive are cow femur bones. They're about $12 for a 3-pack, but they last our dogs about a month. And that's just about the time it takes them to chew off all the "goodies" and flavoring, leaving a sparkling, clean bone, which they will continue to chew on until they get bored with it. $12 a month for femur bones -- not bad!

That brings me to the question I get asked more often than any other. What vet do I use? I had used several good, reasonable vets in the Oklahoma City area before finally settling in with one. If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend her. If you're not, I recommend you find a mobile vet near you. Dr. Tracey Alden is our vet. Not only is she compassionate and very knowledgeable, but she comes to us. You're probably thinking, "wow, how much does THAT cost?". Well, here's a little-known secret about mobile vets. They come to you, so they don't have the expense of paying rent on an office. Yes, they use gas to get to you, but rent on an office has to be paid -- no matter what. If no clients come in, you still owe rent. It's not like the landlord charges a certain percentage per client for rent. With the overhead of an office eliminated, mobile vets can provide their services to their clients for a much more reasonable rate then one with an office. Also, I don't have to wrestle my kids in the car, take them to an office, sit in the waiting room, and deal with the other pets there. I don't have to make a separate appointment for each of my eight kids either. Dr. Alden can just swing by my place once a year and vaccinate everyone in one trip! And, when my beloved Kirby, my dachshund, my "man" of 14 years was ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge, Dr. Alden was able to come to my house and lay him to rest in the comfort of our home. She even took him to have him cremated and delivered his remains to me a few days later. I wouldn't have trusted anyone else with my Kirby.

If you have a pet who is not altered, it is so important that you get your pet spayed or neutered ASAP! I will write about the reasons why in a future blog. For now, just trust me on this. If cost is what's holding you back, you are not alone. That is the number one reason most people don't get their pets fixed. In Oklahoma City, we have some great resources. We have two low cost spay/neuter clinics. I'm sure you're thinking what I thought at first too. I was concerned about the quality of care my babies would receive there. So, I became a volunteer at one. And what I learned is this: they are a spay/neuter clinic. They do an average of 50 surgeries a day. That's all they do. They have a very efficient system in place. Think about it. If you do one thing, the SAME thing, 50 times a day, don't you get really, really good at it? The quality may actually be better at a spay/neuter clinic! And, a dog or cat can, contrary to popular belief, be spayed/neutered at 8 weeks of age, and as small as two pounds. It is actually better for the animal to get it done as soon as they are old/large enough. The smaller they are, the smaller the incision is, and the faster they heal. I have, in the past year alone, cared for over a dozen pets who were altered at the spay/neuter clinic. I have not had any problems with any of them. In Oklahoma City, we have the SPOT Clinic, which goes by your income, and charges on a sliding scale. We also have the OK Humane Place spay/neuter clinic, which charges the same low fee for everyone. At both of them, you can also get vaccines at the time of surgery for next to nothing. Call for exact prices, but, I assure you, you will get out of there with vaccinations and spay/neuter for under $100.   

You're probably wondering how in the world we keep our house clean and smelling good with so many pets. There is one product, which I just discovered, that is excellent for pet odors and germs. I found it at Home Depot and it comes in a gallon size, and it's concentrated, so it makes up to 32 gallons of cleaner, depending on your dilution ratio. It also comes in a spray form. I got lucky, since it's "Spring Cleaning" season, and got the gallon jug with the free spray included, for about $10. It's called OdoBan. I used the spray to clean out the dogs' kennels, and I used the concentrate in my mop water to mop the floors. Three days later, my house still smells as fresh as it did the day I mopped it! I will never buy any other cleaning solution again. It also kills 99.99% of germs in 60 seconds. I don't know how I ever lived without it. And, of course, washable mop heads are a must! For the pet hair, I use the Swiffer Sweeper Vac. It's lightweight, fast, easy, and doesn't blow the hair around like a regular vacuum. The starter kit runs about $35, but, if you visit the Swiffer website, you can get a $5.00 off coupon. Now, we do live in a house with no carpet, so it's pretty easy to keep clean.   

I hope this helps you to learn that having pets and spoiling them doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Being in rescue, I see people give up their pets all the time, due to the cost of keeping them. I hope this will help someone out there be able to keep their pet.

Links:

Dog food-
http://www.tractorsupply.com/pet-care/dog-products/dog-food/dry-dog-food/diamond-reg-naturals-lamb-meal-amp-rice-adult-dog-formula-dog-food-40-lb--5025623

Cat food-
http://www.tractorsupply.com/pet-care/cat-products/cat-food/dry-cat-food/4health-trade-all-life-stage-cat-food-18-lb--1152999

Cat litter-
http://www.tractorsupply.com/pet-care/cat-products/cat-litter-supplies/paws-and-claws-reg-natural-kitty-litter-25-lb--2407509

Bowls-
http://www.tractorsupply.com/pet-care/pet-feeders-waterers-bowls/pet-food-bowls/spot-mirror-finish-stainless-steel-bowl-5-qt-2420688

Kong-
http://www.tractorsupply.com/dog-chew-toys/kong-reg-classic-large-2409006

Cat condo-
http://cgi.ebay.com/73-Cat-Tree-Condo-Furniture-Scratch-Post-Pet-House-B-/310304618203?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483f98b6db

Dog bones-
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4327957

Vet-
http://www.wagginwheels1.com/

Spay/Neuter Clinics-
http://www.vawokc.org/main.asp?id=19

http://www.okhumaneplace.org/

OdoBan-
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202560628/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Swiffer-
http://www.swiffer.com/en_US/sweepervac.do