'Tis the Season for...Accidents?

While it may not be first thing that comes to mind around the holidays, there are many things that can be harmful to your pets — some that you might not even think of. From food to plants and trees to presents, there are some precautions you should take to keep your pets safe this season.

Food

Foods that can be toxic to your pets and should steer clear from the countertops include:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Uncooked meat – fish, chicken, etc.
• Uncooked yeast dough
• Grapes, raisins, and onions

Plants

While many of these plants are traditional holiday “musts,” most are very harmful and poisonous to pets. They include:

• Holly (leaves and berries) upsets the stomach and can be fatal to cats and dogs
• Mistletoe can upset stomachs and cause heart collapse
• Hibiscus causes diarrhea
• Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset, being fatal to cats and dogs (and even humans!)

Decorations and Wrapping

Decorations and wrapped presents are a Christmas staple. But not all that glitters is gold! Stay away of some of these harmful decorations and packaging:

• Ribbons, yarn and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Remove from all gifts wrapped with them.
• Adhesives and glues are toxic and often attractive to animals.
• Potpourri contains oils and should not be within reach, as your pets may be tempted to eat it.
• Candles should never be left unattended
• Perfumes and aftershave contain ethanol and can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• Batteries are toxic and should never be left within reach of your pet.

Christmas Trees

While artificial trees are becoming more popular, many families still opt for the real trees. Keep some of these safety tree tips in mind this year:

• Real tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation.
• Artificial needles and wire can pose problems as well.
• Chewing on electrical cords (LIGHTS!) can cause burnt mouths electrical shock, or death by electrocution.
• Cats can knock off glass ornaments and get glass shards stuck in their paws.
• Sharp ornament hooks can get stuck in your pet’s esophagus if ingested.

Visitors

While these situations are not really prone to accidents, guests may be allergic, or a large company may be intimidating to your pets. Some pets love visitors, others do not. Consider the following if you are hosting this year’s events:

• Put your pets in a quiet room, away from the commotion with water, food and litter box where they will be more comfortable.
• Ask a neighbor or friend who will be around if your pets could spend the day there.
• Use crates, gates, etc. to separate pets who are more aggressive or scared.
• If you are traveling, check local boarding facilities. They fill up fast. Responsible pet sitters are also a good alternative, especially if your pets don’t do well away from home.

Talk with an Angel’s Wish volunteer about some of the ways you can “pet proof” your home by stopping in during our adoption events. For additional information about keeping your pet safe through the holidays, read more in depth in this article from the ASPCA.

Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/holiday-safety-tips.aspx

First Annual Pet Costume Slideshow

Calling all Angel’s Wish alumni! Do you dress your pet for Halloween as pumpkins, mermaids, bugs or ghosts? If so, your pet could be famous! Just submit your pet’s photo in the comment section below to be entered into the Angel’s Wish 2011 Pet Costume Slideshow. Along with the photo, if you could add:

• Your pet’s name
• When you adopted it from Angel’s Wish

Here are the rules:

The pet must be yours and you must have permission to use the photo. Sharing the photo allows us to include your pet into the Angel’s Wish 2011 Pet Costume Slideshow. There will be no prizes, other than to have your pet featured in the slideshow that will be shared on the Angel’s Wish blog, Facebook page, website and YouTube channel.

We can’t wait to see them all! 


If you have trouble posting them, you may email them to Meredith, the Marketing Committee Chair, at meredith.beres@gmail.com.

Help out a “Less Adoptable Pet” from Angel’s Wish

Black cats. FIV+ cats. Senior pets. Special needs animals. What do all these have in common? Unfortunately, these animals are often overlooked when it comes to finding their forever homes. That’s why the next two weekends, Angel’s Wish will be recognizing Petfinder’s “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week.” From September 17^th through the 25^th, we will try to find these unusual (or, in some cases, too common) animals their forever homes. Below are some of the animals at Angel’s Wish who need your love:

Dolce 

Dolce came to Angel’s Wish in rough shape, but she doesn’t let that affect her! A loving and beautiful kitten, Dolce is playful and friendly, and likes to play with her foster parents — especially in the covers. She loves affection and is looking for a forever home where she can give all the love she has.

Nick 

Looking for a cat wants to spend time with you? Nick is an affectionate cat who likes to be held, enjoys your lap and lives to please. He is a cat who thinks the sun rises and sets because of you. Nick is about 8 years and has tested positive for FIV. He is a lover and not a fighter, and can live harmoniously in any household with other respectful pets.

Bear 

Bear is a 4 year old, short hair black cat with a lot of love! He likes to be pet and will even sit on the couch and watch TV with you. Bear is sensitive to loud noises and can be shy at first, but once he feels comfortable, he is loving as can be. He likes to be the king of his castle, so he would prefer to be the only cat in your family.

For more adoptable pets from Angel’s Wish, visit the Angel’s Wish Petfinder page. And to meet some of these loving animals, stop in at one of our adoption events held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the center in Verona. You can also visit our East side adoption center at Pet Smart East on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are interested in adopting any of the pets listed in this article, please email coordinators@angelswish.org

Save Money and Help Angel’s Wish

Looking to save money? Want to help the community? The 20^th Edition of the Bucky Book is now out and available to purchase at the Angel’s Wish Retail Store. The Bucky Book contains 2 FOR 1, 50% OFF or ABSOLUTELY FREE offers, for more than 300+ local businesses in the Madison area.

 

Bucky Books cost $35 each, and when you buy them from our Retail Store, $15 of each purchase benefits Angel’s Wish. Not only can this help keep money in your wallet, but you can help the animals in a number of ways. From spays and neuters, to vet visits and food, your purchase can go a long way. This is a great option for those looking to help the organization, but don’t have the time to volunteer.

So stop in this weekend and pick up your 20^th Edition of the Bucky Book. Retail Store hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

For more information about available pets, retail products and more, visit angelswish.org.

Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

When it comes to your health, you probably think about eating right, getting exercise and having your annual checkups. But there is one thing that most people don’t realize that is good for their health — owning a cat. Having a cat offers many health benefits to their owners physically, mentally and emotionally. Here are a few health benefits associated with owning a cat:

1. Lower risk of cardiovascular disease – A study from the University of Minnesota suggests that people living without cats were 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
2. Decrease chance of developing allergies – Thinking about adding to your family? Having a pet can help prevent your children from having allergies. Kids who are exposed to animals at an early age helps to aid immunity.
3. Reduce blood pressure – Simply petting a cat is calming, and enjoying their company lowers blood pressure. According to a study conducted at the State University of New York at Buffalo, people who own pets are more likely to have lower blood pressure than those without.
4. Reduce stress – Having a pet has many psychological benefits, including stress. Being able to care for an animal and snuggling with them can make you feel better, and reduce stress levels.
5. Help with depression – Owning a cat can help relieve depression. Though a cat isn’t meant to cure depression, it can help take your mind off problems and focus on something else. The love of a cat offers companionship and can help ease your mind.
6. Reduce loneliness – Many people who are lonely find companionship in their cat. It can help with an empty feeling, knowing that you are sharing company with another life.

Being a cat owner, you can now appreciate your pets more — knowing that they not only show you unconditional love, but they are providing you with multiple health benefits. If you don’t own a cat, maybe you should consider adopting one. At Angel’s Wish, the adoption coordinators can help match you with the perfect companion for you (and your family). Stop in at one of our adoption events on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Verona. We also have adoptable kittens/cats at PetSmart East on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Angel’s Wish, or to look at a listing of available kittens and cats, visit angelswish.org

Source: FutureMedica

Help Your Pets Beat the Summer Heat

As the excessive heat warning rages on throughout Wisconsin, people are trying to find ways to keep cool. But if the heat is tough on you, imagine your pets! Your pets rely on you for their survival, so it’s important you do your best to prevent them from overheating. Here are a couple of ways to keep your pets cool in excessive heat:

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. On a warm day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Your pet could suffer irreversible organ damage and can be fatal. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police.
• Shade and water are a must. It is not recommended to keep your pet outside in this kind of weather, but if you want them to spend some time outside, be sure that they have protection from the heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cool water, but only for limited amounts of time. Heatstroke can be fatal to pets, as well as people.
• Limit exercise. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Watch for white-colored ears and short-nosed pets (difficulty breathing). Asphalt also gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk in the grass if possible.
• Recognize heat stroke. Signs include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, restlessness, excessive thirst, a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.
• If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, act immediately! Move the animal to shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels on their head, neck and chest, or run cool (not cold) water over them. Have them drink small amount of cools water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.

If you don’t have access to air conditioning in your home or apartment, always be sure to leave lots of cool, fresh water and one (or a couple) of fans on. It also helps to close the windows (especially in humid situations) and shut all the blinds to avoid the sun from coming in and insulatating the heat. There are also a few options, especially if you don’t have air conditioning, to keep your pets cool in excessive heat. Humane Domain sells Keep Cool Mats, body wraps or vests that can be used for your pets in the hot weather. They are very handy and can be your pet’s go-to spot in a cool place in your home.

For more ways or information on keeping your pets cool in excessive heat, visit aspca.org or humanesociety.org.

The Truth About Declawing

When you are considering adopting cat, there are lots of things to think about — including declawing. Most people choose to declaw because they think it is a common procedure, are misinformed or don’t completely understand what it is. Truth is, declawing a cat is the equivalent of removing up to the first knuckle on a human hand (think of the inconvenience!).

Before you consider declawing, think about how it will affect your cat first. In many scientific journals, declawing is accurately referred to as “elective mutilation.” Claws are essential to the well-being of a cat. Claws allow a cat to grasp and hold objects, as well as establish footing for walking, running, climbing and stretching. Still not convinced? Watch this video about the surgical procedure of declawing:

Trust that there are a number of options that will help your cat to avoid scratching your furniture. Here are a couple of options:

• Trim your cat’s nails regularly. If this is too difficult, Angel’s Wish offers nail trimming for $5. No appointment necessary!
• Purchase a sctraching post. Some posts are carpeted and some are available with rope. The upright position calls for a cat’s natural instinct to scratch. Angel’s Wish has local-made scratching posts at the retail store!
• Cardboard scratching stations. These can be placed on the floor and catnip can be sprinkled on top which cats become attracted to, more than your furniture.

Before you consider declawing, explore what options are best for your cat. To learn more about declawing, visit http://www.declawing.com/. Also, if you ever have any questions concerning your cat (or future cat’s) scratching options, feel free to stop in at Angel’s Wish during adoption events and talk to one of our adoption coordinators about some of your options.

Source: http://www.declawing.com/

July Good-Buys!

For the entire month of July, the Angel’s Wish Retail Store is having a clearance sale. If you haven’t already visited our store, now is the time to do so! Angel’s Wish has all the essentials that a new pet owner needs, from food to feeding dishes and scratching posts to toys. Stop in any weekend during the month of July and check out some amazing deals, such as:

• Informational books that are 80 percent off



• DVDs, collars, jewelry and all clothing are $4.99



• Pet greeting and sympathy cards for 50 cents
  

Why shop at Angel’s Wish?
All your purchases will go directly towards Angel's Wish and the animals. Shopping at the retail store is a great way to support the rescue, especially if you are looking for additional ways to help. We carry a wide variety of products with competitive prices. The retail store is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about what items we sell at our retail store, visit the Angel’s Wish website for more information.

Hurry! There is still time.

The Angel’s Wish 2011 auction is nearing it end. But don’t worry, there is still time! The auction ends June 30, 2011 and many great items are still available. Items like:

• Doggy Daycare passes
• Veterinary gift certificates
• Microchipping services
• Restaurant gift cards
• Beauty products
• Jewelry
• Art
• Furniture
• And more!

So don’t waste anymore time and check out some of the great items we have to offer! Participating in auction is a great way to give back to the animals and support homeless pets in South Central Wisconsin. All proceeds go directly to the animals we foster and aids the special features Angel’s Wish provides.

Angel’s Wish is different in that each adopted cat that leaves the center with up-to-date vaccinations and is spayed or neutered. Our cats also stay in foster homes throughout the week and are only in the “spotlight” on weekends during adoption events. Through our annual auction, we are able to provide food, shelter and safety to all Angel’s Wish homeless pets. And thanks to participants like you, we are able to continue our mission every day.

If you have any questions concerning auction or any other Angel’s Wish services, please visit angelswish.org or email info@angelswish.org.

Introducing a New Cat to Your Home.

Bringing home a new addition to your family has its challenges, especially if you have other cats living with you. As I’m sure you’ve experienced, cats can be very territorial, especially if they have been on their own for some time. Whenever you bring home a new pet, they should always be introduced slowly, before a face-to-face meeting. Here are a few helpful tips to bringing home your new addition:

· Feed your pets and the newcomer on each side of the door to his room, so they associate something enjoyable with each other’s smells. Make sure you don’t put the food too close to the door that your pets are too upset to eat — about 10 inches away would do the trick!

· Get your pets to interact using a toy. Tie a toy to each end of a string, then place it on either side of the door. Hopefully, they will play with the toy and even bat their paws!

· Swap blankets or beds the cats use. That way when they meet, their scents will be familiar.

· Once your cat is using the litter box and eating regularly while confined, let your cat have free time in the house while confining your other pets to the new cat’s room or area. This allows cats to experience other scents before an actual face-to-face meeting.

Remember, introducing a new pet can take time — a few days, weeks or even a few months. But be patient, these things can take time! A slow and steady introduction will pay off; it reduces the chances of your cats being afraid or aggressive. If signs of aggression persist, try making a loud noise like clapping your hands together to distract them. This may be a sign you need to start the introduction process over again. Consider talking with your vet about advice he or she may have concerning your pets’ behavior.

Additional tips to reduce tension:

· Have one extra litter box per each cat.

· Try to keep your resident cats on the same routine as it was before the new arrival.

· Make sure all cats have a “safe spot” to escape to.

For more information about introducing new pets, talk to your vet or visit humanesociety.org.

Allergic to cats? Here are some solutions!

We all know someone who is allergic to cats — a family member, a significant other, a roommate or even yourself! But allergies are no reason to avoid adopting a cat. They are also no reason to get rid of your cat either. In fact, there are many ways to remedy pet allergies before you consider such extreme measures. Below are the top 9 ways to reduce cat dander in your home.

1. Don’t allow your cats to sleep on your bed. This is a small price to pay for allergy relief. It allows you to give yourself a break while you try to abate your symptoms.
2. Keep them out of the bedroom altogether. Reducing the amount of dander in the bedroom will allow your room to be a sanctuary from allergens. So tempt your cats to sleep elsewhere during the day/night.
3. Wash all bedding in 140-degree hot water at least twice monthly. This eliminates dust mite and cat allergen embedded in your linens.
4. Invest in HEPA air filters in rooms where your cats frequent. Cat allergen is difficult to remove. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air purifier will do the trick. For them to work, they need continued filter replacement, but they can reduce your symptoms substantially!
5. Vacuum your home with a HEPA vacuum cleaner twice weekly. Walls, carpet, flooring, chairs, furniture — wherever your cats dwells, vacuum!
6. Use a vapor steam cleaner to clean your home. In addition to vacuuming, vapor steam cleaners are proven by research to be helpful in killing cat dander that may be imbedded in your carpet and upholstery.
7. Wash your hands immediately and don’t rub your eyes. Use a strong anti-bacterial soap to kill all cat dander after you have interaction with your cat.
8. Clean your cat. Some people wash their cats to reduce the amount of dander. Allerpet (sold at the Angel’s Wish retail store!), a well-known brand of liquid, reduces cat dander and can easily be applied to your cats’ coat.
9. Confine your cats to one area of the house. This can be difficult, but it controls the cat dander to a separate place where you can concentrate your air purifier and cleaning efforts.

Following these steps will decrease your allergies significantly and make a happier environment for all. If these steps don’t work, consider talking with your veterinarian about additional advice he/she may suggest.

Source: about.com

Adult Volunteers Needed.

Do you love animals? Are you looking for new ways to help out the community? Angel’s Wish is actively seeking adult volunteers to help with adoption events on Saturdays and Sundays. The center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays, and are usually done in shifts.

One of the great qualities of volunteering with Angel’s Wish is that you can volunteer as much or as little as you want — there is no required amount of time in order to volunteer. Some of our volunteers spend one day a month, others spend every Saturday at the center. It is a great way to learn communication skills and work directly with animals. Some of the opportunities at the adoption events include:

• Retail area - welcome customers, provide product recommendations.
• Pet caretakers - prepare condos, cleanup after animals leave.
• Adoption consultants - help make great pet and people matches.
• Office administration - answer phones, computer work, etc.
• Building maintenance - minor projects, routine cleaning, etc.
• Education - assist with volunteer orientations.

If you are interesting in volunteering with Angel’s Wish, fill out a volunteer application and submit it to volunteer@angelswish.org. For more information about Angel’s Wish, visit our website at www.angelswish.org.

Please Note: Angel’s Wish is unfortunately not on a bus line and we do not have the ability to offer transportation for volunteers. Also, Angel's Wish is unable to participate in court-ordered community service at this time.

Shop Local. Shop Angel's Wish.

Angel's Wish has a full retail store equipped with all the necessities you need for you and your companion! The best part about it? All your purchases will go directly towards Angel's Wish and the animals. Shopping at the retail store is a great way to support the rescue, especially if you are looking for additional ways to help. We carry a wide variety of products with competitive prices including:

1. Cat litter, litter boxes, scoops, etc.
2. Cat Food - Royal Canine, Science Diet, Max Cat, Pro Plan and an assortment of wet food
3. Cat toys - cardboard scratches, fake mice, string toys, etc.
4. Grooming tools including the Furminator (at a great price!)
5. Original Pet Fountain, food and water bowls, treats and more
6. Animal carriers and bedding
7. Human allergy control methods
8. Scratching posts (made local)

The retail store is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. during adoption events. If we don't have something you need, please be sure to let the cashier know!


Visit our website for more information about our retail store and other products we carry. We hope to see you soon!

Come Visit Us at Dog Fest 2011

Mark your calendars! Angel’s Wish is proud to be apart the annual Mounds Dog Fest on June 12, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event will take place at Angell Park in Sun Prairie, Wis. and admission is FREE. For the last couple of years, Angel’s Wish has hosted a pet microchipping clinic and will be available again at Dog Fest 2011! You can have your pet microchipped for a small cost of $20 with registration. If your pet is ever lost, microchipping substantially increases the likelihood of your pet returning home by offering permanent identification. Below are some statistics of return rates of pets with microchips:

• Only about 22 percent of lost dogs that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. However, the return-to-owner rate for microchipped dogs was over 52 percent (a 238 percent increase).



• Less than 2 percent of lost cats that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. The return-to-owner rate for microchipped cats was dramatically higher at over 38 percent (more than 2000 percent better).
  

Stop by this years Dog Fest and visit the Angel’s Wish booth for more information about our organization and to have your pet microchipped!

Note: Angel’s Wish offers $20 microchipping at the center in Verona every third Sunday of every month. No appointment is necessary! Visit the Angel’s Wish website for more information.

Summer Safety Tips for Your Cat

Summer in Wisconsin is the time to get outside and enjoy the weather. And even your cat can enjoy it! Indoor cats like to enjoy the summer months just as much as you do — more birds to watch, basking in the sun and even exploring outside. But it’s important to remember that cats enjoy the freedom of being outside, and even tall fences can’t always contain them. Here are a few ways to ensure a safe, fun summer for your cat(s):

• Have plenty of fresh water available and make sure he/she has a shaded place to nap and stay cool.
• Clear your home of any poisonous plants.
• Plant a cat garden. Grow grass or catnip indoors. Your cat will flip for dried catnip and will love to munch on fresh cat grass.
• Place a birdfeeder near a window where your cat likes to sit. Your cat will love to watch the birds — and you will love to watch them!
• If your cat is used to being indoors, make sure you keep your cat on a leash or enclosed area where he/she can't escape.

For more healthy summer tips for your cat(s), visit: http://blogs.webmd.com/pet-tales/2011/05/summer-safety-for-pets.html

It's Auction Time!

Every year, Angel's Wish looks forward to their annual online auction. With more than 100 items to bid on, you can find some local Madison favorites up for auction. From doggy daycare packages, cat accessories and homemade furniture, there is something here for everyone - animal lovers and beyond! Participating in the online auction is a great way to support Angel's Wish, especially if you are looking for ways to help. The auction helps to support the animals; before any Angel’s Wish animal is placed in a new home, he or she is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and treated for parasites and any known medical concerns. The auction starts Wednesday, June 1, 2011 and ends June 30,2011.

Check out some of the neat items to bid on at the online auction. And hurry, they will go fast!