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.