Annapolis Capital: Dog’s World: Consider Adopting a Cat
Filed under: Pets 911 - June 4, 2008
By Peggy Johnson
Today is cat day! Kathy Rude of Rude Ranch Animal Rescue wrote to remind me:
“I’ve been following one reader’s comments about setting up a network/hotline for missing and lost pets. There is a Web site, www.pets911.com or www.myspace.com/pets911 for Myspacers, that does offer a lost and found service. Although I don’t know all the ins and outs, they do send out regional lost pet alerts to shelters and rescues. We get one or two a week from areas as far away as Richmond, Va. Also, if you can, microchip your pet. Although it might be expensive, this is a sure way to uniquely identify your pet.
“Almost all registered rescues, shelters and vet clinics have universal scanners now, so if you find a pet any of these groups should be able to check for a microchip for you.
“I also wanted to let you know that June is once again National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. The goal of National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month is to increase awareness of the vast number of healthy, adoptable cats and kittens in animal shelters nationwide.
”Unfortunately, June is always one of our busiest months in terms of cat and kitten intake. In addition to the moms and kittens that usually arrive in June, many older cats are now in need of homes due to the massive numbers of home foreclosures in the area. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new furry member to your family, now is the time to go do it. Not only will you have a lifelong companion, but you will be saving a life.
“There are many advantages to adopting a cat. The cat will be more than happy to point out the best/softest chair in the house; cats love smaller spaces, and are perfectly happy in an apartment; most cats are not afraid to skid out and look goofy while chasing a toy; and most importantly, a cat will never eat the last slice of cheesecake that you were looking forward to eating all day … however, ice cream is another matter all together.”
Ah, friends, is there anything cuter than a little kitten playing with a string, ball or feather? Do think about adopting one this year, which will give you years of pleasure, I know.
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The Canine Training Association will be starting a new 10-week basic beginner dog obedience class at the SPCA in Annapolis at 7 p.m. June 12. Now is the time to get that puppy, which has been giving you a bit of trouble, into a class where he will learn to behave, and make you proud. These are good classes, friends, and are conducted by experienced trainers.
These classes are tailored to the new dog owner with a puppy or young adult dog that has had little or no training, but older dogs are welcome, too. Upon completion of the 10-week class, your dog will be able to walk well on a leash, without pulling, maintain a one-minute sit-stay, and a two-minute down-stay, with other dogs around, too. Stand on command, come on command while on a leash, and be accepting to friendly strangers. This 10-week basic class will teach you better communication skills with your dog and teach your dog self control and how to be a terrific member of your family.
After successful completion of the class, you and your dog are ready to continue on to take the Canine Good Citizen test, or continue training in AKC obedience agility, flyball, rally, tracking and many more fun activities. Dog obedience builds up a rapport between you and your dog, which you haven’t noticed before. It is such fun for both of you, and you also meet new doggie friends.
I have taken my dogs to these classes, and do recommend them, so get ready for a fun time.
The cost is $600 for the 10-week course. Classes will be held at the Annapolis SPCA at 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., between Hilltop Lane and Timber Creek Drive. Call Ken Nagler at 410-573-6556 for more information, or to register.
Now, have you hugged your dog today?