The Fur and Feather Blog

Why adopt from a shelter, and how to do it right

The Nevada Humane Society has announced that it desperately needs dog adopters, as they’re at 90% capacity. Here are some things to consider!

Why adopt from a shelter?

Because you can save a life. Well, two, actually. When you bring home a dog or cat from a shelter, you are actually saving two animals: the one you brought home, and the one who gets to take the kennel she vacated. Far too many healthy and behaviorally sound pets are euthanized in shelters every year because of a lack of resources to look after them for more than short periods of time.

Because a shelter pet is a great bargain.

Most facilities also do thorough health checks and behavior screening. They vaccinate, spay or neuter, and microchip dogs before they put them up for adoption, adding up to a great bargain for you (those things are normally so expensive!).

Because the majority of pets who end up in shelters do so through no fault of their own.

Often, their former guardians took ill, or died, or had to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets, or didn’t have the money to care for them any more. Sometimes someone in the family developed severe allergies, or perhaps were overwhelmed caring for a new baby or sick relative. These and many other twists of human fate land perfectly lovely pets in shelters every day.

Because they likely have the exact personality or breed of pet you want.

Shelters usually have a great variety of animals – specific breeds, marvelous and mysterious mutts, puppies, kittens, bunnies, energetic youngsters, and mellower adults. Almost all of the adult (2+ years old) dogs up for adoption from shelters are healthy and affectionate, and have the basic socialization and cooperative skills needed for harmonious family life – because they’ve done it before. No matter what brought them to the shelter, they probably lived in a home with humans before. They may need some training to fit into your particular lifestyle well, but you can often bypass the difficult bitey-puppy-chewing-your-carpet-potty training stage.

BUT, there’s a catch!

The key to reaching new-pet Nirvana is to think like a matchmaker when visiting the local shelter. Don’t fall in love with the first cute face that catches your attention. Factor in your lifestyle and daily activities with your new pet’s breed, personality and activity level and make sure they’re a match, and you’ll set yourself up better for a happy, lifelong love story. Don’t be shy – talk to the staff and volunteers (especially the volunteers!) at length about any pet you’re interested in. They know them best and are happy to spill the beans about their likes and dislikes. Preparedness and knowing what kind of dog or cat will fit best is the best defense against the urge to take home every pet in the shelter.

Super Seniors Workshop

Did you know that a dogs are considered “seniors” when they reach half of their anticipated life expectancy? As our furry friends age, they face unique challenges that require special care and attention. Our Super Seniors Workshop with animal physical therapist, Beth Williams, P.T, A.P.T, is designed to help you provide the best possible support for your aging dog, ensuring they enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

In this workshop, you’ll learn about:

  • Senior-Specific Nutrition: Discover the best dietary practices to keep your senior pet healthy and happy.
  • Exercise and Mobility: Explore gentle exercises and techniques to maintain your pet’s mobility and reduce discomfort.
  • Health Monitoring: Understand the signs of common age-related health issues and how to manage them effectively.
  • Comfort and Well-being: Find out how to adapt your home to create a comfortable, stress-free environment for your senior pet.
  • Mental Stimulation: Keep your senior pet’s mind sharp with engaging activities designed to stimulate cognitive function. Learn new games and training tips that cater to older pets’ abilities.

Sunday, September 29 from 11:00am to 12:30pm
90 minutes
Tuition: $75
Spaces are limited to 8 participants, so reserve your spot today and make their senior years, their best years!

Reserve your spot here!

About Beth Williams:

Beth Williams, P.T., A.P.T. has been a licensed physical therapist since graduating with from California State University Northridge in 1985. Inspired by her heart-dog Nitro’s successful recovery from hip surgery, she opened K9 Wellness Center in 1999 to provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for dogs (and the occasional bunny/cat/goat/horse) in Reno. In 2004, Beth became one of the first two licensed animal physical therapists in Nevada, and has worked with many dogs recovering from injury/surgery, and those living with chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. During her career as a physical therapist for humans, she served as a geriatric clinical specialist for 20 years, pursued advanced training in body work and movement education, was certified in Pilates, and earned a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology. In 2021, she completed the Dancing Hearts Academy coaches’ training, and expanded her work to help people and dogs cooperatively live their best lives together.
Beth happily resides in Reno, Nevada with her beloved “pack”: husband Dave, Rottweiler KZ, several chickens and paint quarter horse Classy. She and her canine partner KZ enjoy training and competing in barn hunt and North American Sport Dog Association activities in their free time.

Click here to register!

Cool Activities for Hot Days

With toxic blue-green algae growing in many of our favorite doggy swimming holes like Washoe Lake and smaller pools around Lake Tahoe, avoiding standing water this summer is probably a good plan. But, what are you supposed to do to entertain and tire out your dog if it’s too dang hot to play outside?

  • Teach a new trick. Ideas: shake, roll over, speak, spin, or high five – there are lots of tutorials on YouTube.
  • Feed a meal in an interactive puzzle toy. We like the Kong WobbA child and a golden retriever run through a grassy field. They both look happyler, Buster Cube, Kibble Nibble, or Bob-a-Lot for their durability, rattling sounds, and unpredictable movement.
  • Build a homemade mini agility course in the backyard using hula-hoops, kids’ play tunnels, mini pools, poles, and whatever else you can think of. Kids love this one, too – help the kiddos lure your dog through the various obstacles. Fastest lurer to do the whole course wins!
  • Scavenger Hunt: Leave your dog inside while you hide kibble or treats around your back yard. Remember where you left it – you may need to help your dog find it in the beginning.
  • Puppy Ping Pong. One person restrains the dog while another person calls the dog and rewards them with a treat or a toy when they arrive. Now switch!
  • Hide and Seek (another kid-friendly favorite!). Have one person restrain your dog while you hide from them. Make noises until they find you and reward with something yummy! If your dog has a reliable down or sit stay, you only need one person for this game.
  • Bobbing for Apples. Fill a kiddy pool in your yard with a few inches of water, and toss some apple pieces in there. Watch your dog learn the new skill of fishing them out! (Not an apple fan? try freeze-dried meat treats, or any treat that floats.)
  • On again / Off again. Lure your dog onto a mat or their bed with a treat, and reward once all four feet are on it. Ask for a sit or down stay. Release your dog with a verbal cue and then throw a treat away from the mat. Repeat. How fast can you get your dog to go to their mat?

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