Cats & dogs - friends or foes?

We are here to debunk the long-standing rumor that cats and dogs can’t share the same roof, let alone bed.

Which of course, they can and do. In fact, the interaction between these two equally adorable, but very different, types of pet is priceless. Those who have a mixed household will surely back me up on this.

For those of you who have yet to experience the joy of inter-pet household but are considering bringing a cat into a dog household or vice versa, here are just a few tips and tricks to get you started.

Don't force it
Let your kitties and doggies acclimate to each other on their own time. What we've found is that the best way to let them get close but not too close is with baby gates. You'll be surprised how quickly the kitty realizes that he or she is safe and that it's four-legged sibling can't get through the gate. They can smell, sniff and even paw at each other with the gate safely between them. And give it time. It probably took you awhile to get to to know your friends, so allow your pets time to adjust as well.

Pay attention
Animals can get jealous and even a very mellow dog or cat might snap at the new addition when they see them being showered with attention from their human. Make sure that you take time away from the new furry one and still cuddle with your current pet. And don't forget praise and treats! Reward positive interactions every chance you get!

Some preparations won't hurt either: trimming your cats nails and taking your dog for a run or walk to burn off some energy (and for younger or more rumbustious doggies keeping him or her on a leash) is a great way to ensure that the first interaction is safe as possible.

Location, location, location
For a cat-condo, that is. There are plenty of cat trees to choose from at your nearest pet store, or if you're handy with a hammer and nails, you could even build one yourself. Don't have the room? Any other safety zone that will allow the kitty to make their way up, out of reach from the curious dog, will do just fine. Think counters, TV stands, fireplace mantles, windowsills, etc.

Set your expectations
Lastly, please be patient. And don't expect your feline and canine to become best friends overnight. Or even after years of living together, despite the plethora of Facebook pictures showing sleepy, cuddling puppies and kitties.

And yes, your pooch might try to play with or even chase the cat once in a while. And will probably get a few scratches in return. Neither of those makes the dog predatory or the cat vicious. However, do interrupt the chasing or any other aggressive behavior as soon as it occurs and redirect the pets attention with toys, another activity or, you guessed it, treats! Follow best practices of having a mixed household and as long as the cat and dog feel safe and happy in your home, consider the co-habitation successful.

Please do the homework before expanding your family and talk to your rescue organization to learn how your new pet may interact with other animals. Otherwise, your new and old family members could end up fighting like, well, you know.

4 tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer heat

As the temperature heats up, so does the risk of your pet overheating. Here are some tips to keep your doggie or doggies cool:

1. Never leave your dog in a parked car
   This might sound like a no-brainer but even if you're running out for a minute or two, don't do it. Things heat up quickly and even on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. 


2. Keep them hydrated
   Make sure that the water bowl is always full of fresh, cool water. Your pup might guzzle down much more quickly in the hot weather so leave a few bowls around the house. And don't forget that water bottle when you are out and about!


3. Lighten up on the exercise
   Summertime is a perfect time to enjoy outside, but when it comes to doggie play, save it for the early mornings and evenings, when temperatures are cooler. And remember, pets can get sunburned just like us, so keep them out of direct sunlight and stick to the shady spaces.


4. Think of yourself
   Would you rather bake in the 102 degrees or enjoy the air-conditioner inside? Keep your dog inside and if you don't have air-conditioning, turn on that fan, put down a wet towel or spray your Fido with a light mist. Feel like splashing in the water? Your pooch probably will too and can easily do so in a kiddie pool or even a big tupperware for smaller dogs. How does that hot cement feel on your bare feet? Not that great, and your pooch's paws will appreciate grass or a cooler surface too!

One rescue leads to another

Leeann and Lisa, two of the C.A.R.E. team volunteers, came across a sad picture (and there are many) on one of the local shelter's rescue lists - a Lab mix curled up in the corner of the kennel, back towards the door, and very withdrawn. Not a surprise for someone who has grown up as a backyard dog and after years of neglect and abuse was surrendered by her owner.

A few days later Leeann and Lisa were on their way to the shelter. The Lab turned out to be very sweet but would need lots of love, care, patience, and socialization (which is what CARE is all about!). Even though Lisa was really interested in fostering, she was worried she didn't have enough experience, having had only one other foster. Leeann, a seasoned foster parent, came to the rescue (pun intended) and offered to mentor, giving Lisa the confidence and support she needed. And so Molly-the-Lab was saved.

The timing couldn't be more perfect - during the process, the shelter staff revealed that Molly has already been given an extension and it was her last day.

And so Molly's days as an inside dog began. Even if slowly. Having been a backyard dog she was very unsure about coming into the house. She got over that with treats, love and care - a perfect combination for any dog (and hey, let's be honest, it's not a bad approach to humans too!)

Very soon, a potential parent, Lauren, saw Molly's picture and bio, and fell virtually and then actually in love. They were a perfect fit! Lauren adopted Molly and named her Peaches....a very happy ending.

Two happy endings are better than one, and this rescue story got 'em! Lauren, like many of us out there, decided to add another to her family. The second C.A.R.E. love connection was with Ruby, the blind Pit Bull.

With so many dogs in the shelters, it's always hard to find forever homes, but when you are a blind Pit Bull, it's almost impossible and you need a very special someone to see how beautiful you really are. Well, it turns out Lauren is that special someone, and there's our second happy ending!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post about Ruby and her rescue story.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

"What is the right dog for me?"

This question comes up often with new pet owners. And even those who already have pets wonder about the next member of their family. While there is no one right answer to that question, here are some topics to consider when you decide to rescue:

Your schedule

How often are you home?

Do you travel?

Do you enjoy weekend get-aways?

If you are out, do you have someone who will/can watch over your pet while you're gone?

If your work schedule keeps you at the office into the evening, or if your calendar is booked up with upcoming trips, perhaps adopting an older dog is the best choice as they don't require quite as much exercise as a puppy and enjoy naps quite a bit.

If your schedule is truly jam-packed, perhaps looking outside the canine family is a good idea. A cat can be a great companion as they tend to be more independent and are much more forgiving of busy schedules.

Your home

Do you have other pets? If yes, how does the new dog get along with other dogs? Cats?

Do you have young children? If yes, has the new dog been around children?

How big is your home? We're talking Chihuahua or Great Dane.

If you rent, what are the pet rules and restrictions?

Certain dog breeds, personalities, and ages work better in a home with other dogs, cats, younger children, etc. It's your job to do the homework on which ones are which.

Your budget

Know the vet costs - is that an expense you're able/willing to make? 

Know the grooming costs

Know the pet sitting costs - when your wonderful sister or the pet-loving neighbor are not available to watch Fido, can you afford the alternative?

Taking care of a pet can get expensive. Be ready to spend, sometimes hundreds, at the vets for preventative services, and sometimes thousands for emergency services. And don't forget the bathing, nail cutting, and babysitting costs, too!

There are no ways to avoid the vet bills, but smaller dogs do cost less when it comes to grooming and sometimes pet sitting, so choose wisely.

You

What is your energy level? Are you a couch potato, a marathon runner, or somewhere in between?

Does anyone in the household have allergies?

Do you want a playful dog who'll enjoy fetching for hours or prefers naps on the couch?

Dog personalities range from mellow to hyper so do your research to prevent surprises. There are many choices when it comes to size, age, energy level, fur length, and breed traits so make sure to choose the combination that matches you the best.

Whatever dog you rescue, remember that you're choosing a member of your family who deserves the attention, the love, and the expenses like any other member of your family.

First 30 Days

You did it! You found and adopted the most perfect dog in the world. One who will love you forever and ever and will never run out of tail wags and licks.

Now what? Here are just a few important tips for your first 30 days of adoption.

BEFORE:

• Even before your new doggie comes home with you make sure that you have the space and the materials you need. Think crate, gates, dog beds, toys, food and food bowls, treats, and puppy pads. Some ideas below, and a longer new doggie checklist here.


Try a few different toys to figure out what your new dog prefers: chewy bones, squeaky toys, or food-filled Kongs.


Baby gates are a great way to contain your dog - bathrooms and kitchens work well because of easy clean up. 


Crate-training is imperative, so make sure you chose the right crate for your pup.


Be sure to ask what food your dog enjoyed at his foster home or shelter. Make the change gradually, adding new food to the old food over the next few weeks. 

• Doggie-proof your home, especially if you're adopting a puppy. Puppies are curious and will explore with their noses and their teeth so make sure that valuables (think shoes, rugs, breakables) and dangerous items (think electrical cords, sharp objects, cleaning supplies) are out of reach.

FIRST DAYS:

• Set-up the introductions. First impressions are important, so if you have other pets or children in the household make sure they are properly introduced to your new dog. Here's one article on how to do so with dogs, cat, and child.

• Microchip your dog, if she's not already. Even if your dog spends all her time inside, there is still a risk of her getting out or getting lost. Make sure she's found and returned safely with microchipping.

• Crate-train. This has many benefits for the dog and the human: the pup has their very own safe and comfortable space and the human can leave their dog alone knowing they will not come home to a destroyed living room. Not sure how to crate-train? Check out this article.

• Bathroom time - make sure that your dog knows where to eliminate from the very first day and give praise when he does it in the correct place. Be ready for a few (or more) accidents and be patient as your doggie adjusts to his  new environment and his new routine. It might take time, but it will happen.

• Go slow - acclimating to the new environment, people, food, noises, and smells may take some time. There will be bad days and good days. You will take steps forward and steps backwards. The important thing is not to give up. 

FIRST WEEKS:

• Create a routine - this applies to feeding, play time, and potty time. A feeding routine will help your doggie eliminate in a timely manner while play time is instrumental in having a happy dog.
  
  Focus on reward-based training, rewarding good behavior (going to the bathroom, not chewing, staying in the crate etc) and ignoring bad behavior (whining, barking, begging, potty accidents).

• A vet visit is highly recommended during the first month. Even if your new doggie has all his shots and vaccinations, it's a great idea to have your local vet do a work-up to make sure that everything is in order. 

• Start training the second your puppy is home. Teaching commands such as 'potty', 'crate', 'wait', and 'no' are essential for a well-behaved dog. Make sure you and your family members use the same commands to avoid confusion and speed up the training process. Check out this article to learn how to talk to your dog. 

Training classes could be a fun experience, both for you and your dog and there are plenty to choose from, starting from your local pet store to specialized trainers.

• Be patient - your new family member has gone through a huge change, especially if your doggie is older. They may have to learn new behaviors or relearn behaviors previously considered absolutely normal.

• Enjoy! Be consistent and patient and soon you'll have the most well-behaved dog on the block!