Bradenton Dog

Mary Lou Davidson

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Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

Happy 4th!

We all look forward to this weekend – kind of a mid-point of summer- when we can kick back and really celebrate. With the sporadic rain showers coming down over the last few days – your plans may have changed. Cheryl Brady of VetCare Express reminded us of these important tips when the fireworks and festivities start.

Provide a “safe place” for your dog. If they are already crate-trained, place them in their crates with some favorite chew toys and a blanket. Containing your dog in a familiar place will help them feel more secure.

If your party has to move inside to take cover, chances are the host and friends will be running back and forth to the barbecue grill. If you are at home with friends, make sure everyone knows to pull the doors shut and ensure that your dog stays inside. It’s easy for a guest to let someone with four legs accidentally slip out. If you haven’t checked your dogs ID tags lately, this is a great time to make sure that he’s wearing up-to-date tags. If you notice that your dog is overly sensitive to loud noises – check with your veterinarian – there may be a natural non-sedating remedy to help your dog through thunderstorms and the 4th of July.

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Manatee County Cares – 300+ attended the Rally for Animals

Manatee County residents showed their support of funding for animals and the adoption services provided by the County Thursday June 16.  More than 300 people stood together in unity on the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Bradenton.

This event was not long in the making. . . really only 3 days of grassroots networking motivated a generous crowd demonstrating the importance of this issue.

This event was organized by the Humane Society of Manatee.

If you are interested in learning more about activities that support animal rescue in our area, please attend the to the Manatee Animal Coalition meeting this Monday, 4pm on the 4th floor at the County Commission building (1112 Manatee Ave. W)

Special thanks to Farrel Hansen for photos of this event!

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Stand Up for Animals! Tonight in Bradenton: it matters!

Stand Up For Me!

Urgent! Urgent! Urgent!

Manatee County Commissioners Suggest Eliminating Animal Adoption Programs

Thousands of dogs’ and cats’ lives are at risk – we need your help!

Please join us in front of the Old Courthouse across from the County Administration Building in Downtown Bradenton June 16th at 5:30 as we demonstrate our support for adoption program funding (wear green). County commissioners discussed significant budget cuts last week for animal adoption programs. Just weeks ago Animal Services Division leadership expressed their goal for a No Kill community and now Commissioners are entertaining  budget cuts that will result in more killing! We must let our county decision makers know this is unacceptable. We must provide the tools and resources necessary for Animal Services to succeed at No Kill.

Please contact your county commissioners and let them now how you feel.
Their email addresses are as follows:

Dist 1 Larry Bustle [email protected]
Dist 2 Michael Gallen  [email protected]
Dist 3 Johm Chappie [email protected]
Dist. 4 Robin DiSabatino [email protected]
Dist 5 Donna Hayes [email protected]
At large Carol Whitmore [email protected]
Joe McClash [email protected]

 

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Thursday June 16th at 5:30, Stand up for Animals!

Funding for animal services and adoptions in Manatee County are in jeopardy.  County commissioners discussed significant budget cuts last week for animal adoption programs.  The math on this is painfully simple and the net-net even more painful: less money will result in more killing innocent animals.

Stand up for me!

We have the chance now to show the Commissioners that we care – and the funding cuts for these critical services is UNACCEPTABLE to Manatee County residents.

Join us Thursday June 16 at 5:30 pm – in front of the Old Courthouse across from the County Administration Building in Downtown Bradenton – across from the County Administration Building as we demonstrate our support for funding of animal adoption program funding.  Wear green if you can!  If you can’t we still need you. . so come anyway.

Just as Manatee County was moving to a N0-Kill status, this reduction in support is a serious blow to the cause, but we don’t have to just let this happen, come out and show the commissioners that you care,  the animals need you.

See you there!

 

 

 

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The truth about cats and dogs

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

Cats and dogs can get along well if pet parents take the time for a graceful introduction.  Searching for statistics about how many households own both a cat and a dog only returns vague results, but an estimate is right around 30% of dog owning households also have cats.

If you’ve thought about having a cat, now is the time!

Manatee County Animal Services
Waives Cat Adoption Fees throughout June
Manatee County Animal Services is waiving the adoption fee for cats in June to commemorate the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month.


Throughout the month of June cat adoptions will be available at no charge, a $60 value to the public.

“Simply put, cats are in need of homes,” said Kris Weiskopf, Animal Services Chief. “We have a number of family-friendly cats at both of our two facilities. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

The initiative is another step in the County’s plan to become a no-kill community. Weiskopf said other animal adoption promotions are planned throughout the year that will help in achieving the no-kill goal.

ASPCA research recently published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that waiving fees for adult cats boosts adoptions without diminishing the value adopters place on their cats. In addition, fee-waived adoptions may actually decrease shelter costs by reducing the average length of stay for adult cats.

The special is available at both Animal Services locations: in Palmetto, 305 25th St. W. (open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and in Bradenton, 1002 B., Manatee Ave. W., (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Preview available animals by visiting www.mymanatee.org/pets
For more information, call Animal Services at (941) 742-5933.

Need some help with the particulars?  Here’s a quick guide to introducing cats and dogs.

Of the more than 90 million cats that reside in the US only 22% of cats are adopted from shelters.

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Breed Profile: Shih Tzu or Shitzu

by Lauren R. Tharp

The Shih Tzu or “Shitzu” (pronounced as Sheet-zoo)was originally the dog of choice for the royals in the Ming Dynasty.  During World War II the dog was discovered by soldiers in England and has quickly became a favorite house pet here in the US.  More than 20 years later, the AKC officially registered the breed.   Now the AKC registers the Shitzu as the 10th most popular dog breed in the United States.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Very small.  Shih Tzus are part of the Toy group and tend to be 7-11 inches tall and weigh a mere 8-16 pounds.

Coat & Color: Most commonly white or white with markings; however, Shih Tzus come in all colors and markings.  Their coat is long—often dragging on the floor if not trimmed—double-coated, and flowing.

Other: The word “shih tzu” means “lion.”

Life Expectancy: 15 years or more

Temperament:

Although Shih Tzus are small, they aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves.  These dogs were bred for companionship and that’s what they excel at—loving, friendly, loyal, and trusting, these dogs make fantastic house pets.  These dogs are happy and affectionate toward all who encounter them.

Wags:

  • Friendly with strangers and other animals.
  • Requires minimal exercise.
  • Not as “yappy” and demanding as some of the other Toy breeds.

Challenges:

  • Grooming, grooming, grooming!!  Have you seen their hair?
  • They love to dig.  Prepare to have holes in your yard if you don’t keep a close eye on them during their potty breaks.  Toys and interactive play can really help discourage this behavior.

Looking for a Shih Tzu?  Please contact Shih Tzu Rescue to learn more about their adoptable dogs.

A special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Shih Tzu.