Bradenton Dog

Dog News

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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.

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BradentonDog’s Weekend Scout

This is event is not dog-friendly as in bringing your dog. But in commemoration of Memorial Day, The SouthEastern Guide Dogs organization will hold an Open House to celebrate Paws for Patriots.
A number of veterans who have received their guide dogs through the Paws for Patriots program will be in attendance to tell their stories.

Open House visitors will enjoy a guided, walking tour of the Freedom Walk, puppy and dog training kennels. They will learn how guide dogs are trained and the valuable service they provide. Visitors will have the chance to learn what it’s like to walk blindfolded with a trained dog.

The event is free and open to the public!

Saturday: May 28, 9am – 12pm
Southeastern Guide Dogs Campus, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL

Check the BradentonDog.com calendar for adoption event and other activities this weekend!

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Puppy come: Home from Dog Day Afternoon

Safe Haven sent almost a dozen dogs home to new parents on Saturday May 14th at Gettel Toyota’s Dog Day Afternoon. Jill fell in love with this adorable lab mix.

This puppy is now safe in his new home, with Jill and her daughter.

Thanks to Mary Lupi, for bringing all the dogs and sharing their stories with the potential pet parents.
a href=”http://sarasotadog.com/2010/10/11/woofgang-bakery-more-than-just-a-treat/”>WoofGang Bakery Lakewood Ranch one of our anchor sponsors graciously donated cookies and dog food for inclusion in our goodie bags.

Thanks for your ongoing support!

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What does the law say about damage caused by Dogs?

>Our friend Jay Coleman is a practicing attorney and host of the radio show, The Final Verdict.  We asked Jay for the most interesting Dog cases he had seen.  Knowing Bostonians love of their gardens,we thought this piece would be particularly germane.  Listen in for the surprise ending, it could be helpful to you.

Click on READ MORE to play this short feature.

 

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Manatee County moving toward No-Kill community

There is a growing groundswell in Manatee County to make our county no-kill.  At present, around 55% of animals turned in at or captured by Manatee County Animal Services are euthanized, in large part because there is nowhere for them to go.

On Saturday April 30, five residents of Manatee County, including three members of The Animal Network and two managers of Manatee County Animal Services, attended a one-day presentation on how to create a no-kill community.  The presentation, in Houston Texas, was given by Nathan Winograd.  Winograd is the leading expert on creating no-kill communities and has successfully done so across the country.

The attendees were:
Laurie Crawford, Animal Network President and President of the Manatee County Animal Services Board
Sue Kolze, Vice President, Animal Network
Jean Peelen, Animal Network member and member of the Manatee County Animal Services Board
Kris Weiskopf ,  Chief,  Manatee County Animal Services
Joel Richmond, Supervisor, Manatee County Animal Services
The no-kill presentation was fact-filled and thorough and a step-by-step guide for how to create a no-kill community.  All of the participants came home convinced that with the help of the public, the media, the rescue groups and shelters we will successfully create a no-kill county in Manatee.

For more information about no-kill, fostering, adopting, or volunteering your time to save animals call Jean Peelen 896-5827 [email protected], or Sue Kolze, at 729-8631 [email protected].

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