Write a Blog Post, Feed a Shelter Pet

Things We Can Do to Help Shelter Pets:

1. Adopt pets from shelters or rescue groups. Give a homeless pet a chance.

2. Support shelters by donating your time, resources, food, blankets.

3. Blog about Pedigree's Adoption Drive.

Kelly is a rescue dog and I'm grateful to the rescue group we got her from for saving her and keeping her safe until we found each other. Shelters and rescue groups are run largely on donations and need our help to make things more comfortable for these beautiful pets while they are waiting for their furever homes.

Why write a post?

* Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.

* This year the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a "Fan" or "Likes" the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.

* For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of its new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It's simple: Write a post, help a dog.

When you are finished, join the special PEDIGREE® Blog Hop!

Eight Great Dog-Friendly Cities in America

By Tamara L. Waters

Whether you are planning a permanent move or a vacation, knowing which cities are friendly and welcoming toward your pooch can make things easier for you and Fido. Before you go, it pays to do a little research, and the site dogfriendly.com has made it easier for you. They've  compiled a list of cities in America that are the most dog-friendly, which you can read here. 

When you’re looking for a city or town that is dog-friendly, you hope to find a number of businesses and attractions that will welcome not only you but also your pet. Whether the businesses allow you to bring your pet shopping or visiting with you, or they simply provide kennels or other amenities to your four-legged friend, being dog-friendly comes in many forms.

According to dogfriendly.com, eight of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States are: San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; San Francisco, California;  Boston, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah and Charleston, South Carolina.

What makes these cities so dog-friendly? It's a combination of things. These cities feature hotels and other accommodations (like resorts and vacation home rentals, as well as RV parks and campgrounds) that allow you to bring your pets on vacation.

If you are planning a longer stay in these cities or even a relocation, there are plenty of other things that make them dog-friendly. There are attractions like Sea World in San Diego that provide kennel services for guests who are vacationing and visiting with their dogs. Other attractions that welcome dog visitors include Ziker Botanical Gardens in Austin, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Barbary Coast Trail in San Francisco, and the Freedom Trail in Boston.

When it comes to dining and shopping, many of these dog-friendly cities have outdoor restaurants as well as shopping centers, stores and public transportation that allows your pooch to tag along.

Whether you are just visiting or you plan to become a permanent resident, visiting the beach and local parks for fun and recreation with the family can turn into a great day with your dog as well. Many of these dog-friendly cities have beaches that are open to canine beachgoers, and parks that welcome four-legged friends. Some cities even have off-leash dog parks that will provide an opportunity for fun, frolic and socialization.

If you plan to visit a vineyard or winery, there are a few that will let you bring your dog with you. Check the dogfriendly.com site for each individual city to get the pertinent information.

What else makes these areas dog-friendly? Some of these cities have events (check out Portland's Dogtoberfest, the Bark and Wine Ball in San Francisco, and a whole list of dog-friendly attractions in Boston) and rescue groups which show that the residents of these cities love dogs! In addition, dog-friendly cities have emergency veterinary hospitals available in case there is a medical issue with your dog.

Be sure to make a phone call or two to verify all information and ask about any policy changes regarding pets. Check out the following related articles on our blog: Dog-Friendly Beaches; Pet Friendly Businesses and Fun Destinations; Dog Parks: What to Know Before You Go; and Camping With Dogs. You might also want to ask your veterinarian for tips and recommendations when traveling with your dog. After all, you want your visit to a dog-friendly city to be enjoyable for everybody!

Photos by David Shankbone

Read more by Tamara L. Waters

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.


~Take a moment today to thank GOD for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

How to Help a Senior Pet Age Gracefully

By Julia Williams

September is Senior Pet Health month, so I thought now would be a good time to discuss how responsible pet owners can help their aging animals live longer and be healthier. Early recognition of problems that occur naturally with age is crucial, as is making a few lifestyle changes to accommodate a senior pet. Like humans, advanced age can lead to arthritis, decreased mobility and decreased organ functions in senior pets. The following tips can help a senior pet age gracefully and enjoy their “Golden Years.”

Provide regular exercise. The pace of your daily walk with Fido may be slower, and they may take longer to retrieve their ball in a game of fetch. Cats may not jump as high or chase after their toy as quickly as they once did. Nevertheless, senior pets need sufficient exercise to avoid obesity, keep their muscles strong and their aging joints limber. Read “Games to Play with Pets” for some fun and creative calorie-burning activities. Just be sure to carefully monitor your pet during exercise to make sure they don’t overdo it.

High quality pet food is the foundation for health at any age, but it’s even more essential for senior dogs and cats. Choose a pet food that uses premium ingredients and natural preservatives. CANIDAE dog food and FELIDAE cat food are excellent choices – their Platinum® formulas for senior pets have lower protein, lower fat and reduced calories, along with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote better joint health.

Don’t overfeed your senior pet. To help prevent weight gain that results from a senior pet’s decreased metabolism and lower activity level, figure out how much to feed your dog or cat each day, and stick to that amount. If you give them any treats, be sure to factor those calories into their daily allotment. In general, senior pets require 30 to 40% less calories; overfeeding can lead to obesity and problems with arthritis.

See your veterinarian regularly. Twice a year check-ups are advised for senior pets, which may help your vet catch potential problems in their early stages. Besides giving your pet a thorough physical exam, your vet may recommend blood work to check the liver, kidney, thyroid and pancreatic functions, to assess your pet’s immune system and to help detect infections, cancer, anemia and other problems. You may also want to consult a qualified holistic veterinarian, which can be especially helpful for pets with arthritis and chronic digestive issues.

Good oral care is a must for senior pets. Check their teeth regularly, and watch for signs of tartar or gum disease. If you’ve been brushing your pet’s teeth regularly and practicing good oral hygiene throughout their life, good job! This can minimize (but not eliminate) the need for professional dental cleanings that require anesthesia. To help your senior pet keep his pearly white smile and minty fresh breath (okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration), check out this article for tips on teeth brushing and oral hygiene.

Hearing, vision and sense of smell can all diminish as a pet ages. Making some adjustments in and around your home can help your senior pet avoid dangerous situations. Look around your home to eliminate any obstacles that they might trip over or bump into. Remove furniture and other objects with sharp corners, and fill in holes in the yard so your pet doesn’t accidentally harm himself while playing. Avoid startling your senior pet when you approach, by first announcing yourself with your voice.

Minimize stress as much as possible. Like humans, pets often become less tolerant and more irritable as they age. You can help by knowing what constitutes stress for your senior pet (crowds, noise, children, etc.) and limiting exposure to those things whenever feasible. Establish a routine and try to avoid sudden schedule changes. Pet steps, ramps and padded pet beds are all easier on arthritic joints. 

Remember – old age is not a disease, it’s a stage of life. Familiarize yourself with the common aging changes and medical conditions that may affect senior pets, and see your vet immediately if you notice any signs of illness. If you stay vigilant, practice responsible pet ownership, and provide lots of loving care, chances are good to great that your senior pet will be happy and healthy. In other words, his Golden Years will be just that!

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Kelly visits life-size sculptures

I can't wait to show you pictures from our weekend outing with Kelly. But first, Peggy's Pet Place has a new look! I'm excited by the new colors and size. (Please bear with me as I tweak.)

Now, back to the family outing. We took Kelly with us to tour the Sculpture in the Streets in downtown Albany NY. A city, even a fairly small one like Albany, can be intimidating to a little dog. But I think she had a great time.

The statues, by American artist Seward Johnson, are life-sized bronze sculptures of ordinary people in everyday activities. The fun part is that, from a distance, pedestrians or motorists passing by might be tricked into thinking the statues are real!

Join us on the tour:


"I'm trying to be good and stay for my picture, but there is so much to see here."
















"Enough yakking ladies. Can't we get up and play in the park?"















































"Nope. Nothing good in the news today."















"Okay, but don't come at me with those huge clippers!























"You don't mind if I read over your shoulder do you?"



















We hope you enjoyed the sculptures. Are there statues like this in your community? If not, come visit Albany! The sculptures will be on display through October.