Northern Nevada Pet Resources

New Year’s Resolutions? How About Adopting a Great Running Buddy?

Alicia — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:04:47 +0000

Please read the post below, which came from a fellow runner in Reno. There is nothing better than an adopted dog to help you fulfill a resolution to get fit in the new year, and this female German Shepherd may be just the right fit! Please consider giving her, or another dog in need, a great home in 2012.

Hey Runners! I am fostering a 2-year-old German Shepherd Dog whose owner could no longer care for her. She is a very sweet girl, loves people, and is great with all dogs big and small as well as cats. She knows her basic commands, and heels extremely well on leash. I took her for a run this morning and she did beautifully, loose leash the entire time. She would make someone a wonderful running buddy!

If you know anyone who may be interested in adopting her and giving her a loving, permanent home, please contact me and I will put you in touch with her.

Do You Have Room this Holiday to Make a Lab Mix or 2 Special Kittens Part of Your Family?

Alicia — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:44:24 +0000

Here is a description of two very special kittens who need a home in the Reno area:

We are around 7 ½ months old & some of THE sweetest little boys you will ever meet.

We really are best buddies, so we’re looking for a very special home where we can go together , but can be separated if necessary.

We’ve been raised around dogs, so we don’t mind their company. Although we would prefer a home w/more “relaxed” canine companions that won’t chase or bark at us too much.

We’ve been around adult male neutered cats and do just fine w/them, but do seem to prefer each other’s company over that of other kitties. (Beaumont is definitely more interested in interacting w/other cats, while Brady prefers to keep to himself and do his own thing).

A little bit more about us:

“Beaumont”~ Tabby
Very curious, playful & a nonstop purr box. Loves to just hang out & be part of the crowd; whether it be as a “lap warmer” or just sprawled out next to you as you watch tv. He’s FULL of confidence & would not mind being THE king of the castle. He does give “love nibbles” from time to time so would probably do best in a home with older children and/or an experienced cat savvy home Being quite the clown, he enjoys being held like a baby & stretched out on his back while you give him a kitty massage. He also loves popcorn A total little chatter box who enjoys his “conversations” w/you and will meet you at the door when you come home. A definite little charmer & social butterfly =)

“Brady”~ Grey
Also a very lovey and playful little boy w/a nonstop motor. Brady is a very people oriented kitty as well, but is definitely a little more “catlike” than his brother & a bit more on the independent side as well. Not as big of a “lap cat” as Beaumont, but still very much enjoys his sessions w/you & a real sweetie. A definite little busy body who is a rather chatty little fellow as well. An absolutely endearing quality of Brady is that he gives kitty kisses. A very sweet, happy, and somewhat “reserved,” (but none the less wonderful) little guy.

A wonderful, 9 1/2 lab mix is also looking for a home. Please email me for additional information on these animals.

The 2010 Walk for Animals

Alicia — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:54:11 +0000

A few weeks ago, I volunteered and participated in the Nevada Humane Society’s annual Walk for Animals at the Sparks Marina. This is one of my favorite events of the year because it not only takes place in a beautiful setting, but it brings together thousands of people for a common cause. The Nevada Humane Society does a wonderful job of creating a smooth registration process and walk route amidst the large crowd of both people and pets. NHS also hosts free pet contests after the walk that add to the day’s enjoyment.

This year, NHS raised $74,000 to assist in its mission of helping homeless animals as a no-kill shelter. The dozens of other animal-related vendors and rescue organizations present at the event no doubt had a successful day as well. I am continuously in awe of the generous support of animal advocacy by the citizens of the Reno/Sparks community, and immensely enjoy spending time with others who share my enthusiasm for the cause. Below, you will find a short video of the Walk. I would have liked to get more of the action, but my dog and I were busy enjoying ourselves and I was unable to film as much as I usually do. Please mark your calendar for May 2011 to attend the next Walk.

For the Love of Dogs

Alicia — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:01:00 +0000

For my readers who may not know, I also author a blog on finding your callings. Last year, I wrote a short post on how my dog has helped me to take a step back and reflect on my interactions with her and translate those behaviors into other areas of my life. As you will read below, I think that animals can teach us so much about ourselves if we are open to receiving the lessons. I thought this would also be an appropriate forum for the post, so here is a reproduction.

I, like many others, have turned to animals to create a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and love. But I believe that animals can offer us even more. I think that they can teach us about ourselves. The way that we behave toward them can give us insight into aspects of our personality. Take for example, my relationship with my dog. I am very nurturing and careful with her, almost to a fault. Sometimes people tell me that if I’m this good to my dog, I’ll make a great mom! It’s funny, but surprisingly accurate. I have a natural tendency to assume a caretaker’s role, and that is no exception when it comes to animals. I also know that dogs need an assertive and consistent leader, and I am diligent in behaving this way around mine. This has created in her a sense of respect and trust for me.

In my work relationships, I try to adopt a similar philosophy: displaying consistency and fairness among employees leads to more productive and trustworthy associations. As these examples show, we can learn about who we are in so many different ways. My dog has also taught me some important lessons. She serves as a constant reminder to slow down and enjoy life. After a hard day, her tail is still wagging, which reminds me to relax and not let the stresses of the day get the better of me. Her curious nature invites me to go exploring with her; I find our frequent hikes to be an amazing opportunity to create clarity and raise my awareness levels. If it weren’t for her, I would not make the time to do this nearly as often, despite its importance. I believe that taking a time out every day just to let your thoughts flow without interruption is essential to reconnecting with yourself and gaining a deeper understanding of who you are. For those of you who do not own a dog, I encourage you to find a way to incorporate a few minutes of quiet self-reflection into your day. For those who do, give them a big hug for me, and begin to view your interactions with them from a new perspective. And give a refreshing, meditative hike a try.

Exercise Options for Dogs During Inclement Weather

Alicia — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:55:05 +0000

With the onset of winter weather, our dogs are getting increasingly less excercise and are spending more time cooped up inside the house. Even in colder months, exercise is important to a dog’s overall health and well-being, but what other options are available for those who do not want to walk their dog in the snow?

First, if driving is not a factor, all of the county parks remain open during inclement weather. Personnel does a great job of maintaining walking paths and keeping them snow-free. The Sparks Marina, for example, has a one-mile concrete walkway around the water that is available for use. However, I would not recommend the dog park area at this time, as it will be muddy. And don’t let your dogs go in the water!

Dogs also need mental stimulation when they are not able to play outdoors. Creative solutions abound, including the Talk To Me TreatBall, which allows the owner to record their voice, which plays upon motion activation by the dog. Treats are placed inside, and the dog strategically tries to retrieve the treat while hearing a familiar message. The Tricky Treats Dog Ball randomly dispenses treats or kibble as your dog rolls it around. For a multi-sensory experience, the Premier Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug toy allows your dog to see the treats, hear them roll around, smell them through the scent holes, and taste them when he figures out how to retrieve them.

Tug toys and ropes are a fun, interactive way to exercise your dog indoors as well. They compel your dog to use its strength and endurance, and can be a sufficient source of exercise on particularly snowy days.

Train Your Dog with the Underlying Issue In Mind

Alicia — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:09:43 +0000

I have posted before on the importance of properly training your dog to inhibit the display of unwanted behaviors. Not only does this create a more pleasant relationship between owner and dog, but it lessens the chance of dogs getting dumped at the shelter for “behavioral reasons.”

An important note to consider when evaluating behavioral issues in dogs is the underlying reason for the unacceptable behavior. For example, if a dog barks at a neighbor’s dog and is scolded into submission, the underlying reason for the barking is not addressed. Yelling “no” merely puts a temporary band-aid on the immediate problem of the noise, but has no effect on future, similar occurences.

No matter the behavior, the underlying issue must be dealt with in order to successfully train the dog to react appropriately when the problem situation presents itself. Here is a great video from expert dog trainer Emily Larlham (incidentally, the owner of the dogs in the adorable Halloween video I posted) explaining how to alter a dog’s behavior by addressing the underlying cause of it. She has many other video tips on her YouTube page. You can also visit her website for more detailed information and additional videos.

DNA Testing to Determine Dog Breed

Alicia — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:28:32 +0000

DNA testing used to be a luxury that few could afford. When prospective dog owners view animals at shelters, they are often put off by the inability to forecast potential health problems based on breed identification. Most dogs that end up in shelters are mixed breeds, so determining problems associated with specific breeds is nearly impossible without DNA identification.

Recently, DNA testing has moved from the veterinarian’s office to the home. With advances in technology, it is now possible to purchase a DNA testing kit from a retailer, swab your dog’s cheek, and send the sample to a lab for analysis. This is great news for dog owners who have animals with health conditions that may be explained by breed identification. It is also helpful in identifying breed-specific behavioral traits and preferences in order to provide an ideal living situation for your dog.

Finally, DNA testing may be important for breeders who wish to identify characteristics that have caused health issues in particular dogs so as to cease breeding of these dogs. This responsible breeding can decrease the number of dogs born with a multitude of different issues that may become exacerbated with age.

Home kits such as the BioPet DNA Breed Identification kit can be purchased for as little as $60. Detailed results are returned to the dog owner within two weeks. In addition to the important reasons above, I also believe that, as the owner of a mixed breed shelter dog, it is fascinating to know more about your companion’s history. I plan on giving one of the home kits a try, and will report the accuracy and amount of detail given in the results in a future post.

Holiday Gifts are for Pets, Too!

Alicia — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:17:24 +0000

The retail industry has capitalized on the pet owner’s devotion to their pets by offering a multitude of gift items, especially during the Christmas season. While the many of these items are unnecessary, pet owners are happy to spend their hard-earned dollars to acquire trinkets and novelties just in time for the holidays (and I am included in this statement). On the other hand, many products are designed to enhance the quality of life for pets, and the holidays can equate to a great excuse to overspend on items for your pet.

Here is a list of some great new pet gift-ideas that I have found that your pet is sure to enjoy.

Dog Hair Dryer, from Orvis. Dont let Fido get cold after his bath!

29 Gallon Chalkboard Aquarium Stand, by Aquatic Fundamentals. Showcase your fish and draw on the surface or write feeding reminders!

Insulated Dog House with Floor Heater, by ASL Solutions. Keep your outside dog warm on chilly winter nights. Features a self-closing door and cross-ventilation windows for summer heat.

All-Season Snuggly Sleeper, by K & H. Has interchangeable heated and cooling pads for year-round comfort for your cat or dog.

Thermo Heated Kitty Sill, by K & H. Easily attaches to window sill with velcro or screws.

Poquito Avian Hotel, by Avian Adventures. Don’t leave your bird home alone while you celebrate the season!

Terrarium Gauges, by Fluker’s. Easily monitor the correct temperature and humidity levels for the comfort and health of your reptile pet.

Shopping Options For Your Pet: What Do You Think?

Alicia — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:27:36 +0000

There are an unlimited number of options when it comes to purchasing food and supplies for your four-legged friends. National chain stores continue to dominate the market, but are being closely followed by local boutique-type stores that carry more distinctive and unique items.

The number of internet sites dedicated to providing pet supplies has also grown steadily in recent years, overwhelming the consumer with choices in search engine results. Each type of pet supply retailer has particular advantages and weaknesses depending on the need of the customer and their pet.

Here in Northern Nevada, there are many local retailers that feature extraordinary items for the discriminating pet and their owner, and one-stop-shopping chain stores such as Petco, Petsmart, and Pet Supermarket. I would like to hear from pet owners in the area who have a preference for a particular retailer or product line, or a fantastic (or not-so-good) customer service story to share. I will feature a list of retailers and reviews in an upcoming post.

Meet Some Adoptable Dogs and Learn How You Can Help

Alicia — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:46:14 +0000

I really enjoy incorporating videos in my posts whenever I can, especially when I have the opportunity to showcase animals in our community. This morning, I brought my camcorder along with me as I spent some time walking dogs at the Nevada Humane Society. In this video, I talk briefly about some ways that people who do not have the option to adopt an animal can still interact with them and help out.