Wednesday, October 23, 2013

IMPORTANT WARNING RE: PET JERKY TREATS

Nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have been sickened in an ongoing, mysterious outbreak of illnesses tied to jerky treats made in China, federal animal health officials said Tuesday.

Most of the cases have been in dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes — although 10 cats have been sickened, too — after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. The pace of the reported illnesses appears to have slowed, but federal Food and Drug Administration officials are now seeking extra help from veterinarians and pet owners in solving the ongoing puzzle.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/pet-jerky-treat-mystery-nearly-600-animals-dead-still-no-8C11436330

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Project Blue Collar Partners with PetHub on High Tech ID Tags


Tags help lost dogs get home faster—rescue dogs will ‘never be lost again’

CINCINNATI, OH—Project Blue Collar, a company devoted to improving the perception of shelter dogs and encourage adoption as the first option, has partnered with PetHub to launch a Project Blue Collar themed high tech dog identification tag.
PetHub dog tags provide three easy ways for your lost pet to get home faster. Each tag has a unique QR code and web address that link to your puppy pal’s free personal profile—providing crucial information about your pet, including your contact information, relevant medical information and the activation of optional $3,000 of emergency medical pet insurance coverage, if applicable. For the less tech-savvy, there is also a phone number for the 24-hour “Pet Found Hotline.”
“So many dogs end up at the shelter because they have been abandoned, surrendered or lost,” said Carole Feeny, president and co-founder of Project Blue Collar. “Once they are adopted and tagged with a PetHub/Project Blue Collar ID they’ll never be lost again.”

The Project Blue Collar branded tags retail for $16.75, with the option of a reasonably priced subscription with additional features—including email notification when your pet’s profile is accessed and GPS tracking of the location where your pet’s tag is scanned. The tags are available for purchase online at www.projectbluecollar.com.

“We are strong proponents of adoption—and proud to be a part of the Project Blue Collar movement,” said Lorien Clemens, PetHub’s Director of Marketing. “There are misconceptions associated with rescue dogs, and we can all play a part in dispelling these myths.”
Project Blue Collar’s mission is to elevate the status of rescue dogs—so they are recognized as wonderful pets and companions. Millions of dogs are put down in shelters each year due to low adoption rates and the high volume of breeders and puppy mills exploiting dogs for profit.
The company’s signature Support the Underdog® Blue Collars, which are similar to cause-related silicone wristbands, adorn a pooch’s neck to identify them as a rescue. The collars provide an opportunity for dogs and owners to show their rescue pride and share their positive adoption story. Project Blue Collar also offers an opportunity to raise money for the animal rescue community through their Shelter of the Month program

“The collars serve as a conversation starter to help build the movement,” said Kristin Waters, vice president and co-founder of Project Blue Collar. “Telling the story of your adopted dog inspires others to help, and encourages them to adopt, not shop, when adding a pet to the family.”
The collars, which are made in the USA, retail for $10—and are available for purchase online at www.projectbluecollar.com. Dog toys, apparel and car magnets— all aimed at raising awareness of rescue dog pride—are also available for purchase.
High resolution photos available upon request. 

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About Project Blue CollarProject Blue Collar – Support the Underdog™ is a movement to celebrate rescue dogs and unite the communities and people who believe in their potential.  The company’s signature Blue Collars encourage adoption as the first option and offer an Opportunity for the animal rescue community to raise money through their Buy One Give one program. With each collar purchased, the movement grows and the more lives are saved. Since launching in October 2012, over 2,100 dogs have been Blue Collared in 40 states and 4 countries. Get your rescue dog (or someone else's) Blue Collared at projectbluecollar.com

About PetHub
PetHub helps lost pets get home faster by providing the most comprehensive and affordable lost pet recovery system on the market today. In 2012, 97% of PetHub recovered pets were home in less than 24 hours, 25% reunited with their families in under an hour. PetHub ID tags provide multiple ways to help lost pets get home, including QR codes linking to a free online pet profile and a 24/7 Found Pet Hotline. 
Success stories can be found at www.PetHubFound.me. Awards include Dog Fancy Magazine's "Editors' Choice," Pet Business Magazine's "Industry Award," Pet Age Magazine's "Retailer Silver Select Award," and "2013 Most Innovative Product of the Year." Visit www.PetHub.tv to view some of its fan videos, including "Ullr’s Adventure."

Monday, March 18, 2013

ALLEY CAT ALLIES EXPRESSES SATISFACTION AFTER AUDUBON REMOVES AT-LARGE EDITOR FROM MASTHEAD


Announcement follows Ted Williams’ remarks on poisoning cats in Orlando Sentinel op-ed

BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today thanked supporters for condemning the remarks made by former Audubon magazine editor-at-large Ted Williams in an Orlando Sentinel op-ed, which referenced poisoning feral cats with common household pain relievers. 

Alley Cat Allies appealed to supporters to show strength in numbers and demand that Audubon respond to the controversy. More than 31,000 Alley Cat Allies supporters responded by emailing Audubon or posting on social media urging the organization to dismiss and condemn Williams.

“In a Facebook post this weekend, Audubon announced that Williams was suspended from writing for the magazine and would be removed from Audubon’s masthead. This was the right move, and we thank our supporters for their quick action,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Williams’ remarks were depraved and irresponsible. No national group advocating for the protection of animals should be associated with endorsements of pain and cruelty.”

“We are satisfied with this outcome, but we will continue to remain vigilant in challenging any support for cruelty, or for policies that would lead to more cats being killed in pounds and shelters.  Killing cats will not protect birds or any other species,” said Robinson.


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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives cats and kittens nationwide. Their website is www.alleycat.org.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

THE PET MATCHMAKER™, ELAINE HENDRIX, LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO HELP ADOPTERS FIND AND KEEP THE PERFECT PET


LOS ANGELES, CA—Facing a doggie dilemma or a cat quandary? The Pet
Matchmaker™ is here to help. Elaine Hendrix—award-winning actress,
lifelong animal lover and advocate—and her team of animal experts and
experienced animal enthusiasts are providing pet parents with 
information and advice to help them find an animal friendship to last a lifetime at
www.ThePetMatchmaker.com.

“It’s important that people are realistic about their lifestyles when
choosing an animal to adopt,” says Elaine Hendrix, The Pet Matchmaker™.
“This is a new, entertaining online resource that helps people pick the
pet best suited for them, and then gives them information to care for 
that pet their entire lives.”

The site outlines practical considerations and offers plenty of
“How-To” guides for pet adopters. Information any pet parent should
keep in mind, like ‘finances’ and ‘schedule,’ is designed to help
individuals and families make matches that will stand the test of time. 
The website then helps users locate local shelters and rescue groups with
animals available for adoption in their area.

Already found your animal match? The website provides visitors with 
ongoing animal care advice, pet-centric Nancy and Sluggo cartoons, illustrated 
by Guy Gilchrist, uplifting articles from a variety of regular 
contributors and much more! The engaging and dynamic layout makes the website easy 
to navigate whether you’re searching by animal or care topic, which 
includes nutrition, grooming and training, among many others.

In the Community section, animal lovers are invited to join The Pet
Matchmaker’s social network and create a personal profile to share
stories, photos and videos of their animals and connect with other pet
enthusiasts. The Community section is also the perfect spot to 
introduce and network animals who are looking for their forever homes. Young 
animal lovers have a special section with word games, coloring pages and
activities, in addition to articles written by kids for kids. Make the
“My Pet Forever” pledge and you’ll receive a downloadable
certificate—great for teaching children about the responsibility
associated with pets and an excellent conversation starter with friends 
on the importance of keeping pets in homes and out of shelters.

As The Pet Matchmaker™, Hendrix also hosts radio’s “The Pet Care
Minute,” where she shares with listeners her insightful and effective
tips for caring for their pets and ensuring their health, happiness and
safety. Topics include ‘litter box woes’ and ‘learning to speak
dog.’ Segments are available at www.ThePetMatchmaker.com.

To learn more about Elaine Hendrix and The Pet Matchmaker™ team, please
visit www.ThePetMatchmaker.com.

# # #

About Elaine Hendrix

With over 100 film, television and stage credits, Elaine Hendrix is 
best known for her roles in such films as Disney’s “The Parent Trap,”
“Inspector Gadget 2,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2,” SNL’s
“Superstar” and the cult classics “What the Bleep Do We Know” and
“Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion.” Her television appearances
include “Castle,” “The Mentalist,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,”
“Criminal Minds,” “CSI,” “CSI: Miami,” “See Dad Run,”
“90210” and two years on the critically acclaimed CBS series “Joan of
Arcadia.”

Hendrix has five rescued pets of her own, is an outspoken animal 
advocate and guest lectures on animal rights issues at universities across the
country. Hendrix serves on the board of directors for Animal Rescue 
Corps and Stray Rescue of St. Louis. She has been honored for her 
humanitarian work on behalf of animals, including a Telly Award for hosting “Pets
90210,” the Guardian Award from the National Animal Rights Conference 
and a Key to the City and Proclamation naming December 4th “Elaine Hendrix
Day” in the city of St. Louis, Missouri.

About “The Pet Care Minute”

“The Pet Care Minute” is produced and distributed by Benztown as a
keystone of its Feature Farm daily radio features offering. For more
information, visit www.benztown.com/featurefarm.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

ALLEY CAT ALLIES RESPONDS TO NATURE STUDY’S CLAIMS ON CATS AND BIRDS

Calls study sensational, distorted science that relies on old or discredited research

BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, responded to a biased study on cats and wildlife published in the journal Nature , which it called a veiled promotion by bird advocates to ramp up the mass killing of outdoor cats.

“This study is part of a continuing propaganda campaign to vilify feral cats,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies.  “It seems as if the authors landed on a conclusion first and then cherry-picked through studies to support it.  Some of the research they cite is more than a half-century old.  They even cite discredited researcher Nico Dauphine, who was convicted by a D.C. jury for trying to poison cats and then fired from her job at the Smithsonian.  The researcher convicted of trying to poison cats worked for Marra, one of the authors of this study.”

“This so called ‘survey of research’ seems just another misguided attempt to draw attention to the decline of wildlife by manufacturing a fake debate.  The study conveniently sidestepped the primary culprit of decline of wildlife populations which, of course, is human activity including habitat destruction. 

“The authors also neglect to mention that their proposed ‘solution’ really endorses continuing the same failed policies of the last century which call for the mass killing of cats.  Tens of millions of healthy cats have already been killed in animal pounds and shelters, at great taxpayer expense, without achieving anything. A policy of just more killing can never be the right answer,” she said.

Robinson noted that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) does work to end reproduction and to stabilize the population of feral cats, and that is why every year a growing number of communities turn to TNR as an innovative, compassionate and common-sense approach.  

“Because of the success of TNR—which stabilizes and then reduces the population—places where there were once large colonies of feral cats have seen those colonies fade away.  There is good reason for cities to change from ‘catch and kill’ to ‘neuter and return.’

“The threats to birds and wildlife with real impact—pollution and habitat fragmentation and destruction—are the ones without ‘easy’ answers,” said Robinson.  “Americans should not be fooled by sensational headlines and bad science.  Killing cats will not save species of birds or mammals.”


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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more nearly than a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives cats and kittens nationwide. Their website is www.alleycat.org.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from Our Place to Paws!


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Happy Holidays and an Update on Our Place to Paws

As we face 2013 at Our Place to Paws (which is really just the home office of the site's founder, Faye Rapoport DesPres), we wanted to wish everyone who checks in on the site or the blog Happy Holidays, and good wishes for the coming year.

Our original purpose in creating Our Place to Paws was to publish photography, articles, and information related to both pets and wildlife, and to nurture a community of online animal lovers. Since the early days of the website, however, the Internet has exploded with content, including many sites dedicated to animals. Most of these sites have more funding, more access to content and technology, and more staff available to keep them going. They also have advertising, something Our Place to Paws failed to attract because the humble founder never had the sales personality necessary to ask anyone for any :-).

After the initial three years, as demand for continuously changing content and updated technology such as RSS feeds, flash content, and e-commerce increased, we simply didn't have the funding or following to update the site on a regular basis. But we hope you enjoy what's there, and if there's interest, we'll update the site now and then if we can, and will at least keep the blog alive.

Our Place to Paws does have an active Facebook group with quite a few dedicated followers. So if you love animals and enjoy what you found on the site, join us on Facebook!

May 2013 be peaceful, healthy, and happy for all.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

ALLEY CAT ALLIES MOBILIZES AS ‘BOARDWALK CATS’ RETURN TO COLONIES FOLLOWING HURRICANE SANDY

Disaster Response Team on the ground to assess and re-build shelters; help locals connect to resources

BETHESDA, MD—Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today said longtime feral cat residents of Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk are returning to their colony ahead of schedule, seemingly healthy and unfazed despite the damage to their home. 

“We prepared prior to Sandy’s landfall, but we also knew from experience that these resourceful cats would instinctively head for higher ground and protect themselves,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies.  “More than half of the colony has already returned—we anticipated it might take a few days longer, but the cats were clearly ready to get back to their routine!”

With the cooperation of public officials in Atlantic City, Alley Cat Allies responded to Sandy’s devastation by sending a Disaster Response Team to assess the damage, rebuild the cat shelters and feeding stations, and help residents and feral cat caregivers connect to veterinary and other needed services.  The team spent the last 24 hours in Atlantic City and plans to be on the ground for the next several days.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project is one of the oldest Trap-Neuter-Return programs in the country, launched in 2000 with the support of city officials and local businesses.  Today, this model TNR program is a popular tourist attraction.  Volunteers monitor the health and feeding schedule of the cats on a regular basis, and make sure the population remains stabilized.

Robinson said in addition to assisting in Atlantic City, Alley Cat Allies is taking calls from across the eastern seaboard from feral cat caregivers asking for help.  People needing assistance should email info@alleycat.org or call 240-482-1980 ext. 330.  Alley Cat Allies is also coordinating volunteers via the same email address, and will work to get them where they are needed most to return feral cat colonies and caregivers to normalcy throughout the affected region.


# # #
 
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities  and organizations save and improve the lives of cats and kittens nationwide. Their website is www.alleycat.org.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Born Free USA’s New Website Safe Trails Educates Public on Serious Dangers of Wildlife Traps and Keeping Pets Safe

Idaho and six other states targeted for much-needed reform

Born Free USA, a leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, has launched a new website at www.bornfreeusa.org/safetrails in order to educate and warn the public -- especially outdoor enthusiasts -- about the dangers of hidden wildlife traps and how to keep their pets and family members safe. 

The new Safe Trails site contains information about the dangers of traps to companion animals and what people can do in emergencies, including how to release dogs from all types of traps
The site also highlights regulatory safeguards that could go far in protecting the public, pets and wildlife from injury, and focuses on seven of the worst states when it comes to trapping regulations that have the greatest impact on animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and public safety: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.

According to Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, “Each year thousands of non-targeted animals, including domestic animals and protected wildlife species, are caught in traps throughout the U.S.  We developed this site to help hikers, campers, and others enjoying the outdoors, learn about trapping and what can be done to keep everyone, including animals and children, safe from the dangers of these contraptions. The barbaric trapping industry has changed little since the 1600s.  We do not want to see another person or pet become a victim.”

While many states allow the use of body crushing traps and snares on private and public land, Idaho continues to stand out among the worst states for failing to require that traps be checked at least once daily.  In Idaho, traps need only be checked once every three days/72 hours.  Trappers also catch non-target animals including endangered species, cats, and dogs. These animals have a better chance of survival if traps are checked at least once every 24 hours.

In addition, Idaho has no size restriction on Conibear kill traps. Like other body-gripping traps, Conibears are notoriously indiscriminate and pose a hazard to non-target species. Large-sized Conibears are particularly dangerous.  Twenty states limit the size of Conibear trap on land to six inches or less or prohibit the use of Conibear traps on land all together.

Like the majority of states, Idaho trappers are not required to post any warning signage that would alert the public to stay away from set traps. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game encourages trappers to use a warning sign produced by the Idaho Trappers Association but does not require it.   

Roberts says, “A majority of people surely visit Idaho public lands to observe wildlife, hike, walk their dogs, and enjoy nature. Most people would agree that Idaho public lands should protect wildlife and wildlife habitat and provide a safe opportunity to enjoy it.  But many are unaware that traps might be present where they recreate. It is a recipe for disaster, and we hope that if this brutal industry continues to exist, that we can at least inform people, even if it means teaching them how to attempt to free their companion animal (or child) should they fall victim to a body-crushing trap. No one should ever have to face that horror.”

Wildlife traps are not only found in the deep wilderness, but also near hiking trails, in national wildlife refuges, on public and private lands where children play and dogs are walked, and even in urban areas. They are indiscriminate and can inflict serious injury – or death -- to any animal or person who is caught.  

Born Free USA works to expose and address the dangers and cruelty of trapping by educating the public; encouraging legislators and policymakers to enact stronger laws; ensuring state agencies are enforcing existing protections; and championing humane alternatives of mitigating conflicts with wildlife.   Born Free USA maintains an online database of reported incidents of non-targeted animals by state.

Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to the United States the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the United Kingdom-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film “Born Free,” along with their son Will Travers, now chief executive officer of both organizations. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

ALLEY CAT ALLIES SURVEYS ALABAMA VETERINARIANS ON SUPPORT OF SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC MEASURE

One-third of Respondents Oppose the Proposed Rules by the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners


BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today reported on answers from a poll of Alabama’s veterinary clinics regarding their support of nonprofit spay/neuter clinics in the state.

The results come just one day before the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is set to vote on a set of rules that would make the state’s nonprofit spay/neuter clinics illegal.

“These nonprofit veterinary clinics provide thousands of low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter surgeries to pets of low-income families and animal rescue groups. Closing these clinics would be a disaster for Alabama,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies.

“The poll results show that there are a number of veterinarians who understand that these clinics are essential in the uphill battle of saving animals’ lives,” said Robinson. “Now we want the people of Alabama to be informed consumers and know whether or not their veterinarian supports low-cost spay/neuter.”

While one-third of respondents oppose the measure and support the nonprofit clinics, just under one-third support the measure, some claiming business competition from nonprofit clinics as their reason. However, Alley Cat Allies’ nonprofit clinic contacts say they provide surgeries for underserved populations who can’t afford it, including low-income families and grassroots animal rescue and feral cat groups.

More troubling, the poll results reveal that many clinics refused to take a stand on the issue: one-third of respondents gave no comment, and the majority of clinics failed to respond to our repeated calls.

On our website, www.SaveAlabamaSpayNeuter.com citizens can find their veterinarian’s response. Citizens are encouraged to call to thank them for opposing the state board’s measure or to ask them to take a stand in support of low-cost spay/neuter for Alabama’s animals.


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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of cats and kittens nationwide. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.