2,000 Homeless Pets Saved

When we were looking for our precious Sadie, (on the left...she really should be a model), we started by looking in shelters. We hit a couple roadblocks though since the dogs we wanted were dominant breeds and we weren't "ready" to take on the challenge (at least, that's what the shelters told us).

There were 2 huskies we had our eyes on, but we knew our mom would kill us if we brought not one, but two, dogs into the house right away.

Now, we had a very small window of opportunity, 1 day, to find a dog or our mom would re-neg her offer and never let us bring a dog into the house...so we caved...and we bought her...yes, from a store.

I know, I know. My next dog will certainly come from a local shelter.

Many people in philly do adopt, which is great. That's why 2,000 lives have been saved.

On Saturday, January 17, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will celebrate its one year anniversary at its Old City adoption center. They placed more than 2,000 needy pets in homes or foster care in 2008 alone.

It's a pretty neat place, actually. It looks more like a boutique than an ordinary shelter.

It's located at 2nd & Arch and all animals up for adoption are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. It doesn't get better than that.

Well, it does actually...

PAWS is a no-kill shelter!

So, celebrate with PAWS and attend one of these events:

Saturday, January 17, 2-5 p.m.: Meet Pinups for Pit Bulls calendar model Karina Ingrid, who’ll share myth-shattering information about pit bulls.

Sunday, January 18, 2-4 p.m.: Dog trainer and behavior consultant Carol A. Siegrist, CPDT, will offer advice on making your dog the best behaved on the block!

Monday, January 19, 4-6 p.m.: A cat behavior specialist will help you understand/improve their favorite felines’ quirks and tendencies.

Tuesday, January 20, 2-6 p.m.: Pet-sitters/dog-walkers will be on hand to discuss how pet owners can have peace of mind while they are away from home.

Wednesday, January 21, 4-6 p.m.: “Ask the Vet:” get advice and information on pet health issues from a local veterinarian.

Thursday, January 22, 4-6 p.m.: Grooming basics: bring your pet and receive free basic grooming services (nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc.)

Friday, January 23, 4-6 p.m.: Paw Reading / “Pawtographs” from Little Mama, PAWS 2009 Calendar Model (Ms. September) and long-time adoption center resident, now enjoying the home she deserves.

Saturday, January 24, 4-6 p.m.: Dog trainer and behavior consultant Leigh Siegfried, CPDT, will help you turn your dog into a model canine companion.

Sunday, January 25, 2-4 p.m.: Reiki demonstration: See and learn how this healing touch therapy can calm and soothe your pet.

"Animal House" Update

I have never seen anything like this in my life...I'm sure you haven't either.

But, the "animal house" with about 30 cats and wall-to-wall trash was opened for us all to see.

An update to the story:

Workers spent all day Thursday pulling trash out of the house in Kensington. L&I was literally pulling garbage our through the windows. About half the cats had been caught. Traps were set for the rest.

A mother, in her 80's, and daughter, in her 60's, lived in the home. The mother told the PSPCA that her daughter had been collecting the cats and roamed the streets each day hoarding garbage in the house. Allegedly, the daughter told her mom she would hurt her if she tried to take her cats away.

Delco!! What the...?!

...a Ridley Township man is being sentenced for killing his wife's dog with a Samurai-style sword

...another is in court for drowning his ex-boyfriend's pup in a bathtub in Upper Darby

...and then there were the puppy nappings this week in Springfield!

What the hell is going on in Delco?

Tons of Cats, 6-ft Wall of Trash Found in Local Home

Puppy Nappers in Springfield, Pa.!!

Two men walked into We Love Pets Baltimore Pike in Springfield, Delaware County.

They walked out with a pug and a maltese without paying for them.

The thieves put the stolen pups into an SUV and sped off, police said.

I've been to this pet store many times (I used to live in Drexel Hill). The dogs are kept in open crates so people can reach in and pet them. It's nice and all for those of us who don't have bad intentions, but I can totally see how someone could've snatched these pooches...

Let's hope they are found...or at least end up in good homes.

Photos: Welovepetspa.com

(posted in case you recognize these pets)

Good Dog. Bad, Bad Vet--"Vet" Arrest in South Jersey!!

You may have had your pet vaccinated by this local vet, but she, never even went to med school!

You may have donated to her non-profit, but police say it’s bogus!

You may have thought “she” was a woman, but “she” is a man!

This is one bad “vet.”

But, there is more to this story.

A man, claimed to be a woman, Danielle Smith DVM, with a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, was arrested by Vineland police Friday. He ran a bogus non-profit “South Jersey Small Animal Rescue” for two years, according to detectives.

Read the full article. Make sure you and your pet were not victims!!

Bed & "Biscuit"

Perfect for the Philly Pampered Pooch! There is a new pet hotel (which I wouldn't mind staying at myself!) in N.J.: Lucky's Bed and Biscuit in Manahawkin, NJ.

They feature (get this!):

• 24 hour care
• Indoor Salt water Swimming Pool!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Suites with Webcams and Toddler beds

Um, this is nicer than some of the hotels I've stayed at...especially on my roadtrip with my sister...She can attest to some of the crap-holes we stayed in...haha. If you want pics of them, let me know!

But, pet hotels are a great option to leaving your pet in a kennel (we opt for a kennel b/c of price)...But, take a look at this virtual tour!

E-A-G-L-E-S Pets!!

There are some adorable photos of "fur-ocious" Eagles fans on NBCPhiladelphia.com. Get your pet fix by checking out the slideshow! And submit your own photos, too!

It's also National Dress Up Your Pet Day! So, let's play dress-up! Send me your photos and I'll post them, too!

Photo: NBCPhiladelphia.com

Keep Pets Warm in Frigid Temps

Today's Fur-cast has temps in the low 20's, but the windchill will make it feel like the teens today in Philly!

...and single digits are on the way...

So, this article has great tips and safety measures while walking your pets, when keeping your pets outdoors (Bring them inside this week!!), how to handle emergencies, and winter pet care.

I know off-hand:

• Outdoor cats sometimes hide under hoods of cars for warmth, so check your cars before you leave
• Please don't leave your dogs and cats outside in such cold weather, but if you must, make sure your dog house shields from the wind WELL.
• And, wipe down your pet's paws after walks...you don't want them licking leftover salt from the roads...It could make them sick.

Saving Philly's Animals

Penn's vet school has teamed up with the PSPCA to save the lives of our local animals.

Through Penn Vet Shelter's spay/neuter program, Penn and the PSPCA aim to control the animal population in order to stray from the unnecessary killing of adoptable animals through euthanization.

PSPCA CEO Howard R. Nelson said in a press release the majority of animals taken in by shelters were not spayed or neutered by their prior owners.

Spaying and neutering a pet is said to not only control animal population, but also help them stay healthy.

In my opinion, spaying and neutering is not necessarily the main answer...it's getting owners to "keep" their pets and take responsibility for them...

But, all in all, this is a step in the right direction.

Harry Kalas' Fierce Gig

Forget announcing for the World Series Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies, legendary Harry Kalas will now give us the play-by-play for the highly anticipated...

Puppy Bowl V!!!!

Yes, Philly's very own Kalas will spell out the rivalry, the intensity, the penalties, and crown the MVP of this year's event (Most Valuable Puppy).

Be sure to tune in to see your favorite pups go paw-to-paw, for the Kitty Half-Time Show, for "Pepper the Parrot's" rendition of the National Anthem...or better yet, find a furry friend for your family (all of the pups are adoptable and in local Maryland shelters).

Puppy Bowl V airs Sunday, Feb1, 3-5pm on Animal Planet.

Kalas better be ready for the game of his life!

Obama's Dog Here in Philly!

My choice would have been a lab, of course, but President-elect Obama has narrowed down his choice of dogs to two...a Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog.

You were close with the "labra" part, at least...Now, all we have to do is find a shelter that has one of these pooches.

I looked for a shelter with a pure bred water dog, but it seems like they are hard to come by!

But, Max, a Labradoodle, right here at Main Line Rescue in Chester Springs, Pa., is up for adoption...Since Max is local, I'm pullin' for him! Someone send Obama a memo! ...I can picture him running across the White House lawn already...

And remember, you can always search for lovable, adoptable pets in your area at PetFinder.com.


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Bethlehem Police Shoot Loose Dog...Twice

I don't know how I feel about this story...A Rottweiler was loose and charged police after attacking a neighbor...Police shot the dog twice.

I think I blame the owner for this-- letting his dogs run loose and the dog was obviously raised to be on the defensive/aggressive side.

Rottweilers get a bad rap because of stories like this. But any dog can be aggressive depending on its training. Yes, genes play a role, but what is it really? Nature or nurture?

I'm thinking if you provoke the gene and coax it out of them, that's all it takes for nature to rule the roost.

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Twiggy is Back!

You can't get enough of this talented guy...gotta love 'em. If you haven't been impressed by the squirrel before, Enjoy!!!




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What's Coprophagy? You Don't Want to Know

It will def. turn your stomach, but it's interesting nonetheless.

My dog has done it...I'm not gonna lie...AND I've caught her in the act and had to grab the stuff out of her mouth with my own hands...SICK!!!!!

The article will explain, but the video tells all...Just make sure you didn't just scarf down your breakfast... I admit it's gnarly, but it happens!

Pay by the Weather!

The colder the cheaper at the Philly Zoo!

As the weather dips, the price to get into the zoo drops, too! It'll be cold as heck to walk around, but you'll save a bundle if you bundle up.

E-A-G-L-E-S- Eagles!!!

Congratulations Birds!!!!

You'll have to browse through the slideshow, but there are some great Eagles pet fans out there! Take a look!

Photo: NBCPhiladelphia.com

The Daily Fur-Cast

Fox29's Dr. John Krasting is an animal lover and he has happily agreed to give us the Daily FurCast!

For Monday, Jan. 13:

• Sun and clouds and
• Temps in the mid-30s

It'll be chilly, so you may want to keep your cats indoors and get a sweater or coat for your short-haired dog.

Photo: Chris of Monmouth County, N.J.'s cat, "Diego"! He says Diego is the "Coolest cat in the world!"

40% Off at PetSmart!

PetSmart is offering:

• 40% off select pet gifts

• 50% off holiday merchandise

• $6 off shipping

• 20% off carriers, wire crates, etc.

Check out the deals and shop online here.

This was one of Sadie's faves...We can't find it anywhere now though! For some reason, she wouldn't rip it to shreds, well, right away at least. If anyone recognizes this toy, let me know or share another indestructible toy!

Hidden Winter Danger Can Kill

It's freezing out there, but that won't keep our pooches indoors!! But, there is something you need to know when going for a stroll:

Salted and wet streets are a prime area for electric shock if there is stray voltage, according to the ASPCA. Your pet can be shocked, injured, or even killed. But there are great tips on how you can prevent this from happening and how to handle the situation if it does.

Shelter Pet of the Day: Ashley (Shepherd Mix)

I'm Ashley and I am staying at the Pennsylvania SPCA.

I'm 7-years-young and I've been through some tough times. My previous owners didn't treat me very well. But, I know I gotta keep on smiling!

I'd love a forever home and even a brother or sister to play with (of course we'd have to meet each other first), but I don't really have the energy anymore to play with children. That's what getting older does, I guess!

Come visit me at the PSPCA.

Photo: PSPCA

140-Year-Old Lobster? What?!

This guy looks good for his age! A 140-year-old lobster is returning to the ocean. He'll be retiring from his job as a NYC restaurant mascot.

I wonder if he'll live out his golden years off the coast of Miami?

Let's just hope he doesn't get set free to only end up on someone's plate or in a supermarket tank...

Photo: Associated Press

Your Daily Pet Fix

For pet lovers and pet owners of the Philly region, this is the spot for you. Whether you have your very own fur-ball you love and spoil right at home or you need your daily pet fix since you live in a small Philly studio apartment where you can't have a pet (bummer)...The Daily Bark is the place to be.

From dogs to cats to fish to hamsters to...well, all animals...I'll cover it all.

I've owned my share of pets: 2 birds, at least 5 fish, 2 hamsters, 2 hermit crabs, and now 2 dogs. It seems like things come in twos for me (for the most part, at least).

As the proud mother of an adorable, independent, and totally spoiled chocolate lab, Sadie, and aunt to a crazy, unruly, lovable, affectionate wheaten terrier, Bianca, I am a dog lover, dog feeder, dog groomer, dog therapist, dog walker, and every "dog" profession you can imagine, really.

So, I'll share everything from pet news, weather, trends, cute pet photos and videos, feature shelter pets, feature your pets, and yes, find as many hot deals, coupons and savings for you.

E-mail me your pet's photos and hobbies so I can feature them daily on The Daily Bark!