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Let’s Go for A Walk Together

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Not only is walking your dog a stress-reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also keeps both you and your dog healthy.

Do you sometimes feel that taking your dog out for a walk is more of a chore than an enjoyment? In all honesty, I can say for me, sometimes it does feel that way. Waking up early, piling on layers of warm clothes and boots and having to go out is not my idea of a good time, especially if it’s snowing or raining. The funny thing is once I get out there and start walking with my girl, I almost immediately have an “attitude adjustment” and start to get a little pep in my step and enjoy my time outside with her. I find myself talking to her about what the day is going to hold, telling her how cute she is, stopping with her to look at a plant or flower, and just enjoying nature. Of course, after a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and go out for another walk, but I have gotten to the point now where I look forward to that time, as well. When I head out with my girl, I talk to her and tell her about how my day was and it/she just seems to make all the stress of the day go away. It’s like a walking therapy session in a no judgement zone! She’s not judging me about anything I’m telling her, or how fast or slow I’m walking. She’s just happy we’re together, and so am I.

Not only is walking your dog a stress-reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also keeps both you and your dog healthy. It’s a great way for them to burn off some energy, and help with joint health and weight issues, especially if they just lie around all day while you’re at work. I know my girl comes running to the front door when I get home and can’t wait to get out there and go, go, go! Our time out walking is exercise for her and for me too, and what’s great is it doesn’t even really feel like I’m exercising. We usually walk for 30 minutes every morning and about 45 minutes every afternoon, which means that I’m getting an average of over an hour of exercise every day and she is too, which is a good thing as she’s a big fan of treats, and I haven’t mastered the art of saying “no” to her!

Another benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is socialization for both them and you! When you meet up with other dog people, there is almost always some sort of conversation that happens while your furry friends check each other out. It gives you an opportunity to make new friends and possibly even future playdates for your dogs. My dog is really friendly and will pretty much try to love on everybody she meets. There are a couple people in the senior community near my apartment who are always sitting outside when Cassidy and I are out, and she runs right up to them. They get such a kick out of it and love spending time with her, while she’s loving on them. It’s good for her and them!

Perhaps the greatest benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is the one-on-one time you have together. My dog is learning to trust me more when I say “it’s OK, I got you” if she sees a bigger dog, or a loud car or truck goes by and spooks her. I love when we’re walking and she’s ahead of me and stops and looks at me to make sure I’m there and then we continue on. It’s almost like she’s saying, “Come on, mom, let’s do this together.” Taking your dog for walks every day offers the opportunity for both of you to continue to bond, which helps create a strong and happy relationship. Your dog is also likely to be more well-behaved and listen to you better when you have a good, strong bond. It’s fun to watch her explore new things that she sees or smells, and sometimes I have to chuckle at her curiosity, especially when she’s looking at something and then looks up at me almost as if to say, “What’s this?” She’s made me try to look at the world with the same curiosity as she has, and it has made me a think about even the simplest things a little differently. Who knew walking your dog could do so much?

If you’re looking for a walking buddy, there are a lot of them waiting for you, and a new home, at Yavapai Humane Society! Visit our website at yavapaihumane.org to see all their pictures and then make an appointment at 928-445-2666 to come meet your new best friend. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Feeling the Love From Pets

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It’s a song we can sing to our pets and if they could sing, would sing along right back to us: I’m hopelessly devoted to you.

February is traditionally known as the month of love! If you need a little inspiration to understand and remember what unconditional love is, just take a look at your pets.

We’ve all heard the saying “a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself.” Just look into their eyes and you can feel that love. We can learn so much about love from our pets. Like pure devotion to you and you alone! They’ll cuddle up with you when you don’t feel good or had a bad day, they’re always ready to listen to you and they will never share your secrets. They will never leave you or disappoint you, and they only want to make you happy. They’re always excited to see you, they love to smother you with kisses and can’t wait to go for a walk together. They’re alw  ays ready to snuggle up on the couch with you and watch a good movie together and don’t care what movie it is as long as they get to spend time with you. Really, they’re just the perfect example of love!

They don’t care what we look like, what kind of car we drive, what kind of job we have or if we’re rich or poor. They don’t discriminate or hold grudges. However, they are great judges of character and can sense when danger is near. They can sense when we are sick and can help prevent medical emergencies. They can help us lower blood pressure by just petting them. They give emotional support to those who need it and even help the blind get around. They’ll run into a burning building to save you and will always protect you. Really, they’re just the perfect example of love!

The best part is they don’t expect anything from us except to love them back, keep them safe and of course, feed them. Yes, they love it when we play with them, take them for a ride, go out for an adventure or a special treat, but they don’t expect it! That’s what’s so great about our furry little family members, they just love us…because! So many lessons to be learned from these wise souls who have blessed our lives with such incredible love!

Now, we can’t forget about our furry little felines. Dog people think dogs hold all the love and devotion, but cats give just as much! I’m blessed to have both in my life, and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that my cats are as devoted and loving as my dog! Again, they don’t care what I’m wearing, if I have makeup on or if the house needs vacuuming! They greet me at the door when I come home, rub up against my legs while I’m making dinner, don’t let me go to the bathroom alone and give me endless head bumps while cuddling together.

Cats are also really tuned into our emotions and can be extremely comforting. I’ve had Pooh Bear for 12 years and I can tell you that every time I cry, he comes over to me, jumps on my lap and reaches up and wipes my tears! He looks at me and lets out a gentle little meow that just warms my heart. It’s like he’s saying, “It’s OK Mom, I’m here and I’ll make it all better.” And ya know what? He does! He listens to me tell him about why I’m crying or sad and he doesn’t judge me for it. He is just there for me no matter what! We need more people like that in our lives!

It’s why I don’t understand why people abandon their pets. Why would you give up the dog you’ve had for 10 years because he doesn’t get along with your new puppy? Why would you move to a new apartment/home and leave your beloved dog behind because they don’t accept pets? Why would you leave your dog chained up outside in the cold and not let them inside to cuddle with you and share a warm bed? These animals have feelings, emotions, feel pain and deserve to be loved as much as they love us, unconditionally! The love of a pet is like no other love we will ever know.

So, take a moment and look into your pet’s eyes and see the love and devotion they have for you. I’ll end this with words from a song from one of my favorite movies, “Grease.” It’s a song we can sing to our pets and if they could sing, would sing along right back to us: I’m hopelessly devoted to you.

If you’re looking for unconditional love and devotion, please make an appointment to visit Yavapai Humane Society and… feel the love. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

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If it’s too cold for you outside, it’s also too cold for your furry family member.

It’s time to get prepared: Winter is in full swing, and it brings the dangers of severe cold weather, snow, ice and even power outages. It’s a good idea to prepare a disaster/emergency kit and include your pet in those preparations. Be sure to have enough non-perishable food, water and any prescription medications for you and your pets (as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least five days.

Just like us, our pets like a nice comfy place to sleep and may change their location if they need more or less warmth. I have a small space heater in my bathroom and my cat curls up in front of it and stays there all day and night. Give them options that allow them to change their sleeping place to adapt to their needs. Just like us, they want (and deserve) a nice warm bed to sleep in!

We’ve all seen the heartbreaking pictures of dogs or cats left outdoors during winter storms and snow. Just don’t do it! Let them in. They’re your family, and you wouldn’t want to sleep out in that kind of weather, so why would you make your pet? It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resilient than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s simply not true. Just like us, they are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, and it can come on quickly. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in freezing weather. Some dogs love to go out and play in the snow and that’s fine, but don’t leave them out too long where you are putting them in danger! If they get too cold, it lowers their immune system putting them at risk of upper respiratory illnesses and colds, just like us! Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Smaller dogs, short-haired dogs and older dogs should wear a sweater or doggie parka to help keep them warm and doggie boots are always recommended because they protect their paws from the salt commonly used to de-ice sidewalks.

Speaking of their paws, check them regularly for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. When you get back inside after a walk, wash your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove deicers, antifreeze or other chemicals that could be toxic to reduce the risk of them being poisoned if they should lick their feet or fur. Antifreeze can be lethal. It tastes sweet to pets but it contains a toxic agent, so be aware if your dog starts sniffing around in a driveway or parking lot, because it’s possible someone may have spilled antifreeze and your dog could consume it. If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Finally, don’t leave your dog in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and can cause serious injury or even cause them to freeze to death. Just like in the summer where your car can literally turn into an oven, in the winter, it becomes a freezer.

What it comes down to is this: If it’s too cold for you outside, it’s also too cold for your furry family member. Taking a few extra minutes and some simple precautions can prevent discomfort, illness and injuries to your precious pet during this colder time of year. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Thankful for Community Support in Sheltering Animals

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It’s because of you, our animal loving community, we have the means to rescue and rehome animals each year.

The holidays are in full swing, and our days are full of celebrations with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on the year and remember all we accomplished and everything we are thankful for. All of us at Yavapai Humane Society are thankful for you, and we are proud and honored to be a part of this amazing pet loving community! As we prepare to leave 2022 behind us, Yavapai Humane Society would like to thank you all for the support and generosity you have shown us. Because of you, we are able to provide food, shelter, medical care and love for animals in our care until we are able to find forever homes for them. We couldn’t do our lifesaving work without you and we know there are many other amazing organizations to choose from and we are honored you have chosen to support us and our mission.

On average, it costs over $800 to care for each animal in our care. Your donations help to ensure we can continue to help every animal find a home of its own. During 2022, we celebrated our organization’s 50th anniversary and since 1972 we have rescued, sheltered, cared for, and found forever homes for over 120,000 animals!  And with your support we plan on helping homeless animals find their forever homes for at least another 50 years. It’s been an incredible journey and we look forward to what the future holds.

Because of your support during 2022, we were able to:

  • Find forever homes for close to 1,700 dogs, cats and horses (as well as goats, donkeys, rabbits, ducks and potbelly pigs).
  • Reunite over 500 lost cats and dogs with their owners.
  • Save 41 healthy horses designated for slaughter from a Southwest kill pen.
  • Maintain Charity Navigator’s highest rating for a non-profit.
  • Begin construction on our new Serenity House – the region’s first dedicated low-cost pet euthanasia center for the public to share their last precious moments with their pets.
  • Partner with Prescott Dog Magazine in this year’s highly successful Dogtoberfest and Walk for the Animals events.
  • Spay or neuter 1,177 cats and dogs under our care at the Sundog Campus.
  • Distribute over 14,000 pounds of dog and cat food at no cost to distressed pet owners through our Community Pet Food Pantry.
  • Provide temporary shelter and veterinary care for pets owned by families needing help.
  • Work directly with the City of Prescott, the Town of Prescott Valley and Yavapai County in providing sheltering services for over 1,500 animals handled by their Animal Control Departments.

We’d like to thank our local community business partners, Findlay Subaru and PetSmart, for their dedication to the animals and their constant and loyal support of Yavapai Humane Society.  Many organizations and local businesses have hosted their own fundraising for us this year and we are grateful for you. Kids have had lemonade stands, toy and food drives, and class projects for us, and we are grateful for you. Thank you for supporting our Thrift Store, which has become such an integral part of our community and our organization.

It’s because of you, our animal loving community, we have the means to rescue and rehome animals each year.  From every one of us, we thank you for continuing to support Yavapai Humane Society and for standing with us and loving the animals.

Because of the constant support from our community, our amazing team of passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers, we will continue to live and breathe our organization’s motto: “Caring for animals isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are.” From our family at Yavapai Humane Society, we thank you for your continued support and generosity and wish you a joyful holiday season filled with happiness, health, laughter, love, wagging tails and gentle purrs.

As the year comes to a close, we’d be honored if you would consider us in your year-end giving decisions. Yavapai Humane Society is a 501(c)3, which means all your donations are tax deductible. For more information on including us in your end of year giving, please call 928-445-2666 x118. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Having a Pet Will Do Your Heart and Mind Good

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Studies show that cats can also trigger calming chemicals in the body, decreasing stress and anxiety levels.

We live in a time where we are living stressful lives. Between our jobs or perhaps being out of work, our families, struggling with finances, health issues, the never-ending bad news on TV and all the time spent on our computers and social media, it’s important we take time for ourselves! We need to turn off everything, decompress and, for a lot of us, that involves spending time with our furbabies – instant relaxation for us and for them!

For most of us, but especially for our elderly and our veterans, a dog is sometimes a lifeline. Many soldiers return home with battle scars that are both seen and unseen. Dogs provide us with companionship, unconditional love, emotional support, helping to ease stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety. For most, the bonds made are immediate and forever, helping not only the humans but also the animals. Sometimes these animals need us as much, if not more, than we need them. It’s a beautiful and magnificent relationship!

Dogs help to increase mental well-being, enhance emotional health, ease loneliness, improve relationships, overcome trauma, encourage physical exercise, raise self-esteem, boost your confidence and help you to gain a new perspective on life and life experiences. Dogs also help to prevent social isolation because having a dog leads to more interaction with people. Think about it, when you’re out walking your dog, you tend to talk to people more than when you’re alone. Dogs “open a door” to conversation which, in this day and age, is welcome for all of us! It’s been proven that dog owners are happier and healthier because people/dog interactions result in an increase in dopamine levels in the brain of BOTH humans and dogs!

Lance, a Vietnam Veteran, said, “Some people think that a dog is just a dog. That may be true for those people, but not for me. I used to sit home alone and just let life pass me by. But now, having my dog, Hero, I have a reason to get up. Even if it’s just feeding him, or taking him for walks, he has truly motivated me to live again.” Alan, a Gulf War Veteran, said, “Bongo is more than just a friend. He’s my battle buddy. He’s my left hand. We’re connected by a leash, but it’s really our heartline and my lifeline. He’s more tuned into me and how I’m feeling than I am, and he knows more about me than I do sometimes. He lets me know what’s going on around me and he alerts me when my body is having health issues so I can take care of myself before there are severe consequences.”

There are many organizations that will help to match veterans with a companion dog. Soldier’s Best Friend is based in Arizona (soldiersbestfriend.org) but there are also organizations like Pets for Vets (petsforvets.com), too, that help with placement.

And let’s not forget about our furry felines. Studies show that cats can also trigger calming chemicals in the body, decreasing stress and anxiety levels. Plus, cat owners are less likely to be at risk for having a stroke than any other pet owner. Cats even reduce our risk of heart disease and heart attacks along with helping to reduce high blood pressure. Cats also help to boost immunity as exposure to pet dander and fur in the house results in increased resistance to allergens, decreasing the risk for allergies and asthma. Just like dogs, they are very perceptive to our emotions and illness. If I have had a bad day, I come home and sit on the couch, and my cat will jump right up in my lap. There is something very relaxing about sitting there, petting them, unwinding and even telling them about my day.

Not only does having a pet help you, but it also helps them. You’ve given them a home and they provide you many health benefits and, most importantly, unconditional love. They don’t talk back, they don’t judge us, and they love us more than they love themselves!

If you’re looking for your new furever friend, there’s a lot of great animals at Yavapai Humane Society just waiting for their furever home! Check out yavapaihumane.org for all the available animals and then make an appointment to come meet them. It’ll do your heart and mind good! QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Training Dogs and Their Humans

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This 6-week course will help all dog owners with some of the frustrations that come with the basic training of your dog.

Every dog could benefit from some basic training. And every dog owner could benefit from some basic training. The Behavior Team at Yavapai Humane Society not only works with our dogs helping them with any behavior issues they may be having but, they also provide Behavior Training Classes to YHS (Yavapai Humane Society) Alumni dogs and the public (even if you did not adopt from us). This six-week course is an important tool for all dog owners as it teaches the owner how to train their dogs.  Our Behavior Team is actually training you, so you have the techniques to better the situation at home and for the whole life of your dog by continuing what you’ve learned while working with your dog on a daily basis.

Carly Carothers, Behavior Supervisor, explains “We use the dog’s meals as rewards during training which trains the dog to value the owner as a resource. We focus on valuable lessons in basic obedience that will help dogs with impulse control, walking on a loose leash, and building a stronger bond between owner and dog.”

Week one starts off with clicker training, loose leash walking, focus, and recall. By using a clicker, it’s training the dog to know when they hear the click a treat will be involved which then makes it easier to train them in the behaviors/actions you want them to learn. You’ll also learn how to correctly communicate with your dog utilizing the transitional leash which is a K9 Lifeline product (a.k.a The Sidekick) offered through YHS. (And will be supplied to you through the training course). Another remarkable thing they do is training your dog to focus on you. This is done by having your dog sit in front of you while you put treats in both hands and hold your arms slightly out to the side and wait for your dog to give you direct eye contact. Clicker training is particularly important in this process and by following through with what the team shows you, you will have a very attentive dog. The other thing you will learn in week one is a come command, focusing on a structured recall.

Week two will have you learning sit, down, and place. Using the clicker, leash pressure and food you will learn how to teach these important commands. You will also learn how to be consistent in the process so your dog will retain what they learn. These commands can also help with behaviors like high anxiety and low impulse control dogs when practiced regularly.

Week three revisits your first 2 weeks and goes over what you have learned so far by having you demonstrate how you work with your dog in the home. The behavior team can offer insight on how to maximize your efforts through proper strategy and structure with your physical and vocal cues. Then you will start working on distance and duration for place commands and sit/down/stay. Also adding a release command to help with these topics and let your dog understand when the given command is through.

Week four you will learn things like leave it/drop it to help with playing games like tug and fetch with your dog and to stop many unwanted behaviors in your home. These lessons help with training your dog not to go after things on walks as well as further your ability to communicate with your dog.

Week five is also a review week to have you demonstrate your communication effectiveness. The behavior team will watch how your dog responds and how you respond with your dog, offering up any tips to help with advancing any communication barriers

Week six is a final test of simply going for a walk. You will take everything you have learned and apply these techniques in a real-world setting. A full understanding of how to apply these commands will give you better control in more public places and on walks with your dog as well as situations in the home.

Life for a shelter dog is stressful and taking home a dog that has been with us for an extended period of time can be a challenge. YHS is now offering this six-week training course to adopters of our long-term dogs (over 90 days in the shelter) at no cost. This allows you to learn all of the things it will take to make your dogs transition back into a home, a successful one.

This 6-week course will help all dog owners with some of the frustrations that come with the basic training of your dog. If you are interested in learning more about the training program, please contact us at 928-445-2666 and ask for the Behavior Department. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Time for a Walk (and THE Walk)

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The look she gives me is so precious and it’s like she’s saying, “I got ya, mom, we’re in this together!”

Don’t feel like going for a walk? Easy fix: get a dog! I’ve said it many times: I am not a fan of exercise, and it wasn’t really a big part of my life until I adopted Cassidy Roo. Now, there’s a minimum of an hour walking per day. I love it and, more importantly, Roo loves it, too! The Mayo Clinic states we should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest you spread this exercise out over the course of a week and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. And, by the way, walking does count as “moderate physical activity,” so it’s a win-win for you and your dog!

I know there are people out there who love going to the gym and can’t wait to go every day. I am NOT one of those people, so if taking my dog for a walk gets me my daily fitness requirements, bring it on! It doesn’t feel like exercise, it’s more like therapy! Our pets are some of the best therapists out there and it’s amazing how well they listen. They don’t judge us for anything we tell them, nor do they tell anyone, because with them, a secret stays put. I don’t know what it is but no matter what, just being out and talking to her while were walking makes everything better. The look she gives me is so precious and it’s like she’s saying, “I got ya, mom, we’re in this together!” It’s also a great bonding time for us and it helps to build her trust, confidence and socialization skills. It’s a chance to get my blood moving before a long day of work and a chance to unwind and decompress after work.

This time of year in Northern Arizona is absolutely spectacular. We’re lucky to have so many dog-friendly trails and hikes, the weather is perfect, and the colors Mother Nature provides are magnificent. It’s the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors! Speaking of being outdoors and walking, Yavapai Humane Society is having our Walk for the Animals this year after a two-year hiatus. We’re honored to be partnering with Prescott Dog Magazine and their annual Dogtoberfest event for the walk. Save the date: Sunday, Oct. 2 at Watson Lake. The Walk for the Animals will start at 9:30 a.m. prior to Dogtoberfest starting and when you finish your walk, you can join in on all the festivities happening at the event. We’re going to have a 1K and 3K route and it will be a day of fun for humans and dogs alike! What better way to get out there with your dog and enjoy nature and a fun day, all while helping support the animals and Yavapai Humane Society. Walk as an individual or form a team. There will be prizes for the highest fundraisers, best costumes, cutest dog, owner look-alike and more! Plus, there will be great entertainment, food trucks, vendors to visit, freebies, dogs available for adoption and so much more.

We’re really looking forward for this chance to get out and commune with nature, our dogs and each other while supporting YHS. Grab your phone and call your friends and start getting your teams together or just plan to all walk together! Your registration fee includes an awesome Walk for the Animals t-shirt and more goodies. For more information and to register, please visit yavapaihumane.org. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Giving Shelter Dogs a Second Look

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Perhaps that dog in the kennel is one of the most lovable, devoted and precious dogs a family will ever know.

Guess what? Dogs never wake up one day and decide they don’t love you or want you anymore. Apparently, some humans do, and we see it more often than you’d think. Like the family that had their dog its whole life but then found it didn’t get along with their new puppy, so they surrendered the one who’s been with them for 10 years. It’s unfathomable to me! You’d be surprised how many people literally trade in their old dog for a new one. How do you just walk away from a member of your family?

That dog has no idea what it did wrong, why it’s here, or what’s going to happen to it. It’s scared… and it’s waiting for you to come back for it.  But you’re not coming back, and here he sits every day while countless people walk by, not even giving him a chance because he’s older, and everyone wants the young ones and the puppies. Guess what? The younger ones and puppies all grow up and they’re going to get old, too!

So many dogs are overlooked every single day. They aren’t even given a chance to meet you because you walk by them. You see an old dog, you see a certain breed, you see them barking and jumping up or maybe you see them just laying on their beds doing nothing. You just keep walking past them. Do you think any of those dogs are judging you, like you’re judging them as you walk by their kennels? The dog isn’t in there thinking, “Hmmmm, that one’s too old to play with me, that one’s dirty, that one smells funny, that one looks mean, that one has black hair, so just walk on by me please, because I’m not interested in you.” Reality check: they don’t care what you do for a living, what kind of car you drive, how big your house is, what you look like, what you’re wearing or any of that. They only care that they have a safe home and a family that loves them. They only want to give you their unconditional love for the rest of their lives, to be beside you through good and bad times and to always make things better.

I don’t think you really understand what you might be walking past when you walk by their kennels, not even stopping to take a look. Perhaps that dog in the kennel you just walked by is one of the most lovable, devoted and precious dogs you’ll ever know. Take Gina, for example: she’s an 11-year-old American Pit Bull mix who’s been here since August of 2021, except for the 28 days she was adopted and returned for being dog reactive. Her original owners had her for 10 years but had to surrender her because they were moving! (Don’t even get me started!) She has awful kennel presence because she either just lays there against the door so you can’t really see her or she’s barking and jumping up. So, people just walk by and don’t even ask about her. Which is a mistake, because she’s the most lovable, precious, devoted, loyal and playful dog. She’s been hanging out with us in the Admin Building every day, following us around, lying in one of her three beds, munching on treats, coming to us for some loving and to have her back scratched. (She loves it and does this cute little thing with her back legs while we scratch. If you come meet her, you’ll see it.)  We take her out in the bark park and play with her and her favorite things, tennis balls! There’s no such thing as too many being thrown for that girl because she’ll fetch them all for you. IF she was just given a chance by everyone who’s walking by her kennel and only seeing an 11-year-old Pit Bull, they would see the REAL Gina and fall in love with her just like we have.  She’s playful yet chill, a little goofy, she likes learning new things and has even learned “shake” while hanging out with us.  She is so full of love and just wants someone to take her to her fur-ever home so she can be your best friend and chill with you!  rust me, we’d take her home in a heartbeat if we both didn’t already have our own menagerie of furry family members at our homes.

What’s the whole point of this article? Well, there are a couple of things. First, I’ll just go with the old cliché of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Second, you really don’t know what the story is on these animals here waiting for a home. Third, dogs never wake up one day and decide they don’t love you or want you anymore. FBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Protecting Your Pet from Heatstroke

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Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses for canines and one of the most lethal. It’s essential to learn the signs of heatstroke and how to treat it.

Summer in Arizona is very hot, and heat can be a pet killer. As temperatures rise, it’s important to take extra safeguards to keep our four-legged family members safe.

At 77 degrees outside, the temperature of the pavement is 125 degrees, and at 87 degrees, the temperature of the pavement is a whopping 143 degrees! An egg can fry at 131 degrees in just five minutes, so imagine how your dog’s paws feel walking on the hot ground.

Before you take Fido for a walk, press the back of your hand firmly on the pavement and hold it there for 7 seconds…if it’s too hot for you, it’s way too hot for them. Yes, sometimes they have to go out and you don’t have a choice; in that case, bring water so you can wet down their feet or body to cool them off. Try to walk your dogs earlier in the day or later in the evening when it’s a little cooler. If you see signs your dog’s paws are getting burned, carry them home if possible. Get cool compresses on their paws immediately along with cool towels on their body and call your veterinarian. A dog’s body is much closer to the ground than ours, which makes them more vulnerable to heat coming from the ground and overheating faster.

Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses for canines and one of the most lethal. It’s essential to learn the signs of heatstroke and how to treat it. Symptoms include raised body temperature, heavy panting, unstable walking, thick saliva or frothing, stiff posture, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, collapsing and shock.

There are several websites, including the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, with more information on signs to watch for and how to provide help. The dangers of heatstroke include seizures, coma, organ failure and even death. If your dog is showing any of the heat-related symptoms, get them inside, soak a towel in cool water and cover them with it. If they are thirsty, let them drink room temperature water (not cold, as you want to avoid sending them into shock) and call your veterinarian or animal hospital to let them know you’re coming.

Any hot environment can cause heatstroke in dogs, but the most common cause is a careless action by a pet owner, such as leaving a dog in a car or not providing water and shade to pets outdoors. Do not leave your dog in the car under any circumstances. Just think about how hot it is when you get in your car to go somewhere before you start it. It’s miserable! If it’s 75 degrees outside, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach 100 degrees inside the car! If it’s 85 outside, it only takes about seven minutes to hit 100! Even having the windows all the way down isn’t enough. If you’re going to take your dog somewhere with you, make sure dogs are allowed so you don’t have to leave them in the car where the possibility of heatstroke – or worse – can happen. I know many of us think, “I’m just running in for a second,” but sometimes you get in a store and there’s a long line or some other delay and by the time you get back to your car, it could be too late.

Some dogs are more prone to developing heat exhaustion, especially dogs who are older, overweight, or breeds that have more of a flat face, like pugs and bulldogs.

And let’s not forget about our furry feline friends who can suffer from heat related problems, too. Their body temperature is around 102 degrees Fahrenheit, but this doesn’t mean they’ll be safe or comfortable in a warm house. Cats can’t sweat like we do, so your feline friend needs to release heat constantly by lying on cool surfaces, panting and drinking cold water.

Make sure your cat is comfortable by doing a few things around the house:

Water evaporates faster in the summer, so keep bowls of cold water throughout your home.

Close the curtains to limit the amount of sun and heat that comes in. Not only will your kitty enjoy the shade, but you won’t be hit with a blast of heat when you get home. You can also keep a fan running in a couple of spots to keep your cat cooler during the day and circulate. I have mine set on a timer so they aren’t running all day, and it does help.

If you notice excessive panting, a rapid heart rate, sunken eyes, or little to no urine in your cat’s litter box, your pet may be dehydrated and/or suffering from heat exhaustion. Be sure to watch for heat exhaustion in cats with flat faces, if they are obese, have heart or lung issues, or are elderly.

Taking extra safety measures during hotter months and knowing what steps to take if your pets develop heat-related problems could ultimately be life saving to your furry family member! QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

We Can All Play a Role in Caring for Dogs

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Animals have feelings and can also sense ours. They feel pain and they can’t even tell anyone.

We’ve all seen the pictures and heard the stories about dogs tightly chained to a tree in the heat of summer or the frigid cold of winter – the dog shivering outside in the cold hoping to be brought inside to the warmth of a home and its family, the dog that is driven out to a remote area and dumped or that dog running after the car and then sitting there for days waiting for their person to come back for them. We also hear about the couple that lived next door and had a great dog but had to move because of “landlord issues,” so they just leave the dog there and drive away. Sadly, this happens every single day of the year! These animals have no idea what they’ve done wrong, why they’re being treated like they are and what’s going to happen to them. It’s heartbreaking.

I must confess – I’m writing this article because during the last couple of years I’ve been trying to figure out why some people can be so callous and cowardly when it comes to their pets. Most recently, there was a situation where a local family moved out of their home and left their family dog they’d had its whole life, chained alone inside the living room with no food, water or heat. After a couple days, a neighbor noticed he hadn’t seen the people and heard the dog crying and howling for help, and immediately called Animal Control to report it. This precious pup was brought to Yavapai Humane Society, where it was treated medically, given food, water, warmth and love, and has since found a new family that loves him beyond all belief. This dog is alive and prospering because of a caring person who decided to act and advocate for an animal that was in need. This person was a voice for that dog and, in reality, saved its life.

Something I will never understand is when families have a dog they’ve had its entire life and then get a new puppy and the puppy and the family dog don’t get along, so they decide to surrender the dog they’ve had for all those years. Do you think that dog isn’t confused, sad and heartbroken, wondering what it did wrong? I just don’t understand how some people can be so heartless. Some of these dogs are old, in poor health, some are deaf or blind and now, are away from the only family they’ve ever known. Prince was one of those dogs who was given up because his family got a new puppy. They’d had him for 10 years, so they basically traded him in for the new puppy! He was with us for a year and was overlooked every day. No one could understand why because he had the sweetest disposition, was loving, gentle and loyal. Gina and I brought him into our office every day and he’d hang out with us. He’d sit next to us and rest his head on our laps, follow us any time we got up to go to another room and wait for us outside the bathroom door. He needed to be the only dog in the home; otherwise, Gina or I would have adopted him in a heartbeat! But along came Robyn and Terry who had seen our posts about precious Prince on our social media. They came to meet Prince and it was love at first sight for all involved. Prince went right to them and, ya know what? Prince is now enjoying the sweet life with the people who are going to love him for the rest of his life and give him the family and home he deserves to have!

Dogs are some of the most loyal animals around. We’ve all seen the pictures of dogs lying on the sidewalk outside of a hospital, waiting for their person to come out. Or the dog that lies at the grave of his person, grieving and continuing to be loyal. I don’t know what we did as humans to deserve this kind of love and loyalty, but what I do know is those dogs deserve our love and loyalty in return for what they give us.

Believe or not, there are still people who think animals don’t have emotions, feel pain or loss, or get confused. There are still people who think “Oh, it’s just a dog.” No, it’s not “just a dog.” It’s a life, and more so, it’s a life that matters! This is the message I’m trying to share with you. Animals have feelings and can also sense ours. They feel pain and they can’t even tell anyone. We can be their voice, their advocate, their hero, the person that may even save their life. If you see something wrong, call and report it. If you hear something, call and report it. It takes all of us to make this world a better place for the animals who share this amazing place we call Earth. Whether it’s adopting them and giving them the life they deserve or helping them out of a bad situation. It’s up to us.

I had some t-shirts made for us at the shelter that say, “Caring for animals isn’t just what I do… It’s who I am.” If you’re still reading this, I know it’s who you are, too. For that, I say, “Thank you!” QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.