austindogandcat.com

austindogandcat.com

Sunday, January 30, 2011

This just makes me sick: Austin police looking into possible case of animal cruelty to feral cats

by JIM BERGAMO / KVUE NEWS
For years, Delwin Goss has been feeding the feral cats in one Southeast Austin neighborhood and making sure they get spayed and neutered. But late last week, he noticed something on two of the cats. "When I first saw them, I thought somebody had thrown a cup of water on them," said Goss. "But it was just hard, like a fiberglass resin or urethane or something, and it was just matted into his fur." Veterinarians at the Town Lake Animal Center had to shave off the fur that was covered and burned by the substance.

For Friends Who've Fed and (Attempted to Love) Feral Cats


Many austindogandcat.com friends have written over the years with questions about caring for feral cats that they "kind of" feel responsible for but can't really protect from the dangers of the outside world in their own backyards -- including that HOT Texas heat or those occasional freezes, like the one headed this way Wednesday. This outdoor kat kabin is worth considering -- particularly if being able to grab the cat and bring him indoors means risking losing a large portion of blood on your part. Karen Nichols at the Cat's Meow has reviewed the product and is conducting a give-away contest. Anyone can enter. Just write a comment detailing why you need the kabin. Hurry up. The deadline is January 31 at 11:49 p.m.(Pacific Time).

Friday, January 14, 2011

Wonder why Spot is hiding today? It's National Dress Up Your Pet Day


According to a handful of websites, including petstyle.com, today is National Dress Up Your Pet Day. I know of no events in connection with this alleged "day" in Austin. However, as any Austin pet lover knows, just about every day is dress up your pet day here.

I Have a Dream that someday homeless dogs and cats will find furrever homes on MLK Day


Queenie dreams of a furrever home
While Town Lake Animal Center will be closed for the holiday on Monday, January 17, the APA! Adoption Resource Center at 2807 Manchaca Road will be open from noon until 7 p.m. Its “name your own price” adoption rates continue throughout the long weekend. On Sunday, January 16 from 11 a.m to 6 p.m “Austinville 78704” will be celebrating their Grand Opening just across the street from the Austin Pets Alive! Adoption & Resource Center. Amy’s Ice Cream, Phil’s Ice House, The Soup Peddler & Juicebox will be donating 10% of sales during the event to the organization.

Austin-based Nulo at the Golden Globes


Red-carpet Rovers get nulo

Celebrity pets can now get their coats looking red-carpet ready thanks to Nulo, a natural pet food company. Nulo is the only pet-related company invited to provide gifts to 2011 Golden Globe Awards Nominees and Presenters at the event's Annual Gift Lounge. On Jan. 14 and 15 at The London West Hollywood, Nulo will treat 2011 Golden Globe Award Nominees and Presenters to samples of its cat and dog foods and treats, and the opportunity to order complimentary shipments of their pet's favorite recipes. Overall, honorees will take home more than $40,000 in luxury gifts, many of which will likely become "it" items in Hollywood, if past giveaways are any indication.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Nulo, as members of the entertainment industry are active, health-conscious and outspoken about the things they love - like their pets," said Nulo CEO Michael Landa. "We're honored to be part of the 2011 Golden Globe Awards Gift Lounge, and hope the Nominees and Presenters will spread the word about their pets' increased energy, happiness and coat luster."

Regular Rovers love nulo too. The company has an "ingredient transparency" philosophy, a laudable move considering most of what's for sale on the "Death Row" pet food aisle at your typical local chain grocery comes from China.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Microchips help reunite two Austin cats with owners


source: REBEKAH HOOD / KVUE.com

Slinky, an indoor cat, accidentally got out and was found living under a shed. When her owner was contacted, it was discovered Slinky had been missing for nine weeks. A microchip helped unite Slinky with her owner. Microchipping is a safe, permanent identification that can save a pet's life. The Austin Humane Society will be holding a low cost microchip clinic on Friday, Jan. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 124 W. Anderson Lane.

I'm impressed: Iams Home 4 the Holidays 2010 pet adoption campaign saved more than 1.1 million homeless animals


More than 1,125,667 animals were adopted between Oct. 1 and Jan. 4 through more than 3,500 animal organizations from around the world. Forever homes were found for:
593,146 dogs
509,470 cats
23,051 other animals
Source: iamshome4theholidays.com

Psychology Prof says studies suggesting pets make us healthier are flawed


In this editorial, "Fido No Doctor. Neither is Whiskers," published earlier this month in the New York Times, a psychologist questions the validity of studies that indicate that animal owners are happier, healthier people. What rubbish! People who aren't even sick feel better JUST looking at photos of cats and dogs. Take a look at that photo of a puppy (above) or this video of a sheltie and cat play fighting.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Shelter needs your old towels, blankets to keep animals warm during cold snap



from Kathryn Sharp, TLAC Rescue Coordinator
1156 W. Cesar Chavez
Austin, Tx 78703
512-972-6064
www.getapetnow.com
tlac.rescue@ci.austin.tx.us

According to the news today, we may be looking at a cold snap of weather next week. And this one is expected to last several days. This means TLAC will be going through piles and piles of laundry and blankets (they have to be washed daily). It's a challenge to keep up with it all-even with our industrial sized washer and dryer, the laundry piles up fast. Because of this, a surplus of blankets, beds, etc will be needed to keep the animals warm. What works best? Well, twin sized fat blankets work great, big FAT FLUFFY towels and small to medium sized warm comfy beds they can snuggle into are great! The really big beds won't fit inside our kennels. We can also use doggie SWEATERS!!! All sizes are needed to keep the pooches as warm as possible.

Donations can be left in the yellow barrels (not the blue one!) in front of the Lost and Found offices, you can also take them inside the Davenport building-there should be a barrel next to the soda machine.