What is a Service Dog?

What is a Service Dog?

September is National Service Dog Month! It’s also a good time to answer one of the most commonly asked questions on this topic: What exactly IS a Service Dog?

According to the Department of Justice (the agency that regulates and protects Service Dogs under section III of the Americans with Disabilities Act), a Service Dog is trained to perform tasks that a disabled person cannot do, or tasks that alleviate the effects of a person’s disability.  For example, a Service Dog may be trained to dial 911, alert a diabetic handler to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels, retrieve dropped items, guide a blind handler, or provide physical stability to a handler with mobility or balance issues.  A Psychiatric Service Dog might physically block a handler in a dissociative state from walking into dangerous situations, or may redirect a handler who suffers from panic attacks or PTSD.  By law, the behaviors that designate Service Dogs must be learned behaviors, as opposed to behaviors a dog may naturally display. For example, a dog whose mere presence provides comfort to a handler with an anxiety disorder is NOT a Service Dog. While such a dog may qualify as an Emotional Support Animal, or ESA, these animals are not granted the same rights and privileges as a Service Dog.  For more information, visit www.ada.gov/serviceanimals.

Meet Aya, Our September Pet Of The Month!

September is National Service Dog Month, and to celebrate, we’re featuring Aya, our September Pet of the Month! Aya is a three year old German Shepherd who assists her handler in overcoming mobility issues. Because of Aya, her owner is able to enjoy a quality of life that was previously impossible. For more information on Service Dogs, please visit www.ada.gov/serviceanimals.

Congratulations, Aya! Keep up the great work, and share with your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

Aya assists her handler, Sheila at the grocery store.

It's Back To School Time!

Summer is a time when many families decide to bring home a new pet.  When children are home from school, and routines are more relaxed, more time can be spent helping the new pet adjust, and teaching children about the responsibilities of pet ownership.  When the school year starts, and routines change drastically, the pet can easily become confused or develop separation anxiety.  This is especially true of pets who were brought home as puppies or kittens, and are now entering adolescence.

If you suspect your pet has the back-to-school blues, be sure to include them in the morning routine.

Feed them one of their main meals at this time, as they are more likely to sleep throughout the day if their belly is full.  Designate a special toy that is only given to them by the children, and only as the children are leaving for the day.  Look for toys marketed as food  puzzles or brain teasers that will allow your pet to entertain himself.  A “cat sitter” DVD with images of birds and squirrels can keep a bored kitty entertained for hours.  Allow both pets and children to play together and blow off steam as soon as the kids get home.  When it’s time for homework, encourage the pet to sit quietly near the children as they study.  Making the afternoon routine predictable and fun will give your pets something to look forward to, and make it easier for them to cope with being alone all day.

Dogs and Swimming

A question I am often asked during the summer is whether or not all dogs instinctively know how

to swim.  Many breeds of dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and

Portuguese Water Dogs are both physically built and genetically wired for swimming, while

many other breeds do not fare nearly as well.  Dogs with deep chests, such as Boxers,

Weimaraners, and Great Danes are naturally top heavy, and may or may not be strong enough

to make up for this natural imbalance.  Brachycephalic, or “smushy-­faced” breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers tend to be very poor swimmers and are common victims of

drownings.  While some of these dogs may enjoy the water, my recommendation is to only allow

swimming if the dog is wearing a life ­vest, on a leash, and very closely supervised.

While Dachshunds are not generally a water-­loving loving breed, our little Grendel is a skilled

and enthusiastic swimmer! That being said, she has yet to figure out how to budget enough

energy to return to shore before running out of energy. This is not an uncommon problem, so

dog owners should be certain to teach their dogs how to reach the side of the pool and climb out

unassisted. Consider installing a doggie pool ramp and teaching your dog where it is and how to

use it.  Dogs that swim in natural bodies of water must be taught to return to you on command

without exception.  Since Grendel will not do this consistently, she is only allowed to swim in the

bay attached to a long, extendable leash.  As she ages, we are more inclined to add the life

vest.  It is important to remember our dog’s changing physical abilities as each new summer

rolls around.  Dogs that are elderly, blind, deaf, or prone to seizures must never be left

unattended near any bodies of water or unfenced pools.

Meet Leia, Our August Pet of the Month!

Leia was adopted last month from Miami Dade Animal Services. Leia rules the roost in her new home, and her favorite place to be is on top of her new dad’s head! Leia has plenty of friends looking for forever homes in our shelter. If you’ve thinking of adopting a furry friend, check out our social media platforms for details, using the hashtag #ClearTheShelters.

Congratulations Leia and share with your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

It's National Mutt Day!

Why We Love Mutts

July 31st is National Mutt Day! Here are just a few of the reasons why we love mutts.

They’re one of a kind

With all the genetic mixing that goes into the creation of a mutt, even two puppies from the same litter can look completely different. Chances are, you’ll never meet another dog that looks exactly like yours.

They tend to have fewer congenital health problems

While this has never been scientifically proven, or even studied, most vets agree that mixed-breed dogs have fewer breed specific problems than their purebred counterparts. Problems that we do see in mutts, tend to be less pronounced and easier to treat. For example, a German Shepherd mix with hip dysplasia is may respond beautifully to supplements and a change in exercise routines. A purebreed, however, is more likely to need expensive orthopedic surgery. Pet insurance companies would seem to agree, as mutts are cheaper to insure. Which leads to the next point.

They’re a heck of a bargain

Mutts are often adopted from shelters for a modest adoption fee. Additionally, they are usually spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, heartworm tested and vaccinated before they leave the shelter. This saves hundreds of dollars in veterinary “start-up costs”. And did we mention they’re cheaper to insure?!

They’re great conversation starters

Whether it’s a trip to the dog park or a dog-friendly social event, someone is bound to ask “What kind of dog is that?” Instant ice-breaker!

You probably saved a life

Mixed breed dogs rarely make it out of shelters alive. And mutts seem to know it. Your reward? Unconditional loyalty and love, the likes of which you’d never imagined.

What do you love about your mutt? And don’t be shy! Send us a picture! We’d love to meet your mutt! 
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It's National Pet Fire Safety Day!

It’s National Pet Fire Safety Day!

According to the National Fire Protection Association,  roughly 1,000 house fires per year are accidentally started by pets.  While this number seems high, it’s a bit easier to fathom when you factor in all the ways in which our pets get into trouble.  Since today is National Pet Fire Safety Day, let’s talk about some ways to keep the whole family safe.

Switch to Flameless Candles

Many house fires are started when candles are knocked over by agile cats, or swept to the floor by dog’s wagging tail. It’s so easy to forget about a burning candle. Give yourself one less thing to worry about and switch to flameless varieties.

Cover Stove Knobs

A surprisingly high number of house fires are caused by “counter surfing” pets who accidentally turn on stove tops! Since toddlers and small children are guilty of this as well, there are many products on the market that turning on the stove impossible for both human kids and fur-kids.

Be Mindful of Electrical Cords

Dogs, puppies, kittens, cats, house rabbits - they all LOVE chewing and playing with electrical cords. Keep them out of your pet’s reach and consider securing pets in crates, or separate rooms when you are not at home.

Keep Crated Pets Near a Window or Door

This will make it easier for firefighters to reach them, which increases their chances of being rescued from a fire. Keep leashes nearby as well, as this can save precious time in a rescue situation.

Alert Firefighters to Your Pet’s Presence

If you don’t think firefighters are willing to risk their lives to save an animal, think again! That being said, make it a bit easier for them. If you’re calling in a fire, let them know how many pets you have and where they are located. Better yet, place “Save My Pet” decals on your windows. While we hope this type of advice is never needed, it’s always better to safe - and prepared - than sorry.