VOTE NOW!

I’ve written before about the Purina/Kroger “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” campaign which donates money to animal welfare organizations across the country.  And I’m all for touting other campaigns that help raise awareness of and funds for other groups that help our four-legged friends.  Here’s one that recently crossed my inbox from the Pepsi Refresh Project … check it out and support a group near and dear to a family friend — Power Paws for Kids.  They could receive $5,000 if selected among the top 20 groups.  Vote daily!

http://www.refresheverything.com/powerpaws
 

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Purina (client) Launches 3rd Annual Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart

Ok, so once again it’s been awhile since I posted.  But, what can I say?  It’s summer and I’d rather be spending my time outside, taking Leo on nightly walks and naps in the grass.

If you’ve read my blog before, you’ve probably heard me talk about “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart.”  Through the campaign, which sponsored by Purina and the Kroger family of stores, 18 animal welfare organizations will receive a total of $150,000.  How it’s split up is up to you!  Go to www.talesforthepetloversheart.com to vote for your organization’s favorite pet tale.  Voting ends July 31 at which time, Trista Sutter of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” will help Purina and Kroger select the ultimate pet tale and organization to receive $50,000 of the total donation.

Here’s a clip featuring Trista talking about her pet tale on PeoplePets.com.

Happy pet tales!

(NOTE:  Purina is a client.)

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The Basset Hound

I enjoy listening to Chicago’s 101.9 FM on my way to work. Earlier today, hosts Eric and Kathy were talking about Chicago Blackhawks’ player Patrick Sharp and his Basset Hound puppy “Shooter.” Here’s a picture as originally posted on WTMX.com. Isn’t he adorable?

After looking at his paws, I’m curious how big Basset Hounds get. I’d love to hear your Basset Hound pet tales. In the meantime, check out the 2009 footage from Purina’s Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart campaign (last video clip on the page). The TV special included a great story of one pet photographer and her encounter with a group of Basset Hounds in Seattle.

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Holiday Pet Safety 101

The twinkle of lights and sprinkle of mistletoe may be nice this time of year, but don’t forget to be mindful of your pets this season.  The constant changing environment may create unnecessary stress for dogs and cats.  According to a recent press release, PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance offers the following safety tips. 

Common Holiday Dangers:

TASTES: Chocolate, alcohol, raisins, Christmas tree preservative

SCENTS: Candles, liquid potpourris

CHEWABLES: Holiday lights, electrical cords, batteries

SIGHTS: Holiday decorations, ornaments, ribbon, foil wrapping paper

SURROUNDINGS: Christmas tree, American holly, Mistletoe

Even a small amount of chocolate or alcohol can make dogs and cats severely ill. Each of the dangers listed have the potential to cause mild to severe symptoms in pets, from digestive problems to death.

Signs of Stress:

Hyper-salivation or drooling

Soiling the pet owner’s belongings

Chewing or scratching at doors or crate

Non-stop howling, barking, meowing

Compulsive grooming or licking

Tearing up furniture or pushing items off counters

Some ways to help your dogs and cats endure the stress of the season is to maintain a normal leash/walking schedule and give positive reinforcement with praise and treats for appropriate behavior.

What are your favorite holiday pet tales?  I’d love to hear them or see photos of your pet enjoying his/her Christmas treats.

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Want Your Pet to be on TV?

As mentioned in my post “What’s Your Pet Tale?” Purina is celebrating the bond between people and their pets through a campaign called “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart.”  As part of the campaign, the company is creating a TV special featuring endearing pet tales from pet lovers across the country. 

Now is your chance to submit your story for consideration in the TV special.  Visit http://www.talesforthepetloversheart.com/your-pet-tales.htmlto submit your story, photo and/or video.  Tales must be submitted by Monday, August 31 for consideration.  Who knows, maybe your “Fido” or “Tiger” will make the cut!!

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My Latest Find …

Has anyone else read the book “All My Patients Have Tales?”

All My Patients Have Tales

 

While I’m only a quarter of the way into the book, the book chronicles Dr. Jeff Wells’ life-changing experiences with animals.  From a close encounter with a feral cat to diagnosing a Doberman with an intestine full of grass hoppers, the stories are endearing, heartfelt and often funny. 

 

Wells’ story made me think of the Purina “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” campaign (See July 1 post), which celebrates the unique bond between people and their pets.  Like Wells, every animal lover has a special story to tell!  I’m thinking of mine now … what’s your’s?

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What’s Your Pet Tale?

When the “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” assignment crossed my desk (*NOTE: I must be up front in saying that I handle some PR for Purina), I was head-over-heels.  It’s perfect for me!  Not only am I an animal enthusiast, but I also love sharing news of programs that support animal welfare groups. 

 

Purina and Kroger foods have teamed up for the second year to launch the “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” campaign.  This year, the campaign will donate $150,000 to animal welfare groups across the country, plus raise additional money for every pet tale that is submitted via the campaign Web site.  As part of the campaign, six pet lover’s stories will be shared during a national television special this fall.  I don’t have complete station or air dates to share at this time, but I can guarantee that this will be a must-see television special complete with endearing stories of love, companionship and friendship between people and their pets. 

 

The campaign inspired this post and made me wonder how many different pet tales people have.  My pet tale (like your’s I’m sure!) is special.  We adopted our first dog, Leo, from the Wisconsin Humane Society in December 2007.  Leo, a Yorkshire Terrier mix, immediately became a member of our family.  But it wasn’t without some hardships.  Leo suffered from severe separation anxiety and crate training was a difficult process.  We worked closely with our veterinarian and Dog Gone Good Dog Training to ensure that Leo adjusted to his new home and was safe.  Despite accidents in the crate and distruction of toys, blankets and more, we were committed to following the training steps and giving Leo the love he needed and the discipline he was seeking.  As he approaches his second birthday later this month, we look back at the first days having him in our home and smile.  He’s simply the BEST!

 

I know every pet lover has a tale.  What’s your’s?  Is it with your dog, cat, horse, bird, or other pets?  Share it online and on Facebook.

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