Fun Ferret Facts!

Here at Best Friends Carmel we have had our friendly ferret Trinity with us for several weeks, and we have all grown to just love her! She loves to come out and play and cuddle with our staff, but spends a lot of her time snoozing in her cozy bed. Since we always post about the doggies and kitties, we thought we would share some interesting information about our ferret friends that we found at Ferret Central:

Ferrets are domestic animals, cousins of weasels, skunks and otters. They are not rodents--it is easiest to think of them as somewhere between cats and dogs in personality, but much smaller. They are friendly and make excellent pets! They are fun, playful (especially with each other), very inquisitive and very friendly. They can be trained to use a litter box and do tricks, and most of them love to go places with their owners. Ferrets sleep a lot and are most active at dawn and dusk.  Barring accidents, ferrets typically live between 6 and 10 years.

There are some negatives however, in that they require a lot of care and training at first. They have their own distinct scent, which bothers some people, and may not be as good at the litter box as cats. Although most get along reasonably well with dogs and cats, it is not guaranteed; you should keep that in mind if you own large or aggressive pets.

The importance of "ferretproofing" cannot be stressed enough; ferrets LOVE to get into everything! They love to steal objects and hide them under chairs and other furniture, and also like to chew on spongy, springy things that must be kept out of their reach to prevent swallowing. Ferrets may scratch or dig at the carpet, and they love to crawl into small spaces. Keep all these things in mind when considering a ferret--if you are not willing to take the time to protect both your property and pet, a ferret may not be the pet for you. Remember too that there are places known as FFZ's (Ferret-Free Zones) where ferrets are illegal or banned, so be sure to check with your state/county.

For more information and answers to common ferret questions, visit www.ferretcentral.org/faq .    Feel free to stop by Best Friends and meet Miss Trinity too!  :-)

Spotting the Signs of Dogfighting

Due to the conviction of Michael Vick and his recent release from home detention, the national spotlight has been focused on the cruelty of dogfighting. Dogfighting has been a thriving industry for many years, but the Humane Society of the United States reminds us there are many ways we can help:

1. The Humane Society offers up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting.

2. If you suspect dogfighting in your neighborhood, alert local law enforcement.

3. Write to your legislators and urge them to impose stricter laws and support better funding for the enforcement of animal fighting laws.

4. Write letters to the editors of local papers about cruelty and the dangers of dogfighting.

These are just some of the ways we can help--visit http://www.humanesociety.org/ for more information and in the meantime, be alert for signs of dogfighting in your community:

--an inordinate number of pit bulls being kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized

--dogs with scars on their faces, front legs, hind end and thighs

--dogfighting training equipment, such as treadmills (used to build dogs' endurance), "break sticks" (used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle)

--unusual amount of foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours.

(from The Humane Society of the United States 11/2/09)

Spring Break Travel Plans??

HURRY!!! Best Friends Carmel is almost full for Spring Break boarding! Come and take a tour of our spacious indoor/outdoor, climate controlled boarding facility, anytime during regular business hours:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

While you're away on vacation, why not treat them to a vacation too?! We have many different activities and amenities to choose from, including playtimes, playgroup, cuddetimes, ice cream breaks, suite treats, bedtime stories and more!

For those pets that may do better in their own environment, we also offer in-home pet care for dogs, cats, birds and small cage animals. Our home care associates are bonded, insured and experienced in the care of many different types of animals. For more information, visit our home care website at http://www.bestfriendshomepetcare.com/ or call (317) 848-7387. We look forward to serving you and your best friends over Spring Break!

Pet of the Week!

Bailey Webber

Hello there!  My name is Bailey and I'm smiling because there is just SO much for me to be happy about!  Can you believe that I am almost 15 years old?!?!  I know, I know, I definitely don't look it!  It must be because I am so well taken care of and thoroughly loved.

When my Mommy and Daddy go out of town they want to make sure that I get a vacation too! That’s why they have been bringing me to visit all of my pals at Best Friends Pet Care for ages and ages. As a regular boarder here, I’m what you would call a V.I.D. - very important doggy, of course.  Mom and Dad always arrange for me to have cuddletimes and sometimes I even get doggy ice cream!!! My friends here know me so well and are always so overjoyed to see me!  I love coming to visit them because I always get the best of the best!

Give a Day, Get a Day!

As if the happy tail wags and content purrs were not enough thanks for all of the help that volunteers give to Indianapolis Animal Care and Control, Disney is now offering a special deal to all who volunteer!  In an effort to inspire 1 million people to volunteer, Disney is giving a 1-day, 1- theme ticket to every person that gives a day of service at the IACC facility. 

This is a win- win situation for everyone- animals and volunteers included!   Help the homeless animals in our city and earn a day of fun at a Disney theme park!  Contact Indianapolis Animal Care and Control today at (317) 327-1397 to sign up!

In Memoriam...

Sadly, we lost one of our own dear friends this past week....

Lucious belonged to our groomers, Olga and Ken, and several days ago they had to make the heart-breaking decision to let him go. Although he was only 5 years old, Lu had begun to suffer from frequent seizures and hip dysplasia; he was just no longer himself. We all loved him; he was a Caucasian Ovcharka--a special breed and most definitely a special dog. It is therefore in his honor that we refer everyone to some tips on how to cope with the loss of a pet. Our prayers go out to Olga, Ken and the rest of their brood who survive Lu: Fancy, Isis, Rosie, Maggie, Sugar, Rocky and Kisa, Chopper the Hamster and The Fish :-)   

Please visit:

10 Tips For Coping With The Loss of a Pet :

(Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed  http://www.pet-loss.net/)

We also thought we would share a favorite poem of ours that has been a comfort to us, and surely to anyone who has felt the heartbreak of losing a pet:

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

(author unknown)

Goodbye Lu....we will all miss you! :-(

Wine, Wags and Whiskers 2010

The Humane Society for Hamilton County is holding a special event on Friday, March 5th from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at The Mansion at Oak Hill, located at 5801 E. 116th Street in Carmel. Tickets are $55 per person, which includes the opportunity to taste over 30 fine wines, sample delicious hors d'oeuvres and hear Jennie DeVoe live in concert!

A silent auction will be held with specialty wines available for sale. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and if you are a HSHC member, you are eligible for a 10% discount.

Tickets may be purchased at the Humane Society, Monroe Bank in Noblesville or by calling (317) 219-4630.

Go and mingle for a great cause!

Black Dogs.....Bad Rap?

Black dogs are commonly the last, if at all to be adopted...many are left in shelters and passed up for whatever misconception:

• Harmful superstitions (many people think they are "bad luck" or associate them with other negative superstitions)
• Negative labels
• Fear (many people think black dogs are more aggressive or dangerous)
• Just too ordinary
• Overheat more quickly in outdoor sports/competition

According to "Contrary to Ordinary", there is an actual name for this syndrome: "Black Dog Syndrome," and it prevents many dogs from finding forever homes. Here at Best Friends Carmel we celebrate ALL dogs, and wanted to share a few of our black dog (and kitty) friends:

What's not to love????

Fun Times at Best Friends Carmel!

Today we thought it would be nice to just post some pictures of the doggies (and kitties) having fun here at Best Friends Carmel:

Pet of the Week

Jake Drics

Hi!  My name is Jake Drics and I am an 8 year-old Alaskan Malamute.  I have been visiting my buddies at Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel for years and I LOVE it here!  My pals at Best Friends Carmel are always so cheerful and excited to see me.  I am always so happy to see them too and I'm never without a smile:)  I like to talk to everyone here and they really seem to get a kick out of my voice- as a Malamute, I love to howl!  When I'm not chatting with the staff or taking my afternoon nap, I enjoy going out for my playtimes.  My family knows how much I enjoy going for a stroll so they schedule a daily walk for me!  I am such a lucky boy!  I love my buddies at Best Friends Carmel and I know they really love me too!

Valentine’s Day Playgroup excitement!!!

Love was in the air at Best Friends Carmel this past weekend as pooches romped and wrestled in our Valentine’s Day Playgroup! There wasn’t much time for hugs and kisses with all of the playing to be done, but new friends were made, toys were shared amongst old friends and sparks flew between a certain pair of pups.

Opposites really do attract and our lovely lab friend, Ellie Leach, and her Cocker Spaniel beau, Frank Shedlocke, illustrated this perfectly. We think everyone’s a winner here, but paws down, Frank and Ella won our “Cutest Canine Couple Contest”.

Future playgroup parties are in the works and since you don’t want your pooch to miss out on all the fun, call our office at (317) 848-7387 to book your reservations and schedule playgroup and other activities, or visit us on the web at http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/

Valentine's Day Pet Safety

Valentine's Day is finally here, so we wanted to remind everyone one last time of some very important safety tips for your pets today. While many traditions make our Valentine's Day more enjoyable, they can cause potentially serious problems for our furry friends:

Chocolate: While you may indulge over this sweetest of holidays, many types of chocolate, including baker's, semi-sweet, milk and dark chocolate can cause potentially life-threatening problems for our pets. Remember to keep chocolate out of reach.

Dangerous flowers and plants: All species of lilly are potentially fatal to cats, so when sending flowers to a cat owner, make sure to eliminate them from the bouquet. If you receive flowers, make sure you remove any dangerous plants first.

Candlelight: Be sure not to leave any candles or fires burning unattended; both cats and dogs can be curious and easily burn themselves by knocking over a candle.

Gift Wrap: After opening any gifts you may receive , be sure to gather up any paper, ribbons, bows etc. that can be potential choking hazards to animals.

.....and while it may seem like a good idea, buying a new pet for someone else for Valentine's Day should be carefully considered. Pet ownership is an enormous commitment and choosing one for someone else may not always turn out the way you want it to. For more information on Valentine's Day safety tips, visit the ASPCA website. Have a safe and Happy Valentine's Day!

Cracking Down on Animal Cruelty...

By a vote of 71 to 26, the Indiana House of Representatives passed H.B. 1258, which strengthens our state's animal cruelty laws. The bill was introduced by Rep. Linda Lawson, R-Hammond, and will give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to crack down on animal cruelty as follows:

--Requires pet stores to provide information to customers about the animal's history
--Requires shelter that protects horses from the elements
--Makes the promotion of a dogfighting or cockfighting event a predicate offense under the racketeering statute
--Makes it a Class D Felony to attend a dogfight or cockfight.

The House is now urging the Senate to pass this piece of legislation quickly: "..we have worked hard to make this bill acceptable by members on both sides of the aisle," Lawson said, .."we hope now the Senate will join us in sending a message that Indiana is not a safe haven for those who abuse, mistreat or fight animals."

Anne K. Sterling, Indiana State Director for the Humane Society of the United States says: "we applaud legislators for taking action to crack down on the entire cast of characters involved in animal fighting, and to protect pets and consumers by ensuring that people have information regarding the origins of puppies in pet stores."

Best Friends applauds them too!

(From http://www.humanesociety.org/)

Colts Playgroup Fun!!

Despite the Colts' devastating loss to the Saints in the Superbowl, the pups at Best Friends Carmel had an absolute blast in their Superbowl playgroup! Everyone showed off their best Colt's gear, and Rudy Tellus took the prize for having the most team spirit!

We hope these doggies and more will join us for our upcoming Valentine's Day playgroup coming up this weekend, and there's always next year for our Colts....:-)

Home Care Services

Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel, a leader in pet boarding, grooming and training, offers in-home pet care as well! Whether you are stuck at the office and need a mid-day walk, or you are planning an extended vacation, let the trusted pet care professionals at Best Friends care for your pet like we would our very own!

Oftentimes, pets do better in their own environment, so rather than bringing them to us, let us come to you! We are bonded, insured and experienced in caring for dogs, cats, birds, fish and small cage animals. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (317) 848-7387 or visit us on the web at http://www.bestfriendshomepetcare.com/

Indiana Works to End Animal Cruelty

(from http://www.humanesociety.org/ and http://www.in.gov/)


Animal lovers everywhere can rejoice in the actions of
Indiana’s House of Representatives. Within this past week, and with strong support of The Humane Society of The United States, they have approved a bill that will strengthen laws against animal cruelty and neglect.

The law would require retail pet stores to provide the history and health information to each person that purchases a dog or cat. It would also require that each pet store pass on a copy of the sale form to the board of animal health.

This law is not just looking out for all of the cats and dogs that are sold from pet stores. The bill would also require all horse owners to provide access to a shelter that would protect them from the elements.

Last, but not least, this law would make it a Class D felony to attend a dogfight or cockfight.

Rep. Linda Lawson, who introduced H.B. 1258 to Indiana’s House of Representatives, says “we hope now that the senate will join us in sending the message that Indiana is not a safe haven for those who abuse, mistreat or fight animals.”

Read more about this new law at www.in.gov/legislative or http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_release

Notre Dame Student Aids Feral Cat Population

(from Chicagotribune.com/South Bend Tribune):

A Notre Dame theology student has taken her concerns about the feral cat population and turned it into a program that traps and sterilizes felines to reduce their numbers. Since September, the Michiana Feral Cat Society has trapped and neutered 66 cats in the South Bend area. Devon Smith, who operates the program, says: "most of them are doing ok on their own, just like a raccoon, so we let them live where they are but spay and neuter them."

When Smith moved into her home on South Bend's east side approximately two years ago, she said she noticed the area had an unusually large population of wild cats. She began spaying and neutering those cats, but soon realized more needed to be done. "It just became abundantly clear to me that this area needed a trap-neuter-return program," she says.

As an alternative to euthanasia, trap-neuter-return has gained momentum in the past few decades, and is endorsed by both the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States. The programs generally target established cat colonies; cats are trapped and brought to veterinarian clinics, where they are sterilized, vaccinated for rabies and treated for any injuries or illnesses. The cats are then returned to their colonies, although whenever possible, kittens and friendly adults are placed for adoption.

Smith's group does its trapping on Friday evenings, keeping the cats overnight and often in Smith's basement. On Saturday, it takes the animals to the Anderson Feline Population Reduction Center in Beverly Shores, where they are treated for just $35. This is of course a huge savings, as these services would normally cost $150 or more.

For more information locally, visit http://www.facespayneuter.org/

MAKEOVER OF THE MONTH

TIFFANY SACHS

Hi! My name is Tiffany and I'm a Shih Tzu (although I didn't look like one for awhile until I came back to Best Friends Carmel for my regular grooming appointment!) I've been coming to see my favorite groomer Olga Kudinova for many, many years now, and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else! Look at how pretty she made me:

WOW! I can see again! :-)

Pet of the Week

BOO WEBB

Yes, I AM the cutest puppy you've ever seen!! My name is Boo, and I am a 5-month old white Lab that loves to run, jump and play, play, play at Best Friends Carmel! Although I can hold my own with the boys, I am in fact, a girl :-) I absolutely love to give kisses and hugs to anyone who will let me, and since I'm so adorable, that's pretty much everyone! I've only been coming to Best Friends for a short time now, but I have so much fun here that I won't go anywhere else when my owners are away...my parents always get me cuddletimes AND playtimes so I get lots of attention from the staff; they know I'm a growing girl and need my exercise.

I love it here!!

Valentine's Day Playgroup Party!!!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and to show your pet how much you truly love them, include them in our Valentine's Day Playgroup Party!!!  Treat your pooch to an afternoon of fun and play with their best doggy friends.  We will also be hosting a "Cutest Canine Couple Contest" where each pet can model their Valentine's Day costumes for a special photo shoot.  Winners will have their pictures posted on our blog and each puppy parent will receive their own complimentary photo.  Our Cutest Couple winners will also receive a special dinner for two on this, the most romantic of occasions!

Call our office at (317) 848-7387 to book your reservations and schedule playgroup and other activities, or visit us on the web at http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/

Superbowl Playgroup Party!!

As you can imagine, we are all excited for the upcoming Superbowl between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints (and of course, the Colts will prevail!)...in honor of Superbowl weekend, dogs who stay at Best Friends Carmel for Superbowl Sunday can choose to participate in a special playgroup! Their Moms and Dads can dress them in their best Colts gear and they can romp and play with other doggie fans! For only $12 additional dollars, your pooch can enroll in a 45-minute playgroup that is sure to wear out even the most energetic of dogs. Even if playgroup isn't your style, there are many other activities to choose from...so bring your pooch to help us support the Colts no matter what! We hope to see you there!

GO COLTS!!!!!!!

Hypothermia and Frostbite in Dogs

With the continued chilly weather, we thought it appropriate to discuss some of the dangers of both hypothermia and frostbite in dogs.
Hypothermia is a term used to describe a body temperature that is below normal, and the most common cause is prolonged exposure to cold environmental temperatures. In addition to exposure, certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism may be a factor in the body's inability to maintain adequate temperature.

Normal body temperature in dogs is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Signs of hypothermia include but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Shivering
• Muscle stiffness
• Low heart and respiratory rates
• Stupor
• Difficulty breathing
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Coma

Mild hypothermia can be treated with blankets and insulation, while more severe cases need to be treated aggressively with core warming techniques and IV fluids. If you are suspicious your dog may be suffering from hypothermia, use blankets and insulation to start the warming process and contact your veterination immediately.

Frostbite is injury to the tissues that occurs when an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures accompanied by high winds. Areas which are primarily affected are the feet, tail and tips of the ears and unfortunately, frostbite injury is often not apparent until several days later. Watch for:

• Skin discoloration on the ears, tail and toes
• Pain and swelling
• Blisters
• Sloughing of the skin
• Skin ulcers

Remove your dog from the freezing environment and slowly re-warm the tissues. Bandages may be applied....DO NOT PLACE THE ANIMAL IN HOT WATER. Do not rub the affected areas as this can cause damage to the tissues. After initial treatment, contact your veterinarian for follow up care.

(Source: Dr. Bari Spielman and Dr. Dawn Ruben, http://www.petplace.com/)