Foster a Dog for the Canine Express!!!

Indianapolis Animal Care & Control is involved in a unique partnership with shelters across the northeast part of the country. The Canine Express project transports animals from overcrowded Indiana shelters to shelters in New England where there are spay/neuter laws in effect and there are very few unwanted dogs!
Each month approximately 30 IACC dogs are selected as part of this program. Once selected, these dogs sit on the IACC adoption floor for two or more weeks (while medical protocols are completed) until the transport leaves. That means over 1/3 of the adoption kennels at the shelter are full of animals that cannot be adopted. As such, the animals available to the public are limited and wonderful animals are not reaching the adoption floor, leaving them vulnerable to potentially fatal diseases and the risk of euthanasia.
This program runs monthly and IACC needs your help! We are looking for foster homes for these dogs to free up kennel space at the shelter. This is a great opportunity to foster since these dogs have already passed temperament testing and are all healthy. Plus, since the transport leaves on a consistent schedule, there is a set end date to your foster commitment! If you can help, please complete the online foster application. The fate of hundreds of canine lives is in your hands!

To find out more information about the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control facility, go to:   http://www.indy.gov/egov/city/dps/accd/Pages/home.aspx

For more about the Canine Express, go to http://www.canineexpress.org/

Adopt a Furry Friend at the Humane Society of Indianapolis!!!

It's May in Indiana and you know what that means!  That's right: It's time for the 500 Pets of May Humane Society of Indianapolis adoption drive!!!

Bring a new furry friend into your family during the 500 Pets of May and receive special discounts and incentives:


• 10% off your total purchase from the Humane Society of Indianapolis retail store in May*.

• Adopt one kitten or adult cat at the regular adoption fee and get another buddy cat for no additional fee.

• Adopt a Lap Leader (visit the shelter to meet them all) and get:

$25 discount off adoption price - This includes spay/neuter surgery, most vaccinations, microchipping, and much more!

Free year-long pass to our Pet Park or a free lifetime-guaranteed Lupine leash and collar for dogs

Free cat-care kit for adult cats or kittens

*10% retail store discount does not apply to adoption fees.

To find out more about the adoption drive go to:

http://indyhumane.org/index.php/hsi/article/500_pets_of_may_2010/

The Great Debate: Cats vs. Dogs

Have a cat? Want a dog?

Despite the cliche' about fighting like cats and dogs, it is possible for the two species to live happily under the same roof. However, it is also possible for a cat to injure a dog, or for a dog to seriously injure or even kill a cat. Follow these guidelines to ensure a happy and healthy environment for everyone:

If you already have an adult cat, it's better to get an adult dog than a puppy. Puppies have high energy levels that can be very annoying and stressful for cats. Look for a dog with a successful track record of living with cats, and think twice about getting more than one dog. They are more likely to chase or harm a cat if they are in a pack. Before you bring a new dog home:


Make sure the cat can escape if need be-make sure your cat has places in the house he or she can go to in order to leap out of harm's way. You should also create areas where the cat can get a good distance away from the dog; consider using baby gates or installing cat doors, and set up the cat's belongings so the dog can't get to them.

Making the Introduction:

Get them used to each other's scent.
Rub a cloth on each pet and put it in the other's hang out spot--on the dog bed, under the cat's food dish etc. Keep this up until neither gets too distressed over the other's smell; barking and whining in your dog and a swishing tail in your cat are a sign they need more time.
Let them investigate each other's living area.
While the cat is outside or somewhere else in the house, bring the dog in to sniff around in the cat's area, and vice versa.
Introduce them through a door or baby gate.
Bring the dog and cat on opposite sides of a door or gate, with a person on either side. Don't restrain your cat at all--feeling trapped may frighten her. Let them sniff through the door or gate, but don't force your cat to get too close. Lavish them both with praise and attention to reinforce that good things happen when the other is around. Keep practicing until the cat doesn't seem frightened and the dog doesn't seem overly excited.
Introduce them with the dog on a leash.
Again, don't restrain the cat so as not to frighten her. Some cats will hiss and swat at a dog as a warning, which is better than running away. If the cat flees and the dog tries to chase, grab the leash and say "no" and ask him to sit. If he returns the attention to you, give him a food reward for his restraint.

Once your dog and cat seem fairly comfortable you can let them roam around when you are at home, but it is wise to continue separating them when you are out until you are absolutely sure they will get along.

Bottom line:
Cats and dogs can coexist peacefully, but it will be much less stressful for everyone if you plan carefully before introducing a new pet.


Check out related articles on http://www.dogtime.com// for more info!