Waggin' Tales
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Books
  • FREEBIES!
  • Appearances
  • Contact Us

Waggin' Tales Pet Blog

Celebrate Dogs in October!

10/9/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. From big to little, from extra-tiny to extra-large, dog breeds are as variable as the human race. Red, white, blue, black, brown, tawny, spotted, solid; short-hair, long-hair, no-hair. Outgoing and friendly, shy and reserved, protective, loving. A hunter, a herder, a comfort, service-oriented. Sniffing, drooling, laughing, quiet, boisterous. There is a type of dog for every type of person.

Dogs have been part of humankind’s existence for eons. And yet, millions need homes each and every year.

October is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, a time to celebrate the joy of canine companionship and promote the adoption of these wonderful creatures. The ASPCA estimates nearly eight million dogs and cats enter shelters across the United States annually; about three million are killed. Sadly, only about 35 percent of animals that are available for adoption actually get new homes, meaning millions are killed because not enough people adopt.

In addition to the humane societies and animal shelters, there are rescue groups, many of which are voluntarily-run, that take in dogs (and cats) in an effort to re-home them. From coast-to-coast, these tireless individuals run these organizations with one focus: to save and adopt-out pets. Some are breed-specific; many of these are noted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Others are type-specific, such as herding dogs or large dogs (see the websites for HERD of Wyoming and Big Dogs Huge Paws). Others accept whatever dog needs rescuing. To find a shelter or rescue group near you, visit Petfinder.com. Or, if you’re interested in a breed-specific rescue, visit the AKC website: http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rescue-network/contacts/

When you adopt, especially from a kill-shelter, you are saving a life. In fact, you’re likely saving two lives: the one you adopt and the one coming into the shelter after it. Wherever you adopt, shelter (kill or not) or rescue, you are helping more than one dog, for when you adopt, room in that facility or foster home is made for another animal in need.

Dogs that go into a rescue or shelter aren’t bad; they are likely being given up due to a move (the #1 reason people give up their animals), health of the person (an elderly individual going into a nursing home cannot take their beloved pet with them), or other life change, such as job loss. If behavior is the cause, the owner likely did not provide his/her dog with obedience training. Simple commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” “come,” and “no” alleviate a lot of behavior issues – but a dog can’t teach those things to himself; owners need to be responsible for the training of their pets. Classes are often held through AKC clubs, big-box pet stores, such as PetCo and PetSmart, or one can hire a trainer (or research how to train a dog themselves – just remember, positive reinforcement is the best way to train a dog).

Pets improve people’s lives. Research shows people with pets are happier and healthier. Dogs make us exercise; even walks around the block help both humans and their canine friends be healthier. The simple act of petting a dog decreases blood pressure, reduces stress, and calms us down as well as uplifts our moods. Many dogs enjoy riding in the car, going for walks, jogs, and hikes, and simply being a part of a family; therefore, they make wonderful companions! 

So, consider adopting a dog this month. Whether you are single, married, have children (or not), or are retired, there’s a dog to fit every lifestyle.  Of course, you need to find the RIGHT dog -- that’s one of the roles of animal shelters, rescue organizations, and humane societies.  The staff and volunteers who spend time with the animals know their personalities and may often know the dog’s background, therefore, they offer a tremendous service for those hoping to add a dog to their life. But, do your research as well. You know your lifestyle – learn about the breeds and discover what type of dog best fits your family life and energy level. Visit this website to learn about the different dog breeds: http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/

Be a hero – save a life today by adopting the right dog for you!
 


Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Gayle M. Irwin is a writer and public relations professional who volunteers with various animal rescue groups. She enjoys sharing her books and her passion for pets and the environment with others.

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Categories

    All
    4th Of July
    Abandoned Pets
    Activities I Can Do With My Dog
    Activities To Do With My Pet
    Adding A New Pet To The House
    Adopt A Cat Month
    Adopt A Senior Pet
    Adopt A Senior Pet Month
    Adopt A Shelter Cat
    Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
    Adopting A Cat
    Adopting A Dog
    Adopting A Pet
    Adopting A Purebred
    African Animals
    Agility
    AKC
    Allergies In Dogs
    American Dog Breeds
    American Humane Association
    American Kennel Club
    American Rescue Dog Show
    Animal Abuse
    Animal Assisted Therapy
    Animal Behavior
    Animal Behavior During Solar Eclipse
    Animal Cruelty
    Animal Heroes
    Animal Rescue
    Animal Shelters
    Animals Used During War
    Animal Welfare
    Anxiety In Dogs
    Arthritis In Cats
    Arthritis In Dogs
    Arthritis In Pets
    AS
    Asian Dog Meat Market
    ASPCA
    ASPCA Poison Control
    Assistance Dogs
    Autumn Trips With My Dog
    Autumn Trips With My Pet
    Autumn Vacations With Pets
    Be Kind To Animals Week
    Benefits Of Emotional Support Animals
    Benefits Of Emotional Support Dogs
    Benefits Of Having A Cat
    Benefits Of Having A Dog
    Benefits Of Older Dogs
    Benefits Of Pets
    Benefits Of Senior Pets
    Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering
    Benefits Of Training Your Pet
    Benefits Of Walking Your Pet
    Best Cities For Pet Owners
    Best Dogs For Families
    Best Friends Animal Society
    Black Cat Appreciation Day
    Black Cats
    Blind Dogs
    Books About Animals
    Books About Dogs
    Boston Terrier
    Brushing Your Cat's Teeth
    Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
    Buying Vs. Adopting
    Cancer In Cats
    Cancer In Dogs
    Cancer In Pets
    Canine Agility
    Canine Comfort Dogs
    Canine Companions
    Canine Intelligence
    Caring For A Cat
    Caring For A Dog
    Caring For Animals
    Caring For A Senior Cat
    Caring For Creation
    Casper WY Dog Events
    Cat Adoption
    Cat Agility
    Cat Breeds
    Cat Care
    Cat Food
    Cat Health
    Cat Rescue
    Cats
    Cat Toys
    Causes Of Deafness In Dogs
    Celebrating Your Cat's Birthday
    Celebrating Your Dog's Birthday
    Change A Pet's Life Day
    Character Lessons
    Charities
    Chicken Soup For The Soul Books
    Children And Pets
    Children's Authors
    Children's Books
    Children's Book Week
    Choosing Quality Food For Your Pet
    Choosing The Right Pet
    Christian Devotion
    Christmas
    Christmas And Pets
    Christmas Budget
    Christmas Gift Ideas For Pets
    Christmas Gifts For Pet Lovers
    Christmas Gifts For Pets
    Christmas Gifts For Pets 2018
    Christmas Pet Safety Tips
    Christmas Safety Tips For Pet Owners
    Cocker Spaniel
    Cocker Spaniels
    Comfort From Pets
    Community Cats
    Consumer Affairs
    Cooking For Your Pet
    Courageous Pets
    Creation Care
    Critter Sitters
    Dangerous Foods For Pets
    Deaf Cats
    Deaf Dogs
    Deafness In Cats
    Deafness In Dogs
    Delta Society
    Dental Health For Pets
    Destructive Pets
    Disabled Pets
    Disaster Preparedness
    Disease In Pets
    Diy Gifts For Pets
    Dog Activities
    Dog Adoption
    Dog Agility Competition
    Dog Behavior
    Dog Bites
    Dog Boarding
    Dog Bordom
    Dog Breeders
    Dog Breeds
    Dog Companionship
    Dog Days Of Summer
    Dog Devotion
    Dog Digging
    Dog Diseases
    Dog Fighting
    Dog Food
    Dog Health
    Dog Hero Awards
    Dog Intelligence
    Dog Jobs
    Dog Ownership Responsibility
    Dog Parks
    Dog Rescue
    Dogs
    Dog Safety
    Dogs And Cats
    Dogs And People
    Dogs And Water
    Dogs For Families
    Dogs For People With Allergies
    Dog Show
    Dogs In Cars
    Dog Sports
    Dogs Swimming
    Dog Stories
    Dogs With Jobs
    Dog Toys
    Dog Training
    Elderly Cats
    Electronic Ways To Keep Pets Safe
    Emergency Preparedness For Pet Owners
    Emotional Support Animals
    Entertaining Our Pets
    Euthanasia
    Evac Pack For Pets
    Evac-pack For Pets
    Exercise With Your Pet
    Exercise Your Pet
    Exercising Your Cat
    Family Pets
    Feline Diabetes
    Finances And Pets
    Finding A Pet-friendly Community
    Finding A Purebred Dog At Shelters
    Finding Your Lost Pet
    Fire Safety
    Fire Safety Tips For Pet Owners
    Fireworks And Pets
    Flea And Tick Prevention
    Fleas
    Flooding
    Foreclosure
    Foreclosure And Pets
    Friendship
    Friendship With Dogs
    Frigid Winter Temperatures
    Gardening And Pets
    Gayle Irwin Books
    Gift Ideas For Pet-lovers
    Gifts For Pets
    Giving Pets Gifts
    #GivingTuesday
    GPS For Animals
    Gratitude
    Grief
    Grieving The Loss Of A Pet
    Hallmark Channel
    Halloween
    Halloween And Pets
    Halloween Costumes For Pets
    Halloween Pet Safety Tips
    Health Benefits Of Owning A Cat
    Health Benefits Of Pets
    Health Issues In Dogs
    Health Resolutions 2017
    Healthy Pets
    Healthy Resolutions
    Hearing Loss In Cats
    Heartworm In Pets
    Help Abandoned Animals
    Help For Families With Pets
    Helpful Pets
    Helping Animals
    Helping Animals In Need
    Helping Cats
    Helping Pets In Need
    Help With Vet Bills
    Hero Cats
    Hero Dog Awards
    Hero Dogs
    Hiccups In Dogs
    Hiccups In Puppies
    Holiday Gfits Ideas For Pets
    Holiday Hazards For Pets
    Holiday Pet Safety Tips
    Holidays
    Holistic Pet Food
    Homeless Animals
    Homemade Pet Food
    Homemade Pet Treats
    Horses
    Horses Used In War
    How Do I Know If My Dog Is Deaf?
    How Do I Teach Agility To My Cats
    How To Clicker Train A Cat
    How To Help A Deaf Dog
    How To Prevent My Dog From Digging Holes
    How To Train A Dog For Agility
    Human Food For Pets
    Human Foods Poisonous For Pets
    Hurricane
    Hypoallergenic Dogs
    Ice Melts And Pets
    Id Tags
    International Cat Day
    Introducing A New Pet To The Household
    Introducing Dogs
    Introducing Dogs And Cats
    Jobs For Dogs
    K9 Dogs
    Keeping Cool With Your Pet
    Keeping Pets Safe At Christmas
    Keeping Pets Safe At Thanksgiving
    Keeping Pets Safe During The Holiday Season
    Keeping Pets Safe In Summer
    Keeping Pets Safe In Winter
    Keeping Pets Warm In Winter
    Keeping Your Dog Cool In Summer
    Kids And Pets
    Kids Reading To Animals
    Kindness
    Kittens
    Kitten Season
    Las Vegas Shooting
    Laura Ingalls Wilder
    Leash-train Your Cat
    Leash-train Your Dog
    Lessons From Dogs
    Lessons From Old Dogs
    Lessons From Pets
    Litter
    Living With A Deaf Dog
    Living With A New Pet
    Living With Pets
    Losing A Pet
    Loss Of A Pet
    Lost Dog
    Lost Dogs
    Lost Pet
    Lost Pet Prevention Month
    Lost Pets
    Love
    Love Your Pets
    Low-cost Spay Neuter
    Loyalty From Pets
    Lutheran Church Charities
    Making Pet Treats
    Mature Pets
    Memorial Day
    Microchip
    Military
    Military Dogs
    Military Working Dogs
    Mosquitoes
    Naming A Pet
    National Dog Day
    National Dog Week
    National Mutt Day
    Natrona County Library
    Natural Disasters
    Neuter
    New Year
    New Years Resolutions
    No Kill 2025
    No Kill Movement
    Non-profits
    Obesity In Pets
    Old Dogs
    Older Cats
    Outdoor Cats
    Outdoor Pests
    Outdoors With Pes
    Outdoors With Pets
    Overspending At Christmas
    Partnerships
    Paying For Veterinary Bills
    People And Pets
    Pet Abuse
    Pet Activities
    Pet Adoption
    Pet Allergies
    Pet Birthdays
    Pet Books
    Pet Cancer
    Pet Care
    Pet Care And Natural Disasters
    Pet Clothing
    Pet Companionship
    Pet Costumes
    Pet Dental Health Month
    Pet Emergencies
    Pet Fashion
    Pet Food
    Pet Food And Treats From Thanksgiving Leftovers
    Pet Food Recalls
    Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly Housing
    Pet Health
    Pet Holidays 2018
    Pet-human Bond
    Pet Identification Tags
    Pet Insurance
    Pet Loss
    Pet Nutrition
    Pet Obesity
    Pet Overpopulation
    Pet Ownership
    Pet Ownership Responsibilty
    Pet Partners
    Pet Pests
    Pet Poisons
    Pet Preparedness Month
    Pet Rescue
    Pet Rescue Alert Stickers
    Pet Rescue Stories
    Pet Resuce
    Pets
    Pet-safe Ice Melts
    Pet Safety
    Pets And Arctic Temperatures
    Pets And Depression
    Pets And Fire
    Pets And Loud Noises
    Pets And People
    Pets And Solar Eclipse
    Pets And Spring
    Pets And Summer Travel
    Pets And Water
    Pets As Gifts
    Pets For Vets
    Pets Helping People
    Pets In Cars During Summer
    Pets In Hot Cars
    Pets In National Parks
    Pets In Parks
    Pet Sitters
    Pet Stores
    Pet Stories For Children
    Pet Supply Stores
    Pet Therapy
    Pet Toys
    Pet Tracking Devices
    Pet Treats
    Places To Live With Pets
    Plants And Pets
    Plants Dangerous To Pets
    Playing With Your Cat
    Playing With Your Pet
    Playtime For Pets
    Poison Awareness For Pets
    Poison Prevention
    Popular Pet Names
    Preparing For Natural Disasters
    Presents For Pets
    Preveniting Litters
    Preventing Rabies
    Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Month
    PTSD
    Puppies
    Puppy Mills
    Rabies
    Rabies In Humans
    Rabies Prevention In Pets
    Reading To Children
    Reading To Shelter Cats
    Read To The Dog Program
    Reasons Dogs Dig Holes
    Reasons For Abandoned Pets
    Reasons People Give Up Pets
    Reasons To Own A Cat
    Rentals That Allow Pets
    Reporting Animal Cruelty
    Responsible Dog Ownership Days
    Road Trip With Pets
    Safety For Pets
    Sage Blind Springer Spaniel
    Scottish Fold Cats
    Seasons
    Senior Cats
    Senior Pets
    Separation Anxiety In Dogs
    Service Dogs
    Service Dogs For Veterans
    Shelter Pets
    Shih Tzu
    Snow And Pets
    Solar Eclipse And Animals
    Spay
    Spay And Neuter
    Speical Needs Pets
    Spoil Your Dog Day
    Spoil Your Pets
    Spring
    Springer Spaniel
    Spring Hazards For Pets
    Spring Safety Tips
    State Parks And Pets
    Stray Pets
    Summer Heat
    Summer Pests
    Summer Safety
    Summer Safety Tips
    Summer Vacation
    Take Your Dog To Work Day
    Teach Children Kindness
    Teaching Cats Agility
    Teaching Children
    Thanksgiving
    Thanksgiving Food For Pets
    Thanksgiving Pet Safety
    The Importance Of Pet Dental Health
    Therapy Dogs
    Therapy Dogs Inc.
    Therapy Pets
    Thundershirt
    Ticks
    Tips For Bringing Home A New Pet
    TNR Programs
    Toys For Pets
    Training A Deaf Dog
    Training Your Pet
    Train Your Dog Month
    Traveling With A Pet
    Traveling With Pets
    Traveling With Pets To National Parks
    Traveling With Your Dog
    Treating Athritis In Dogs
    Vacation
    Vacationing With Pets
    Valentine's Day
    Veterans
    Veterans Day
    Volunteer Appreciation Month
    Volunteering To Help Pets
    Volunteer To Help Pets
    Walking Your Cat
    Walking Your Dog
    Walk Your Dog Month
    War Dogs
    Water Safety
    Water Safety For Pets
    Westminster
    What I Need To Know Before Adopting A Dog
    What Is An Emotional Support Animal
    What To Do If My Dog Has Hiccups
    What To Do If My Pet Gets Lost
    Why Dogs Dig
    Winter Safety Tips For Pet Owners
    Working Dogs
    World Animal Day
    World Cat Day
    World Rabies Day
    World Spay Day
    Writing Wranglers And Warriors
    Wyoming

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Books
  • FREEBIES!
  • Appearances
  • Contact Us