Rejuv-A-Wafers are one of Benson’s new fave healthy treats to have at home. Keep in mind Benson is a 12-yr-old Golden with a finicky appetite- even toward treats these days.

The natural pet supplements are healthy, and make him happy – he rolls over and roaches like a puppy after he gets them, which is usually after he goes potty.

Rejuv-A-Wafers help by purifying your pet’s body of dangerous toxins and chemicals, helping to improve overall appearance, health and well-being.

The benefits of Rejuv-A-Wafers come from a blend of an abundance of beta-carotene, chlorella,(a whole food green algae)  and eleuthero, a natural energy-boosting herb.

Rejuv-A-Wafers are used and recommended by America’s top breeders and veterinarians because the product is not loaded with artificial flavors and fillers.

Trust me – your dog(s) will love the delicious, wholesome flavor, and you will love your pet’s visible good health.

The treats are not that big, they’re a bit bigger than a dime in size but thicker, but cats can have them too because of this.

One of the neatest things that I recognized about the Rejuv-A-Wafers was the presentation. The packaging was beautiful and they also included human test products for me to use – from skin creams to herbal supplements. How cool is that?

The whole deal arrived in a beautiful green package – a natural color of course – and was quite interesting to leaf through once I opened it, learning about the benefits of Chlorella and how it’s useful to ME!

What is SunChlorella?

Discover the purity of Sun Chlorella, Nature’s Perfect “Superfood.” Our carefully cultivated pyrenoidosa strain is the superior alternative to other harsh, chemically processed and indigestible Chlorella products on the market. Sun Chlorella contains no artificial colors, flavors, or chemicals. Richly green and potent, Sun Chlorella is a whole food from a lineage of pure green algae that have existed naturally on earth for thousands of years. As Mother Earth’s own Superfood, the powerful combination of nutrients works naturally with your body to nurture your health from the inside out.

Important factors to consider for the protection of all family members

In response to the recent spike in pet food recalls, the ASPCA®’s (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) Animal Poison Control Center has some suggestions on how to best keep two-legged and four-legged family members safe:

1. Do your research. Salmonella is the contaminant that appears to be the cause of concern during this most recent round of pet food recalls.

The most important thing for pet owners to do if they suspect their dog’s food has been contaminated is to stop feeding their pet the recalled food immediately. If the pet shows signs of illness after eating a recalled pet food, a trip to the vet should be first on the list of to-dos, and then the food manufacturer should be notified.

*** Pet owners can identify the recalled foods by visiting the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov. ***

2. Know the signs. While healthy adult dogs are relatively resistant to illness from Salmonella bacteria, pets with health issues (such as young puppies, elderly and pregnant dogs that could have compromised immune systems) may be at greater risk for becoming ill. Dogs who are affected by Salmonella may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and drooling or panting—an indication of nausea. *In severe cases, the bacterium may spread throughout the body resulting in death.

3. Clean is key. Salmonella isn’t only dangerous to the pet eating the food, but could also affect the pet parent serving the food. Salmonella can be spread through direct contact with the affected product and animal feces, so exposure should be avoided. The best way to protect family members, including other animals in the home, is to thoroughly wash your hands (or paws) after any dealings with the product or feces. In addition, all bowls, utensils and surfaces that may have come in contact with contaminated food should be washed using hot soapy water and rinsed thoroughly or sanitized in the dishwasher.

For more information about the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center and potential pet toxins, visit www.aspca.org/apcc.

Have you all heard of DOGTV, the new television programming that is taking the nation by storm? As its name suggests, DogTV is a television channel scientifically developed for canine viewers.

DOGTV is cable’s first television network for dogs that is created exclusively for canines, and the humans who love them.

DOGTV’s 24/7 programing helps stimulate, entertain, relax and habituate dogs with shows that expose them to various movements, sounds, objects, experiences and behavior patterns, all from a dog’s point of view.

The network is built around a core team of highly acclaimed pet experts including Victoria Stillwell.

Recently featured in major publications including “TIME Magazine,” “The New York Times,” and “The Huffington Post”; and featured on national news and talk shows such as “NBC Nightly News,” “Ellen,” “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Chelsea Lately,” DogTV is quickly becoming a household name in the US and abroad.

Well the new TV phenomenon has a blog end, too! It’s re-launching soon and it’s called the Alpha Dog Blog. Stay tuned for more on that end!

In the meantime, check out DogTV for a discount that’s special only for you, as ThoughtsFurPaws readers! You’ll find some awesome stories and videos akin to not even major network television – it’s THAT cool!

Currently, DogTV is only offered on TV in the San Diego test market. However, it’s available as a streaming online channel that can be accessed by any pet lover in the world starting now!

And guess what?

I’m offering you a special promotion code that allows you to receive 50% off the online streaming price for the first two months! Hooray!

 Simply type in: FB2M50%01 and you’ll get the 50% discount.

Let me know what you think about DogTV in the comments section!

How To use DOGTV?

Did you know that an estimated 1 million dogs are named primary beneficiary in their owner’s wills?

Or that cat owners will spend nearly $5,000 on treats over the course of their cat’s lifetime?

Did you know that food costs are the biggest expense for most pets?

Me neither.

I learned it in this awesome infographic from the Silicon Valley Humane Society and Mint!

“It takes a lot more than love, treats, and toys to give your pet a happy life,” says Beth Ward, Chief Operating Officer at Humane Society Silicon Valley. “If you really love your pets or you’re thinking of adopting one, then you need to be aware of the hard costs involved.” (This quote is from the MintLife article.)

This infographic is about the lifetime costs of owning a pet.

Personally, I think it should be hung in every single rescue organization in the US. It’s effective in conveying that owning a pet isn’t just a companionship thing – it’s a financial thing, too.

According to MintLife, she continues, “Many cats and dogs can live for 20 years or more. Keeping them alive, happy, and healthy for the duration of their life requires a sustained commitment. It takes good financial planning.”

From the Best Friends Animal Society website and Facebook page:

Last year, the Back in Black adoption event was introduced to showcase black dogs and cats and give them the best chance at being adopted. And over 900 pets found homes!

This year, we’re back with Back in Black 2.

Our goal is to find good homes for 1,000 or more pets in black this May.

Right now, thousands of wonderful animals are waiting to be adopted at shelters and rescue groups nationwide. And every day, 9,000 pets are killed in shelters because they don’t have a home.

Best Friends and our No More Homeless Pets® Network Partners are committed to saving them. Join us!

Click here to find adoptable black pets near you.

Erasing myths about black dogs and cats

Even though they make wonderful pets with great personalities, black dogs and cats are often overlooked for adoption, but why? After all, the color of a pet’s fur has no relationship to their ability to provide unconditional love, companionship and devotion. Here are a couple of theories:

• Bad photos hinder “love at first sight.” Black dogs and cats are harder to photograph because their eyes are close to the color of their fur and their facial expressions and personalities don’t always shine through in pictures. That’s a real disadvantage since many adopters “meet” their new best friends online.
• Superstitions! There are negative stereotypes about black cats and dogs that simply aren’t true. Just ask anyone who loves their beautiful black pet! They’ll tell you about all the wonderful qualities their pets possess and that they wouldn’t trade them for anything.

What are you waiting for? Change the future—and the world—for homeless pets in black today. 

There are 129 No More Homeless Pets® Network partners with adoptable black cats and dogs participating across 37 states.  Click on a state below to find local groups. Click on the group to visit their website for more event details.

Alabama | Arizona | Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | US Virgin Islands

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA) has announced the creation of a Legal Advocacy department to increase legal protections for animals across the country. The department will provide “second chair” legal support through the coordination of legal and other expert services vital to the effective handling of animal cruelty prosecutions, as well as conduct selective, affirmative civil litigation in cases with the potential to effect substantial change in animal protection laws nationwide. The team will also provide legislative analysis and bill drafting expertise to the ASPCA’s Government Relations department.

The Legal Advocacy department will be led by Stacy Wolf, who adds this position to her current role as vice president and chief counsel of the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department.

Wolf, who was a career public defense attorney before joining the organization’s Legislative Affairs department in 1998, was responsible for spearheading the passage of New York’s felony animal cruelty law, dog shelter law, exotic pets ban, veterinary reporting law, and dangerous dog law.

Ms. Wolf also served as legislative chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Special Committee on Animals and the Law.

“The formation of the Legal Advocacy department is an essential step toward fulfilling the ASPCA’s mission of providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States,” said Matt Bershadker, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group. “Stacy has a wealth of animal law experience and possesses the necessary tools to implement significant legal change for the benefit of animals.”

Wolf has already appointed two people to the department: Jennifer Chin, who will serve as Legal Advocacy counsel; and Sandy Christiansen, who will serve as director of case development.

“I am thrilled to have Jennifer and Sandy join the ASPCA in this capacity,” said Wolf. “Their exceptional backgrounds are unique, yet complimentary, and both will play a vital role in helping to shape stronger animal welfare laws through the judicial system.”

Chin will provide second chair legal assistance to prosecutors handling animal cruelty cases across the country; assist in affirmative civil litigation cases brought by the department on behalf of the ASPCA; and provide legislative analysis for the ASPCA’s Government Relations department. Chin comes to the ASPCA from the United States Attorney’s Office in Newark, N.J., where she served as Assistant United States Attorney since 2008 specializing in criminal appellate work. She worked on complex civil litigation at two private law firms prior to her time at the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Christiansen will focus on affirmative outreach to identify and develop potential litigation opportunities; working with prosecutors and investigators on Legal Advocacy cases; and conducting legal research and legislative analysis. Prior to joining the ASPCA, Christiansen was the president and CEO of the Spartanburg Humane Society in Spartanburg, S.C. since 2005. In this role, he was responsible for supervising a staff of 41 employees and helping to grow such programs as humane education, anti-cruelty initiatives, behavior and training, and animal transport. During his 19 years working for the welfare of animals, Christiansen has also gained extensive experience in conducting cruelty and animal fighting investigations.

The Legal Advocacy department is part of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group, which is also comprised of Humane Law Enforcement, Field Investigations and Response, Anti-Cruelty Behavior, Strategy and Campaigns, Forensic Sciences, and Anti-Cruelty Projects.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

As I said before, did you know that an average cat will consume over 173 grams of hair a year?

You can help stop this madness – stop the coughing…, the near-choking…, the lovely hair-filled vomit-like residue that comes up, and that horrible gut-wrenching noise that our kittehs make when they are going through such ill norms of kitty-cat life…

…How?

Amy Smart with REAL Cat Hair!

FURMINATE YOUR CAT!

And celebrate National Hairball Awareness Day with me today and take an oath to regularly brush Fluffy and Muffy.

To celebrate today, I made Amy Smart (the actress) out of cat hair for a group contest (I lost but it’s okay b/c it goes to show how much hair comes off one cat in one SWIPE…) See picture to right of Amy Smart…

I also used her because I got to meet her at an ASPCA event  – see picture to left…

Amy Smart and I at ASPCA Event

Furminator teamed up with a bunch of pet bloggers this year to raise awareness of the importance of brushing your cats. And before I share my story or picture, I want to let you know

I’m GIVING AWAY ONE MEDIUM-SIZED CAT FURMINATOR in honor of today!

How do you win?

Well tell me your cat’s craziest, zaniest hairball story; or submit a pic of the most hair you can get off of him OR a pic of what a hairy mess he currently is to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com (I promise the Furminator will increase that amount of hair…).

Contest runs through NEXT FRIDAY ONLY and entries won’t be accepted after 6 pm EST. ThoughtsFurPaws.com Admins will announce the winner next Friday night around 9 pm EST, maybe a bit earlier! So send us your fur pictures or a picture of the furry mess your cat is in – whatever you think is best. We want to see some cat hair people!!

So anyhow, I ran my own little test with the Furminator tool.

** It increased the hair that I got off Maxwell in one day by half (versus just a joe-average-cat brush bought at PetSmart for $4.99).

Maxwell’s undercoat was coming out with the Furminator, which didn’t happen with the regular brush, and his little behind was SO SO soft after I finished brushing him (which took an hour thank you very much because he kept wanting to bite the tool, or my hand. Finally I subdued him with his Pickle-Tickle toy, which we got courtesy Gracey the Tiniest Tiger – Thanks Grace!)

(Gracey also told us that the #1 condition reported by 35 percent of cat-owning households is hairballs!)

Anyhow, you really gotta see it to believe it so I challenge all of you to purchase your own Furminator.

YOUR CAT WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT.

They are so much lighter, airier, and they breathe easier knowing they’re shedding less and looking better, too!

I swear Mad Maxwell was swaggering around here like a damn cougar after he got brushed – showing off his handsome new self… (even though he almost took my hand off at one point- he LOVED the end result).

Do you know what Maxwell does NOW when he sees the Furminator? He starts his motor up – loud.

And he rubs his face against it and sometimes will start the brushing session FOR me.

Enter the Furminator Giveaway at ThoughtsFurPaws@gmail.com! And don’t forget to brush your kitty to save him from swallowing that unsavory stuff!

These are some adorable and hilarious cat and dog pictures that I picked up in emails over the last week. Thought I’d show you them in an effort to bring you all some laughter…

I received this email from Kyla Duffy, Founder of Up for Pups, and Happy Tails Books; see how you can contribute by purchasing a new book on Herding Breeds! Here goes… ( I made a few additions…)

Add dog breeds are different. Most owners of specific breeds know that, and cherish the particulars of their own dog breed.

In honor of Happy Tails Books’ latest products to promote rescue and adoption, I wrote this headline somewhat in jest, but I do mean to make a point.

At our local shelter, we are inundated with herding-breed dogs. Why? Because they are generally extremely intelligent and driven; this may also mean ‘destructive’ in the wrong household…

Scroll down to see how you can make the money you spend on your Happy Tails Books herding-breed item purchase go even further this month! It’s double-donation days!

Now, we have a very good local shelter, and I’m sure the volunteers eye people down carefully when they say they want to adopt a herding-breed dog, but this is not the case everywhere, thus, causing many herding-breed dogs to be adopted and returned multiple times before they eventually find someone who understands them and can provide them with what they need, or they meet an untimely end simply for being misunderstood.

What’s a herding-breed dog? Here are some examples: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Collie, Corgi, Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog), etc.

It is our hope that our new book, t-shirts, and stationery will help educate people on herding breed dogs’ unique needs in order to reduce the number who find themselves displaced or on death row. These dogs make wonderful companions for people who are looking to participate in dog sports or who can at least provide their dogs with a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation, but they are not for everyone.

If you are one of the aforementioned people, please consider adopting a herding-breed dog; you, too, are a unique breed, and these guys need you!

In addition to a great book, Happy Tails Books has developed select herding-breed stationery and  T-shirts to help you start the conversation about rescue and adoption!

For any stationery purchased before May 1st, we’ll double our donation to your rescue of choice.

So head on over to HappyTailsBooks.com and check out the selection; it’s going to a good cause!

I was just alerted to this situation by Ally Cat Allies. Please spread the word.

Yesterday, the “pet-friendly” hotel Loews Portofino Bay in Orlando announced that 23 cats living in a model TNR colony on the property will be “relocated” to a local animal shelter.

The hotel failed to mention that just like all feral cats entering shelters, these cats will likely be killed unless other arrangements can be found for them.

Don’t fall for this fairy tale. Loews is sending these cats to their deaths.

Contact Loews now and tell them you don’t support their decision and won’t support their business in the future.

Loews is marketing themselves as “pet-friendly” while uprooting healthy, neutered and vaccinated, happy cats from the only home they have ever known and taking them to local animal control. The hotel made this hypocritical decision in the face of repeated offers from Alley Cat Allies and others to help work out a humane solution, as well as thousands of pleas from compassionate vacationers.

Don’t let Loews Portofino Bay in Orlando off the hook.

(This is such bullsh**. This hotel needs to know how we feel guys.)

Contact Loews to let them know you won’t support a business that claims to be pet-friendly while handing cats a death sentence.

Tell them that if the cats can’t stay, neither will you.