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Cat tennis!

CAT TALES THIS THURSDAY! + 2010 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT IS IN!

Join Cat's Cradle staff and volunteers in historic downtown Staunton this Thursday at 7:00 PM for Cat Tales!  The shop will be hosting a meet and greet at Blue Mountain Coffee, where Cat's Cradle volunteers will be talking and answering questions about their program.  Cat enthusiasts are welcome to meet and connect over some coffee, while engaging with those of Cats Cradle's established cat rescue program.

who: Cat's Cradle

what: networking + information + java!

where: Blue Mountain Coffee, Staunton, Va

when: 7:00 PM

Cat's Cradle Christmas Ornament 2010

TA-DA! It's here!  Cat's Cradle unveils its annual Christmas ornament available now at it's downtown location!  The stained glass ornament was created by a local mother-daughter team, Heather and Robin Baker. The gorgeous handmade creations make the perfect holiday gift for the animal lover in your family. The ornaments retail for only $18 and are available at Cat's Cradle's downtown shop or via online order.  To place an order, create a post in the comments section of the donations page telling how many and what color you would like!  More informations is available on their site!

RHSPCA HOSTS WEEK OF SPECIAL ADOPTION RATES

The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA is hosting a weeklong event called "Home for the Holidays" in which they have great give-a-ways and fun activities for both you and your pet, and it doesn't end there. Pet adoptions are only $25 the entire week!

From paw-print ornaments to lunch with your new adoptee, the SPCA along with a group of dedicated James Madison University students, are doing everything they can to make sure that the cats and dogs of the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area have loving homes in time for the holidays, just like every pet deserves.

"I have a passion for helping animals and have volunteered at the SPCA for three years, so when I heard about this service learning project that was aimed at finding animals homes for the holidays, I knew I had to do it," said senior Heatherann McHugh, one of the JMU students who worked hard to make this event possible. "My group was given the week of November 15, so we thought this would be the perfect event to plan right before the holiday season."

The festivities kicked off today and will continue throughout the entire week. Here is the schedule of events and specials for each day:

Monday, November 15th:

"Daily Special" - The first 40 people to adopt will receive a FREE pet goody bag!

Tuesday, November 16th:

"Daily Special" - adopt an animal today and receive a FREE pet carrier, collar and leash!

Wednesday, November 17th from 5-7 pm:

"Kids Day at the SPCA" - Coloring stations, snacks, and a chance to make your
new friend a "paw-print" ornament!

Thursday, November 18th from 5-7 pm:

"The shelter goes shopping" - come visit our furry friends
at the Harrisonburg Simon Valley Mall!

Friday, November 19th:"Have lunch with your new pal"
Come to the SPCA to have a special treat with your new buddy - Door prizes will be awarded!

Saturday, November 20th:

Adopt and receive a special gift!

Come out and join in on the activities, donate to a great cause, and take advantage of the huge savings on adoption fees! Who doesn't want a new, loving, furry member of the family for the holidays anyways?

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LOST CAT? HERE'S WHAT YOU DO

It's every pet owner's nightmare: realizing that your cat is nowhere to be found. Whether it's an indoor cat that got loose, an older cat that became confused, or the nerve-racking chance that something worse happened, the fact is that many pet owners experience this gut sinking reality no matter how many precautions they take to prevent it.

Just walking around Harrisonburg, you can see countless fliers of missing cats and dogs, with owners asking the public for help to find their loved one. As common as an occurrence this situation can be, fortunately there are many steps you can take in the right direction to recovering our lost pet.

About.com's Franny Syufy offers some helpful advice on what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Before you do anything else, she suggests thoroughly searching your own yard, especially if the cat missing is an indoor cat because they tend to hide close to the home when loose. Along with the usual posting of fliers, alerting local veterinarians and animal control, and visiting your local animal shelter, Syufy also has some not-so-obvious suggestions that could be the key to the return of your missing feline. She suggests placing a baby monitor on your front or back porch along with a bowl of food, and keeping the second monitor near your bed in case your cat returns sometime in the night you will hear the meowing.

Harrisonburg's local cat adoption center, Cat's Cradle, also provides some helpful guidance in their most recent newsletter on what local residents of the Shenandoah Valley can do if they discover they have a missing cat. They can provide traps that can be baited which may attract a hungry lost cat. Cat's Cradle encourages pet owners to not give up, and to not only call, but physically go to the SPCA every three days for a month.

Cat's Cradle will also assist you on putting up fliers and will support you throughout the stressful process, encouraging you to notify them when your loved one is found. Who knows, you might end up as one of their success stories in their next newsletter.

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HARRISONBURG PET DOG FEST!

As of late, I've been seeing lots of flyers around JMU and downtown advertising an event called Pet Dog Fest.  So, I decided to do a little digging and see what it's all about.  Here's the deal:

This Saturday, November 6th, from 10-4 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, the Mosby Foundation's and PARTNERS!Canine will be putting on a full day of activities and events for you and your best friend!  Events include everything from a one-mile dog walk, to CGC dog training, to a search and rescue demonstration.  Got the cutest pooch in town?  You're in luck!  The event will even feature a dog show with classes including Prettiest Eyes and Best Kisser!  Pet Dog Fest will have pony rides, face painting, and a bake sale too, so bring the kids and make the event a family affair.  

Need more incentive?

- Susannah Charleson will be signing copies of her new book Scent of the Missing 

- JMU's Duke Dog will be there!

- All proceeds benefit the Mosby Foundation and PARTNERS!Canines

List of events:

INSIDE:

9:00 - 9:30 Register for Dog Walk

10:00 - 10:30 Blessing of the Animals (show ring) -Rev Glen Langston

11:00 - 11:30 Freestyle Demo (show ring) -Jan Larsen & Goronwy

11:30 - 12:00 Scent of the Missing (show ring) -Susannah Charleson & Puzzle (search & rescue dog)

12:30 - 2:00 Pet Dog Show/Costume Contest/Retriever Raffle (show ring) - Jeff Fife & Dusty Rhodes- MC

2:00 - 2:30 Blessing of the Animals (show ring) - Beth McCrary

2:30 - 3:00 Rescued Dogs Parade (show ring)

3:00 - 3:30 - Best in Show (show ring)

10:00 - 4:00 Silent Auction (at auction tables)

4:00 Spay/Neuter Raffle $500..... (show ring)

OUTSIDE:

9:30 - Until Dog Walk (1 mile around fairground)

10:00 - 4:00 Agility

10:00 - 4:00 Elk Run Stables Pony Rides

10:00 - 4:00 Canine Good Citizen Testing (CGC) - Carolyn Scott, Elk Run Dog Training

Noon - 12:30 Search & Rescue Demo - Misty Sampson & Ditto

2:00 - 3:00 Harrisonburg K-9 Unit Demo (field) Rod Pollard & Noble

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IT'S HOWL-O-WEEN...TIME TO DRESS UP YOUR PETS!

It's that time of year when the ghosts and goblins come out to parade the neighborhoods in search for some sugary treats; but who says they get to have all the fun? Halloween is also an exciting time your pets! They too have the opportunity to get dressed up and show off their costumes.

Whether you're planning on bringing your pet out for some trick or treat fun, or hosting a Halloween get together, people love to see pets get in on the action. Don't already have a costume lined up for your furry friend? No problem! There is a large market for dog and cat costumes and it is only growing larger.

PetSmart has a great variety of fun, creative costumes. They have everything from spiders to dinosaurs for dogs of all shapes and sizes. You can even take your own costume to the next level with one of the stylish matching costumes that PetSmart offers. There are also some simple, but fun get-ups for the cats out there that are looking to get in on the action. You can order the costumes offline or visit their local store at 1671 East Market Street, Harrisonburg.

It is important to remember to keep your pet safe and comfortable during all the fun. EntirelyPets.com offers a helpful pet costume safety guide that highlights some important things to be aware of when dressing up your pet, especially if you are taking them out trick or treating with you. While dressing up your cat or dog can be adorable and fun, it is crucial to be aware of how your pet is feeling throughout the night. Lots of people, or a costume that is too tight can create fear and anxiety for your pet, so it is a good idea to look over some of the pet costume safety guide before the night begins.

So, with only a few days left until Halloween, it's time to get shopping!

WAL-MART TURN TRASH INTO PET SUPPLIES

I don't think it's too much of an exaggeration to say that Harrisonburg's Wal-Mart Supercenter is what keeps the city running (could JMU dorm-life survive without it?).  It's enormous to say the least, and one could therefore assume the amount of waste produced is also enormous.  

Well, earlier this month Wal-Mart unveiled a plan to begin recycling some of its wasteful items for use in pet products.  No, this doesn't mean they'll be handing out old shoes to teething puppies, but what it does mean is that Wal-Mart's new partnership with pet supply company Worldwise aims to create new products through environmentally sustainable means.  According to GreenBIz, CEO of Worldwise, Matthew Turnbull describes the partnerships: "Creating 'Closed Loop' systems, that generally utilize waste from one process as the raw material for another, have long been hailed as an important model for more sustainable consumption."

Some of the products to be recycled include hangers, plastic bags, cardboard and plastic bottles for use in dog beds, litter boxes, and cat scratches.  The bloggers over at Unleashed also took note of the initiative;  They reported that sales of the pet beds will ultimately keep 100 million plastic bottles out of landfills.  More than 50 products will be sold through Wal-Mart under the brand names Poochplanet and SmartyKat.  I couldn't agree more with a statement Unleashed made regarding the project, "Now even if you’ve got issues with some of Wal-Mart’s policies and politics, you have to respect the company for taking a step in the right direction with this."  

The new products are on sale now in store and through their website.  So, if you’re in the market for some new supplies, take the green route and shop smartly at Wal-Mart.  

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HARRISONBURG VOLUNTEERING: CAT'S CRADLE EDITION

Earlier in the week we profiled an SPCA volunteer.  We told you how to get involved, what the time commitment was like, and what to expect on the job.  Since then, we've decided to ask a few questions to another volunteer, this time, from Cat's Cradle.

The little downtown shop located right on South Main Street is always looking for some extra help.  Many times, a reason for not volunteering is one as simple as not having transportation to and from the center.  Because of its location, Cat's Cradle could be just the place for those looking to volunteer somewhere within walking distance of the JMU campus.  Jess Jondahl answered some questions about her experience volunteering at Cat's Cradle:

P+C- How did you get started? 

JJ- I started off by filling out an application to be a volunteer. I had visited many times before, but one day I decided I'd like to do a little more for them. 

P+C- Is there any training involved?

JJ- As for training, there's a one-hour preliminary session, and then you pretty much learn as you go. They won't have you giving cats vaccinations and such on your first day, for example. 

P+C- What is a typical visit like?

JJ- A typical visit usually involves cleaning cages and litter boxes as one of Cat's Cradle's major priorities is cleanliness and keeping the shop orderly for potential customers. Lately the staff has been preparing their Christmas mailing list, so I help out with that a lot too.

P+C- What is the time commitment? 

JJ- The time commitment is totally up to you. If you can only offer an hour a week, that is still very valuable to the regular staff who works there. I personally volunteer up to eight hours a week; some volunteers do even more!

P+C- What is your favorite aspect of volunteering?

JJ- My favorite part is that most of the cats love to be pet, held and played with, and even some of the newer, less socialized cats will eventually come to see who you are. All of the cats are so sweet and it helps me to get some fuzz therapy in when I miss my own animals at home. And even the people there are awesome. It's so relaxed because you don't have to worry about salaries. It's just a great environment.

P+C- Do you volunteer with a partner? 

JJ- Most of the time there's another volunteer there, but sometimes when schedules don't match, I'm the only one. However, there is always a regular staff member there to do all the heavy lifting with adoptions and such.

P+C- What's the first step someone should take if they want to get involved? 

JJ- If anyone wishes to get involved they may contact Cat's Cradle (info is on the website) or go to the adoption center/ office/ shop on South Main and fill out and application.

P+C- Are there any upcoming events you want to mention?

JJ- Well, I'm not really sure of any events that are coming up soon, but they have a website...www.catscradleva.org/NewsAndEvents

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WHATS THE DEAL WITH VOLUNTEERING? -HARRISONBURG SPCA

So, what is the deal with volunteering?  If your any kind of dog lover living in Harrisonburg, VA, then you've probably heard about, and maybe even contemplated, volunteering at an animal shelter like the SPCA.

The idea makes perfect sense:

you love dogs + you miss your pet from home + you'd like to be more involved in the community = you volunteer at the SPCA.

This idea is exactly what got Bridget Draper motivated to start volunteering some of her time with local animals at the SPCA.  What's her time commitment like? How'd she get started? I decided to ask Bridget these questions and a few more in hopes of getting some insight into just what volunteering is all about.  

P+C- How did you get started? 

BD- As a college student there's no way i have the time to care for a dog so this was a great way to get to "have" a dog for a few hours a week and the dogs are very appreciative to get some time to play!

P+C- Is there any training involved?

BD- There was a 2 hour training session that i signed up for by e-mailing the SPCA

P+C- What is a typical visit like?

BD- You can volunteer for either cat socializing or dog walking and there are hour and a half time slots for each. they are Monday- Friday 12:30-2:00 pm and 2:00-3:30 pm.

P+C- What is the time commitment? 

BD- You only have to complete 3 hours each month and are welcome to do as many hours as you'd like!

P+C- What is your favorite aspect of volunteering?

BD- I love getting a chance to play with dogs since I am currently unable to have one of my own. I know I've also made these dogs day by hanging out with them for a little while, even if it's only for ten minutes.

P+C- Do you volunteer with a partner? 

BD- I volunteer with my boyfriend and we go every week together. it's something fun for us to look forward to each week. you can go with friends or by yourself! 

P+C- What's the first step someone should take if they want to get involved? 

BD- Call or e-mail the SPCA and ask when the next training session is. the day after you complete the session you will be able to play with kitties and puppies!!

P+C- Are there any upcoming events you want to mention?

BD- I'm not sure of the details but I know they're having special events before the holiday season to help get these pups and cats adopted around the holiday season!

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AFFORDABLE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC IN HARRISONBURG!

Attention: all dogs and cats living in the Shenandoah Valley looking to get fixed, (but still stay under budget), there is a place for you. 

The Shenandoah Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic offers a safe, reliable environment for both cats and dogs to receive spaying and neutering, vaccinations, de-worming, and many more services at a low cost. The Clinic has been dedicated to ending the euthanasia of healthy cats and dogs since 2005, and has already spayed and neutered nearly 60,000 animals.

The Clinic is currently staffed with two full-time and two part-time veterinarians, along with four licensed veterinary technicians. They also have plenty of help from experienced veterinary assistants, administrators, animal care technicians and even a canine behaviorist.

Some of you may be wondering why should you go through the trouble of "fixing" your cat or dog when they seem to be perfectly happy they way they are. SpayUSA.org  gives many reasons why this is the best option for your pet. The number one reason, of course, is that spay/neuter reduces overpopulation, so less animals will suffer from bad conditions on the streets, or be unnecessarily euthanized. It has also been proven that this surgery will allow your pet to live a healthier and longer life. Also, sterilizing your pet will reduce their urge to wander away from your home, therefore reducing the chance they will get contract a disease, get lost, or hit by a car.

The Shenandoah Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic reiterates the importance of spay/neuter and does everything they can to help owners help their pets. They work together with Cat's Cradle who also advocates that every cat be spayed/neutered.

So if you have a cat or dog that hasn't been spayed or neutered and you're a little short on cash...you know where to go for a safe and worthwhile experience. The Shenandoah Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic provides an easy scheduling process and directions to their location.

Want to help? The Clinic offers many ways that volunteers can contribute to their mission. You can give donations (which are tax deductible!) or even give dry pet food. There are also opportunities to actually go to the clinic and help out. 

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Here at Paws + Claws we've decided to begin posting a daily Lolcat photo for your viewing pleasure.  So, without further ado...

CAT'S CRADLE, ADOPT OR SAVE, THE NO-KILL ALTERNATIVE

If you're an animal lover living in Harrisonburg, then you've almost certainly heard of Cat's Cradle.  Anyone walking past the downtown store may at first assume it sells pet accessories of some sort, that is, until they realize that those lovely fake cats modeling collars in the window are in fact real cats looking for a home.  The little downtown store is one of Harrisonburg's cats only rescue and adoption shelters.  

Unlike many animal shelters, Cat's Cradle has a strict no kill policy, and is focused on providing a haven for homeless cats as well serving as an adoption center for those kittens healthy enough for new homes. The center was opened in 1998 by a woman named Pat Rossi, who sought to provide care to stray cats in the area. Her goal; to reduce the population of strays. 


With the help of local veterinarians, Rossi was able to educe the cost lower cost cat neutering, ultimately making the service more available.  Popularity grew and Rossi found herself branching out into rescue and adoption as well.  The center firmly believes in a policy of TNR.  TNR? Trap, Neuter, and Release.  The loving caretakers at Cat's Cradle even offer a service in which someone they aid in capturing a stray cat, so that he or she can be properly altered.  Cat's cradle truly is dedicate to providing information and services to those who are unsure of how to handle strays. 

Just last week I found myself seeking the help of Cat's Cradle.  For the last month, my Harrisonburg home has been visited by an extremely friendly tabby cat.  Often my roommates and I would come home to find her lounging on our porch eager for some attention.  Because she was so outgoing, and because we noticed she was declawed, we assumed she was simply a neighbor's pet exploring the neighborhood. 


However, we soon realized that even on rainy and cold nights Amelia, as we came to call her, never seemed to be 'going home'.  So, last week we took her over to Cat's Cradle for some help.  The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and helped us discover Amelia was apparently a boy (hello, Emilio), and was altered.  Because the center was temporarily at full capacity, they lent us a cat house with a promise that we could bring him back in two weeks if we had no luck finding his original home.    

Thanks to Cat's Cradle, Emilio is in good hands.  If you know of any strays in your area, or are looking to adopt, Cat's Cradle may be the place for you.

EYE-CATCHING PEDIGREE DOG FOOD AD

Here is a commercial for Pedigree  dog food shot in super slow motion. It was shot at 1,000 frames per second and captures the every movement of several dogs catching a Pedigree treat.

Pedigree prides itself on offering food for every kind of dog out there; from puppies to adults and even seniors.  They have small bite sized morsels for the Chihuahua's and Shih Tzu's of the world, and also nutrient packed recipes for maintaining strong bones and joints for the big dogs.


Pedigree even developed a state of the art line of dog food for those canines that need to watch their waste line. They offer a range of entrees and meaty dinners that are high in protein but low in unnecessary fat. They also offer a variety of helpful links and articles for owners of overweight pups; providing everything from effective exercise techniques to the best training tips.


So not only is Pedigree coming out with state of the art advertising techniques, they are also doing their part in keeping dogs everywhere healthy and happy--one bowl of dog food at a time.

RESCUE KITTEN MAKES LOVING NJ PET

At the beginning of this past summer, one of my very best friends arrived home from school with not just another year of schooling under her belt, but a tiny furball as well!  She couldn't have been more than a month old, and seemed in good health despite being found in a gutter near my friend's home in Pittsburgh.  

Apparently, life in the gutter wasn't so bad as she is incredibly cuddly and not the least bit skittish.  My friend was able to take her to our local animal shelter in Clinton, NJ and get her the shots she needed.  So far all is well for this little one thanks to the kindness of a good heart.

If you're thinking about adopting a pet, consider looking for rescue shelters in your area.  In the Harrisonburg area, Cat's Cradle and the SPCA are both great options to consider.  Animals here will have already received their shots and are usually neutered, all you'll have to do offer is a loving home : )

P.S. Think you've seen this pose somewhere before?

ADORABLE RESCUE PUG WITH NO LOWER JAW!

LOOK! 

No, the pup on the right isn't yawing (my first reaction), and no, he's not about to grab some water.  Nope, Lady isn't your average pug.  In fact, she's a rescue, and happens to have no lower jaw.  I first heard of this miracle pup from a Professor of mine who's actively involved in the animal rescue world, and after seeing her photo, it's impossible to fall in love with her!  Proud owner John Gruver rescued Lady from a pug rescue organization.  Her lack of a lower jaw is the result of an untreated fracture, that eventually led to it having to be removed.  This fact originally puzzled me, how could she eat? what does she do with her tongue? might it affect her breathing?  Apparently, and to my great surprise, none of these questions are of much concern!  According to Dr. Wendelken, whose flickr photo is the one linked, "Other than being a bit of a sloppy eater and drinker, John says that she does just fine and her tongue doesn't require any special attention. Her kibble is soaked in hot water to make it easier for her to eat." 

Lady's story also brought to my attention the extent of animal rescue organizations.  Besides the more extensive SPCA, there are apparently numerous animal specialty rescue groups.  The idea is brilliant for those who who are avid [insert animal here] lovers who also happen to be good souls looking to save those in need of a good home.  From Dalmatians to Bernese Mountain dogs to Maine Coon cats, numerous animal breeds have specific programs dedicated to their adoption.


I'm hoping to get some video of Lady (fingers crossed).  STAY TUNED!

Hello + Welcome!

Paws + Claws is meant to introduce you to the hundreds of furry critters looking for new homes in the Harrisonburg area.  This is a blog driven by our shared love of animals and desire to help homeless pets receive the love and affection they deserve.