Last Minute Event Alert
JASPCA Cookout at Earth Fare

Saturday May 27th the JASPCA will be the beneficiaries of a cook-out at both Earth Fare locations in Mt.Pleasant and in West Ashley. They will be cooking Hot Dogs and Veggie and Beef Burgers. The lunch will be $5 per plate and half of that goes to the shelter. Cook-outs will run from 11am-2pm. Volunteers are needed at both locations...Shifts are 9am-12 and 12-3. They will try to have animals on site if they are available. Please contact info@jaspca.com for more info.

Last Minute Event Alert
Pet Helpers' A Tail of a Sale!!!

Calling all bargain hunters! A ”tail of a sale” will be held in May to benefit Pet Helpers Adoption Shelter. The shelter is having its annual garage sale to raise money for operational costs. Pet Helpers is currently seeking donations of baby-toddler items, furniture, tools, pet items, household items and any other items in good, working condition. All items donated will be considered as tax-deductible contributions.

The garage sale will be held May 27 from 8 to 3 pm at 1409 Folly Road (in the parking lot of the shopping center where All’s Well and Buffalo South are located). Hotdogs, drinks, water and brownies will be available for a small donation!

Pet Helpers is also seeking volunteers to help out with the garage sale and is continually seeking applications for volunteers in and around the shelter. Please contact Gina Anton for questions about either the garage sale or volunteering at 795-1110.

Pet Helpers is a private nonprofit 501 (c) 3 rescue and adoption facility located on James Island. Pet Helpers concentrates its activities in the areas of adoption, spay/neuter assistance, and education. All animals are kept until adopted. For more information please contact the shelter at 795-1110 or to view animals available for adoption, visit our web site at www.pethelpers.org.

AKC SURVEY FINDS MAJORITY OF OWNERS WOULD DEFY EMERGENCY EVACUATION ORDERS AND STAY WITH PETS

-- Despite Ominous Predictions for 2006 Hurricane Season, Poll Shows Even Responsible Pet Owners Not Prepared For an Emergency --

New York , NY – A survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ® shows that pet owners overwhelmingly consider their four-legged companions as members of the family. If forced to evacuate their homes to a location where they could not bring their pets, 62% of those polled would defy the authorities and stay with their animals.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service is expecting “an above-average Atlantic hurricane season.” The season officially starts June 1. This week, May 21-27, is NOAA’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Majority are Responsible Pet Owners
A significant majority of those surveyed are responsible, caring pet owners.
97% would take their pets with them in case of an evacuation
97% keep up with vaccinations
79% permanently identify their pets through microchipping or tattoo
62% have a family evacuation plan in case a natural disaster hits
61% have a pet evacuation plan
23% were prompted to design an emergency plan for their pet after Hurricanes Katrina/Rita
91% of owners say they have a copy of their pet’s vaccination records, 79% have their AKC registration papers, 93% have an extra leash and 89% have extra dog food—some of the basics for a pet disaster kit

Despite Love for Pets, Owners Not Ready for an Emergency
While survey respondents overwhelmingly consider their animals to be members of the family, there are some troubling indicators that many are not prepared to safely evacuate their pets if the need arises.

Of those who do not have an evacuation plan for their pet, 22% say it is because they live in a geographic location that isn’t a likely target for terrorism or is not susceptible to natural disasters or other disasters, while over half (52%) said they would like to have one but didn’t know how.

While a majority of owners have vaccination records and extra food and water on hand for their pets, three quarters (76%) do not have the items assembled in a portable pet disaster kit in the case of an immediate evacuation.

55% of respondents do not have a list of hotels that accept pets outside their area’s evacuation zone.

“The threat of a disaster, both natural and otherwise, is always present,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “While those owners surveyed obviously love and care greatly for their pets, it’s alarming that many of them are not prepared to safely evacuate their animals at a moment’s notice. With hurricane season at our doorstep and the continued threat of terrorism, we advise that all pet owners prepare well in advance for all kinds of emergency situations and always heed the advice of authorities.”

“We are expecting an above-average hurricane season,” said Dennis Feltgen, Meteorologist and Public Affairs Officer for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. “Prepare, prepare, prepare. We know that people who have a hurricane plan, and execute that plan, fare much better than those that do not. Many people consider their pets as members of the family, and we saw evidence of this in the Gulf region during Katrina. Some shelters may take pets, but many will not. Make sure your pet is part of your storm plan.”

Pet Owners Level of Preparedness Varies by Region

Southeast (including Gulf States)
The impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita were apparent in the survey findings, as Southeast residents are the most prepared to safely evacuate their pets in case of an emergency, with nearly three quarters of those polled (74%) reporting that they have an evacuation plan for their pet and 29% reporting they have a pet disaster kit assembled.

Over a quarter (28%) of Southeast residents designed a pet evacuation plan because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Over half (58%) have always had a pet emergency plan.

Dog-Gone It We Love This Wrapping Paper

Who could resist these little guys? These vibrant silhouettes and bits of canine wisdom are sure to develop a loyal following among dog lovers. This collection contains 2 sheets of each design for a total of 8 sheets. $4.50 at Whimsy Press

YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO ABOLISH COCKFIGHTING AND HOG DOG FIGHTING IN SC


The bill (H. 3344) which would significantly strengthen the penalties for cockfighting was passed by the state house last year but is currently stalled in the state senate.

The bill (S. 229) which would abolish hog dog fighting passed the state senate. It was then sent to a house judiciary sub-committee which amended it by adding all of the provisions of H. 3344 (this was reportedly done in response to H. 3344 being stalled in the senate).

This more comprehensive S. 229 (which also provides for property forfeiture in animal fighting cases) passed the house judiciary sub-committee and full judiciary committee. It is expected to be voted on by the full state house as early as Thursday, May 18, 2006.

YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED

Please contact the state house member representing your district and ask him/her to support S 229. You can find the name and contact information for your representative at http://wwwscstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/zipcodesearch.exe.

Because time is of essence, please call your lawmaker’s legislative office in Columbia as soon as possible to voice your opinion.

Pet Fest Model Contest Winner Announced

Congrats to Morgan, the winner of our Pet Fest Cover Model Contest. Morgan's owners, John and Molly Dotson, are very proud and can't wait to see her on the cover of the June/July issue.

Thanks to all who participated in the contest. It was a tough decision!

Last Minute Event! Disaster Response Team Seminar


Charleston Dog Training Club will be hosting a guest speaker at our next meeting, Tuesday, May 16, 2006. Shawn Jones is the coordinator of the Disaster Animal Response Team “DART” for the Community Emergency Response Team “CERT”, a program managed by the Charleston County Emergency Preparedness Division. See website: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/index2.asp?p=/departments/epd/cert/dart.htm

Mr. Shawn Jones will be speaking about hurricane preparedness, particularly addressing our pets and shelter and evacuation issues involved in responsible pet stewardship.

All members, guests, and interested persons are invited to attend. The meeting will start at 7:30pm and the guest speaker will be first on the agenda. Our meeting site is the Danny Jones Armory off of Mixson Ave. in North Charleston. Please contact Debbie Fritts (dfritts656@hotmail.com) or Debbie Snyir (dsnyir@knology.net ) for more information and directions.

Small Dog Not Included
The small dog isn't included... but we love this recycled materials bag so much because it a) has enough room for your small dog b) the manufacturer plants a tree each time a bag is purchased! So buy this bag in celebration of this past Arbor Day and little pooches that can be carried around.

The ecoist large confetti tote bag measures 18" long by 10 " tall and is approximately 5" deep. There is a detachable orange nylon zip pouch inside to store your valuables. Buy it here.

New Trend: Educational Toys for Dogs

Can we help our dogs become smarter? From the looks of things, it seems that with the stimulation of some educational toys your pooch might just become the smartest dog on the block.

Take these pyramids for example, available at dog.com. Your dog must figure out how to pull out the central section which houses a tasty treat.

Now only if you could train your dog to walk like an Egyptian.

Kitchen Pet Stations

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or laundry room? Why not plan for a pet station. One of the newest trends in kitchen design, pet stations include slide out draws along the bottom of the cabinet that house food bowls made of stainless steel. Upper draws are often lined for dry kibble, and have special hooks and compartments making them perfect to house the family dog's toys, leashes and collars. Some drawers can even be refrigerated so you can keep meds or other nutritional supplements that require a cool environment fresh. With all the custom features available in today's kitchen trends, why not include the family dog?

International Assoc. of Canine Professionals Sending Care Packages to War Dogs

Donations are being collected to show our troops we are thinking about them this July 4th. We will be sending donated items to the K-9 handler teams in a special care package IACP bag along with items for their working K-9. In each bag will be some hygiene items, food, and recreational things.

Please send package items to Karen Wargo, 2018 Wedgewood Ln., Carrollton, Tx 75006. Please send monetary donations to help purchase items and send to troops to the IACP at the Head office address below. All donations must be received by June 12 in order to have time to pack the bags and mail them.

All donated items will be packaged in a gift bag including a note of thanks and sent to the military K-9 handlers with a special gift for their K-9 partner.
Requested items

Handlers (male & female):
Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, conditioner, aftershave, toothbrushes, facial wipes, razors, floss.)
* Lotion, lip balm, foot powder, baby wipes
* Books, crossword puzzles, board games, cards, magazines, jump rope
* AA/AAA batteries
* Calling cards
* Pens, pencils, greeting cards, stationary, tape
* Beef jerky, breath mints, granola bars, coffee, condiments, cookies, gum, tuna, drink mixes (Tang, Crystal Light, Kool-Aid), salad dressing, crackers, cereal, honey, Pop Tarts, Ramen noodles, peanut butter
* White ankle socks, T-shirts
* Paper, crayons, & colored pencils (for use with Iraqi children)

Dogs (large breeds):
Rope toys, pull toys
* Soft flex gripper balls
* Kong balls and toys
* Nylabones (Souper size)
* Chuckits and balls
* Dog treats


*Please do not send glass! Items must be able to withstand heat.

Monetary donations will be used for shipping, items to fill gift bags, and the purchase of cooling vests for the dogs.

Send monetary donations to: IACP, c/o War Dogs, P.O.Box 560156, Montverde, Fl. 34756-0156

www.dogpro.org

Please help me!

I only have 4 days left at the Frances Willis SPCA. Please come visit me at the shelter at 136 Four Paws Lane Summerville, SC 29483 or visit the shelter's website at http://www.frwspca.org/ I want a new home really badly and would be forever grateful to you!

Thanks to Pam Pam Marfizo for notifying of this little guy's request.

Large Breed Owners Rejoice!

There's finally a bed big enough for your collosus to strech out upon. No more king size blankets wadded up on the floor. Enough with the froo froo beds designed for teacup Yorkies (no offense to the small breed owners!). This sucker, by a company appropriately named Fatboy, can accomodate 2 Rottweilers. And thanks to it's nylon fabric, clean up is a snap. Check it out on Design Public.

Problem Solver

Anybody out there constantly searching for where they put the leash like I am? Here's a stylish solution to that problem available right here in the Lowcountry that would look adorable in the mud room or next to your back door.

The Harry Barker Leash Holder is a sturdy powder coated steel double hook leash rack keeps you organized (screws included). Choose a bone shape holder with "DOG" in center or one of the breed styles: Scottie, Lab and Poodle. Available in black or silver. Made in USA.
$16.00

Last Minute Event Alert - Intro to Massage Class

Tracy Ripley will be offering Intro to Pet Massage classes on Wednesday, May 3rd and again on Wednesday, May 17th. The classes will begin at 7:00 pm and will teach the very basics of pet massage, different types of strokes, and the basics of energy work. The class will last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, and the cost of the class is $50.00. Class sizes will be limited to 5 people so that we all have enough space to work and so that we have time for one-on-one interaction. You may register for the class either by calling 795-2001, or by emailing me at trocka7@yahoo.com. The class will be held at All is Well on James Island 1409 D Folly Road.