Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Get your day started right. Take a look at these awesome photos by Davis Manier of adoptable pets at Pet Helpers. These dogs and cats need good homes. If you can't adopt, consider a tax deductible donation, a donation of food or needed supplies, volunteer at a Pet Helpers event, or go take a few of the shelter dogs out for a walk and some play time. I have a feeling it will do your heart some good too.
To see the photos click on the link, then Portfolio, then Pet Helpers. http://www.davismanier.com/
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
ANNUAL ADOPTION CHAMPION AWARDS PROGRAM
Portland, Maine (January 13, 2009) – Planet Dog is proud to announce the winners of their annual Adoption Champion Awards. As part of their ongoing campaign to encourage adoption and reduce the number of pets euthanized each year, Planet Dog created the awards program to support, encourage and reward Planet Dog retailers who "romp the extra mile" when it comes to social responsibility, philanthropy and advocacy for pet adoption.
Each fall, Planet Dog's ACA Committee, a cross-functional team of staff members, selects winners from the pool of those nominated by the company's Sales Account Executives. Nominations for the award are based on annual performance in the following areas: adoption days held at their store; fundraisers held or sponsored for shelters and non-profit animal rescue organizations and overall Planet Dog purchases that determine annual contributions to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF), Planet Dog's non-profit grantmaking organization.
In addition to receiving a $500 credit for Planet Dog merchandise, the annual winners are listed on the Find A PDOG Retailer section of the company's website (www.planetdog.com) with a special icon that recognizes their achievement, in the Planet Dog wholesale catalog and in Kibble (Planet Dog's Retailer newsletter).
"We are proud to support the many PDOG Retailers that are using creative and effective ways to find loving homes for pets in need," said Catherine Frost, Planet Dog's Brand & Product Champion. "It thrills us to be able to recognize their deep commitment to animal welfare and partner with them at the community level," added Frost.
The four PDOG Retailers to receive the 2008 Adoption Champion Awards are Chuck & Don's of Minneapolis, MN; Hero's Pets of Littleton, CO, Woof! of Plano, TX and the Oregon Humane Society of Portland, OR. These four stores combined have reached out to more than 50 shelters and rescue groups in the form of financial donations and adoption days. To learn more about why these stores were chosen, please visit www.planetdogretailer.com to read their stories in the latest edition of Kibble.
"I want to thank Planet Dog for considering us, especially as I think at WOOF, we are really just doing our part," said MH Hall, Owner of WOOF. "We tend to be more aware of all that we still cannot do so it is great for Planet Dog to recognize that what we are doing is making a difference," added Hall.
In addition to the Adoption Champion Awards Program, Planet Dog also recognizes their retailers who have adoption advocacy integrated in their store's mission. Retailers who hold regular adoption days (at least monthly) in their store or help support their local certified animal shelter are listed as Adoption Advocates on the Find A PDOG Retailer section of www.planetdog.com.
"We realize that our retailers come in many shapes and sizes and that although the Adoption Champion Award celebrates four worthwhile businesses, there are scores of others who are doing what they can to support pet adoption," said Frost. "We want to be sure that these businesses still get the ongoing recognition they deserve," added Frost.
Planet Dog also developed a national Public Service Campaign (PSA) to educate and build awareness about the issue of pet adoption with the United States. To date, the effort has helped influence 750 adoptions across the country.
Whether creating great products, providing financial resources or helping to educate consumers about canine-related issues, Planet Dog is proud to be a pet industry leader with proven socially responsible initiatives that bring people and dogs together for fun and mutual support.
"As a small company doing big things, our goal will always be to improve the world around us by giving back to our community, our workforce and the environment," said Alex Fisher, Planet Dog's Founder. "Our internal mantra is ‘think globally, act doggedly’. When running a business, it’s easy to get absorbed in just the dollars and cents. The mantra helps keep us focused on the higher cause for which we entered this industry,” added Fisher.
Planet Dog’s flagship initiative is the Planet Dog Foundation. The Foundation, whose philanthropic mission is to promote and celebrate programs that enable dogs to serve and support their best friends, receives a percentage of every Planet Dog purchase. In turn, it is donated back to non-profit canine service programs nationwide.
“We’re doing what no other pet product company is doing," said Stephanie Volo, Planet Dog's President. “We offer unique, top-quality products that dogs love, while creating awareness of how much service dogs give back to people in our society. Our goal is for our actions to speak louder than woofs,” added Volo.
Since January 2006, PDF has given away more than $400,000 in grants and in-kind donations to several worthy organizations nationwide. For more information and a full list of programs and grantees, please visit www.planetdogfoundation.org.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Marley & Me Bound to Raise Some Questions about Dog Training (or lack thereof)
On Christmas Day, the film version of the popular book “Marley & Me” will be released nationwide. While the film promises to faithfully capture the sweet spirit and message of the book, its subject—Marley, a wildly out-of-control-but-lovable yellow Labrador retriever—will raise questions (and some hackles) about what the dog’s owners could have done to better understand their pet and to correct his many behavioral problems.
“Labs are intelligent dogs and need to be kept busy,” said James, dog behavioral therapist, Bark Busters USA. “They are eager to please and catch on quickly to training that is communicated clearly and consistently.”
That training needs to start with ground rules established and maintained from the moment the dog (or puppy) enters your home. When a dog—any dog—is guided by your strong leadership and setting of firm boundaries, both man and dog will enjoy an infinitely more rewarding relationship.
Dogs do only whatever they can get away with. It is up to the owner to educate the dog about the rules of the pack, which requires a commitment to consistent leadership from the owner. For example, remember that your fluffy 10-pound new puppy who loves to jump up on you will one day be an 85-pound adult dog whose jumping is no longer cute and, indeed, can cause harm to you or others. Don’t allow such behaviors to begin, and correct any unwanted behaviors right away.
Labs are a popular breed because they love to be with people, including children. They are typically playful and good-natured. Because Lab puppies are very bouncy and boisterous, they may not be ideal for households with very small children, the elderly or infirm. Labs are best for families with active lifestyles who can allow the dog to have regular outlets for his seemingly boundless energy.
“Labs, like many breeds, are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to behavior issues. A bored, lonely Lab with nothing interesting to do,” added Michelle, dog behavioral therapist, Bark Busters USA. “he will quickly find ways to vent his pent-up energy by barking, chewing and destroying anything he encounters in your house or yard.”
Had the Grogan family who owned Marley sought training from a qualified dog behavioral therapist to help them understand and act on these human-canine fundamentals, their lives together would have been less eventful and far more peaceful.
One example of how training could have helped both family and pet is related to how Marley reacted to thunderstorms, a common fear among canines. Many dogs “learn” to cower at thunder because their owners console them when they hear a loud noise. While it is understandable that you would want to coddle your frightened pet, this does not help the dog if you are not with him when a thunderstorm (or fireworks or a noisy trash collector) comes along. If your dog is frightened by loud noises, don’t make it an “event.” Simply guide your furry friend to a place where it is safe and quiet, ideally his crate. You could also cover the crate with a blanket to soften the impact of the loud noises. The dog will quickly learn to seek shelter there whenever he feels scared. If your dog exhibits extreme fear from thunderstorms, talk to your vet about more ways to help the dog feel calmer.
The following are some tips to help you manage your active Labrador retriever or any high-energy dog:
• Provide toys that can handle heavy chewing. Labs are generally food motivated, so use treat-giving puzzle toys to keep him mentally stimulated.
• Get into the habit of providing daily training sessions of 15 minutes or so. Remember, dogs tire far more quickly from mental stimulation than from physical activities.
• Crate training is strongly recommended for Labs. Not only does a crate help with housebreaking, it also helps to create boundaries for your pet, keeping both your dog and your house safe.
• Anticipate your dog’s possible naughty behavior. Put baby locks on cupboard doors, put away trash cans, separate your dog from a small child with food. (The dog may snatch the food not out of aggression but simply because the temptation is just too great.)
• Use Bitter Apple spray, or other taste deterrents, on objects you don’t want your pooch to chew.
To fetch a Bark Busters trainer in our area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008

This little book is the first in a series called "The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund." The subtitle of the book is "Sammy's Last Week in Charleston". In it, Sammy agrees to take a new job, in a new city, only to find out he has to move in one week. The book goes through the days of the week while Sammy tries to say his goodbyes and pack in as much fun as he can. By the end of the week, Sammy begins to get a little sad. Then after some thought he realizes, he may be moving on to new things but he will always have great friends and he can always call the wonderful city of Charleston "Home."
Local author Jonathan Miller is having a book signing party. See details below. Partial proceeds go to a good cause, so strap on your pretty heels, tie on that Charlestonian bow-tie and and support Sammy the Wonder Dachshund.
Hibernian Hall
Wednesday, December 17th
7:00 PM—11:00 PM
Books will be there for sell, along with 12 x 18 prints of the artwork from the book. We are also having a silent auction for the original artwork from the book, the auction will end around 9:15 PM. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to benefit the Teachers' Supply Closet Organization, which helps Lowcountry teachers get the materials they need to educate students.
There will be plenty of wine and beer at the party along with food provided by Oak Steakhouse!
For more info contact the author at : jonmiller33@gmail.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Interactive video and online game publisher Legacy Interactive has created Pet Pals: New Leash on Life, a computer simulation game that takes place inside an animal rescue center where the player assumes the role of a veterinarian in diagnosing, treating, caring for and even adopting virtual pets. Proceeds support The Humane Society of the United States.
Pet Pals: New Leash on Life is the latest title in Legacy’s award winning Pet Pals series. The goal is to nurse all of the admitted animals back to health using realistic medical tools and ultimately adopt them into forever homes. Players prepare their animals for adoption by training, grooming, petting and playing with them until they are ready for their future homes. When a pet has been successfully treated and placed in the right home, players get a promotion with more responsibilities and more difficult cases to handle.
“This is a great educational tool in helping to understand the daily responsibilities of animal rescue and the importance of adoption,” states Stephanie Shain, director of outreach, companion animals for The Humane Society of the United States.
The Humane Society of the United States works tirelessly to ensure a better world for animals across the globe. The HSUS runs spay/neuter and adoption programs, works to end the cruel practice of puppy mills, supports animal shelters, fights cruelty and cares for the animal victims of disasters and other emergencies.
“We are so excited to provide support for the invaluable programs of The Humane Society of the United States,” said Ariella Lehrer, president and CEO, Legacy Interactive. “We hope that by purchasing Pet Pals: New Leash on Life, players will get the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a veterinarian, have fun, and at the same time feel good about supporting a great animal protection organization.”
Pet Pals: New Leash on Life is available for PC download at www.petpalsgame.com and is rated E for Everyone, ages 8+.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
Barney, the outgoing first dog, bit a reporter. See the full story here.
In all due respect though, the reporter bent down and approached Barney way too fast... and he also had quite a bit in his hands. It's pretty easy to see how from a dog's perspective this looked like aggressive behavior.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauded the flurry of recent news reports that the Obama Family will consider adopting a shelter dog when they choose their new family pet for the White House.
“The unconditional love we get from our companion animals is one of the greatest gifts in life,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “At the ASPCA, we are thrilled at the prospect that the Obama Family will ‘make pet adoption their first option’ and head to their local animal shelter or rescue group, where there are many extraordinary animals just waiting for a forever home. Whether their preference is dog or cat, small or large, purebred or lovable mutt, they could both find the perfect pet and help an animal in need, which would be an incredible opportunity.”
One of the best ways the Obama Family can find their perfect pet is through the ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match™ (MYM) adoption program, which is being used by hundreds of animal shelters and rescue groups across the country. The MYM program assesses the “Canine-ality™” of adoptable dogs as well as the “Feline-ality™” of adoptable cats, and matches them with their perfect pet parents based on compatibility. Based on their assessments, the animals are assigned one of nine canine-alities or feline-alities which fall into three major purple, orange, and color-coded categories. The descriptions are added to the animal’s cage (or kennel) card, and the animals are ready to meet their human matches. Some examples include the relaxed and laid back “Couch Potato,” the naturally playful, curious and trusting “Busy Bee,” and action hero-type “Go-Getter.”
The adopter survey is the second component of the process, which asks 19 questions of the potential adopter to determine which Canine-ality™ or Feline-ality™ best matches their expectations, experience, lifestyle and home environment. The adopter is given a purple, orange or green guest pass – color coordinated to match the cage cards of the cats that best match them.
“The MYM program is a perfect fit for any family, especially the Obamas,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Shelter Behavior Programs, and a developer of the program. “Potential pet adopters can easily be overwhelmed with choices of breed, size, and even coat color, but with the MYM adoption process, the Obama Family will be able to complete the MYM Adopter Survey togeth
er, meet all their four-legged matches, and choose the perfect pet for their family.”For more information on the ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match™ program, and how to find the perfect pet, please visit. www.aspca.org.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Pet Helpers 4th Annual Fur Ball Black Tie Gala will be held Friday, November 7th, 6:30 pm, at the Marriott on Lockwood Blvd. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary and pearls will be the theme of this years Party for the Pets!
As you begin your evening with a beverage from the open bar and Hors ‘d oeuvres, you will have time to view and bid on the many exciting Silent Auction items which include: Vacation Get-a-Ways, Art work, Dinners, Jewelry, Golf Packages and many other exciting and unique items. While enjoying your plated dinner, you will also have a chance to bid on items during our exciting Live Auction, emceed by Tom Crawford and Victoria Hansen of TV 4 News and then dance the night away to some great music.
All proceeds from this gala will fund our Pet Helpers Adoption Center and Spay/ Neuter Clinic. Our new facility houses over 250 homeless animals on a daily basis, where they are all medically cared for and given TLC in an open, bright and cheerful environment. All of Pet Helpers animals are kept until adopted.
Tickets to the Fur Ball cost $150 each and can be purchased at the shelter or by calling (843) 795-1110. Visa and MasterCard are available. The Fur Ball Gala has sold out the past three years; with only 350 tickets available, seating is limited, so call now! It is an evening you don’t want to miss! For more information, log onto our website at www.pethelpers.org.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
For all people who spoil their pets rotten or if you just want to do your good deed for the day, Pet Helpers has entered Care2’s “Vote for your Favorite Animal Shelter” contest. The shelter with the most votes will win $10,000! The contest ends November 1, 2008 and we need at least 1,000 votes to qualify. Voting takes less than a minute and the site asks for your name, e-mail and zip code to participate. (Be sure to “opt out” of their e-mail list at the bottom right before clicking the “Vote” button if you don’t want to receive newsletters.)
This is a national contest, so PLEASE pass the link and instructions to anyone who could vote today!
TO VOTE…click here: http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/75635
Thank you in advance for giving Pet Helpers your support
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Mr. K's Piggly Wiggly
404 North Cedar Street - Summerville
1605 Central Avenue - Knightsville
Piggly Wiggly
680 Bacons Bridge Rd. - Summerville
Patterson Printing
402 Old Trolley Rd. - Summerville
Carolina One Real Estate Offices
900 N. Main St. - Summerville
1530 Old Trolley Rd. - Summerville
Frances R. Willis SPCA
136 Four Paws Lane in Summerville
Cash and credit card donations can be made only at the SPCA facility. Food reserves are critically low. If you need more information, call the SPCA at 871-3820.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Local Firms Create the Ultimate in Posh Pet DesignParker-Sims Interiors and Annie Melvin of Boutique Tents partnered to create the Chateau de Chien - an entry in Pierre Deux's national posh pet design challenge benefiting Canine Companions for Independence. Make sure to vote for the Chateau de Chien at www.pierredeux.com now through November 14th! Go Charleston!
On October 23 during the Upper King Design Walk, the Chateau will be on view at Three Dog Bakery.
On October 24 from 6-9 Pierre Deux is hosting an unveiling event in their showroom at 279 King and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to Canine Companions for Independence.
