The Pet Friendly Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
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August, 2005

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Our readers obviously share strong bonds with their pets ... so I thought it would be interesting to share a few pet statistics with you:

• Approximately 53% of Canadians own a pet - 30% own a dog, and 28% own at least one cat. 32% of dog owners also have a cat and 14% own another animal. (Source: Léger Marketing for the Quebec Veterinarian Medicine Academy, August 2002)

• More than half of Canadians who own an animal will buy a Christmas gift for their pets. (Source: Léger Marketing, March 2001)

• 21% of dog owners maintain that their dog understands them better than their spouse or any other key person in their surroundings. (Source: Firme Compas for Ralston Purina, February 1999)

• 78% of dog owners consider their dog an "equal member" of their family. (Source: "Dogs and Travel: An Attitudinal Study of Dog Owners by Starwood Hotels & Resorts", conducted by Lieberman Research Worldwide, 2003)

Do you have a special furry and feathered friend? Send us your photos ... and be sure to check out this issue's batch of Featured Pets!

See you in September!
Angela, Editor
+ Rundle, Tonka, Kimo, and Jasper (the furry support staff)

PET QUOTES:

"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." (Martin Buber)

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." (Anatole France)

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED PETS
"I walk my dogs daily down by Lake Ontario, this is a picture of Pal, who is 4 years old. We found him as a puppy while on vacation in Prince Edward Island in 2001. You would think coming from there he would love water but he does not swim at all." - Ann T., Stoney Creek, Ontario	"This is my boy Chase - a male Golden 2.5 years old. We were in Long Beach May/05 and this was his 1st ocean experience. As you can see he took to the waves, sand and sun (wearing SPF30 on his nose) readily. We stayed in Ucluelet at one of the Pet Friendly sites - Anchors Inn. It was a beautiful and memorable vacation - we will be returning! Thanks for the reference to this spot on your website!" - Kim, Rick, Chase, Ginger and Peeko
Want to show off your pet? Share your cute, funny, or touching photos with our pet-loving crowd. Email your photos in .JPG format, along with a brief caption, your location, and your name, to: photos@petfriendly.ca

Just For Paws Pet Towels... Only the best for your best friend! These luxuriously-soft, absorbent and lightweight towels are gentle on fur and skin. www.JustForPaws.ca

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR PET

Us humans rely on many types of identification such as our drivers licenses, credit cards, medical records, and more. We keep these important documents safe for when we need them, and so too should we also keep a similar set of documents for our pets. These can include:

• An up-to-date record of your pet's vaccinations;

• The name, address, and telephone number of your vet;

• Accurate records of your pet's identification tags or markings (license tags, tattoos, microchips, etc);

• A record of medical conditions, medication, and dosage;

• A clear, recent photo;

• Emergency contact person and telephone number. Also include an alternate number where you may be reached, such as a cell phone number.

Your pet's documents can be important in situations such as:

• Identifying a lost pet. You should also know any unique identifying marks your pet may have. For instance, "a dime-sized patch of red fur under his left front elbow" is an identifying mark. If you have lost your pet, don't make this information public; instead, if someone contacts you claiming to have your pet, ask them to describe the mark to you.

• Travelling with your pet, whether it's within your own country or to another nation;

• When leaving your pet with a pet-sitter or boarding him at a kennel;

• Doggie daycares where pets often interact with one another.

An easy way to manage all of your pet's documentation is to pick up a couple of folders at any office supply store and insert one copy of each piece of documentation. This will provide you with two copies - one for yourself, and one extra.

UPCOMING PET EVENTS...

British Columbia:

• September 11, 2005: The 11th Annual Paws for a Cause event is being held by the Kamloops branch of the BC SPCA. More info

Alberta:

• August 11, 2005: The Cochrane Humane Society's petsDOmatter Charity Golf Tournament helps to raise the remaining funds for a new, rural animal shelter. More info

• August 11, 2005: The Edmonton Humane Society's "Putt for Pets" Golf Tournament takes place at the Sandpiper Golf and Country Club. Great prizes for the teams that raise the most pledges! More info

Ontario:

• August 28, 2005: Support the Ottawa Humane Society's Summer Harvest Garden Party. More info

• September 25, 2005: The Toronto Humane Society 16th annual PAWS in the PARK™ will take place in Sunnybrook Park, Toronto. More info

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We hope you enjoyed your visit to the Pet Friendly Canada Newsletter!