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December 2006

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Seasons Greetings! It's that time of the year again when many of us start preparing for holiday get-togethers with our loved ones... both two and four-legged! Please remember that pets do not make good gifts. Adopting a pet into a lifelong home requires careful matching of the family's lifestyle with the right pet. Plus the noise, stress, and distractions of the holiday season isn't a good time to introduce the newest member of the family! If you would like to offer the gift of a pet adoption, consider instead purchasing a gift certificate from your local humane society or pet rescue organization. The recipient can then choose the right pet for them, at the right time. Have a happy & safe holiday season. See you in 2007!

PET QUOTES

"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich." (Louis Sabin) "One small cat changes coming home to an empty house, to coming home." (Pam Brown)

PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS!

"This is a picture of our wonderful Newfoundland Dog Pervy who finally finished his Canadian Championship. He will be 5 years in December. Pervy is much loved by his human and animal family!" - Bethanne K.

"Here are some puppy pictures and recent pictures of our babies! Rutt is a Redbone Hound and Cash (after Johnny Cash) is a German Shorthaired Pointer mixed with mutt. Both are 6 1/2 months old. They are the best of friends and they can't go anywhere without each other. These two dogs have more personality than some people I know! The two of them just saw snow for the first time. Cash had to find a piece of grass to go to the bathroom on... he wouldn't go on the snow at first. Rutt ran for his dog house and took cover, occassionally sticking his tongue out in the snow to see what it was all about." - Chrystal H. from Barrie, Ontario

SEND US YOUR HOLIDAY PET PHOTOS! Send your photo along with a brief caption and your location to newsletter@petfriendly.ca

Free Shipping Until Dec 8, 2006!

SAFE TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are meant for sharing with loved ones, including pets. Many choose to spend the holiday season by "getting away from it all" - a hotel, resort, cottage, or other lodging where they can relax with friends and family. Try this tips for to help make your trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible: Bringing the family pet along gives people the opportunity to enjoy the fun and activity the holidays offer, and still be able to come "home" at the end of the day and enjoy the companionship of their pets. As always, though, a bit of preparation can help make your travels with your pet as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Always confirm the pet policy at the time of booking. Lodgings may operate with modified pet policies during the busy holiday season. Some accommodations will permit pets to stay unattended in rooms, but for those that don't, ask if they offer pet-sitting services for the times when your pet can't join you. A list of local doggy daycares or pet-sitters is also helpful. Be sensitive to whether or not your pets will enjoy the noise of holiday celebrations, "Santa", crowds, resident animals, strangers, and new sights, sounds, and smells. If your pet prefers quieter surroundings or fewer strangers, look for smaller accommodations such as private cottages or vacation rentals. Be careful not to upset your pet's tummy if sharing holiday meals. Ask other guests not to give your pet any tidbits (no matter how much he begs!) unless they check with you first. Chocolate, turkey bones, and other holiday foods can cause illness - contact the vet immediately for advice if your pet ingests food items that he probably shouldn't. Keep a close eye on your pet when around holiday decorations. Not everyone decorates with pets in mind, and dangerous items such as tinsel, Christmas tree water, poinsettia, mistletoe, lilies, and other potentially hazardous items may be accessible to your pet. Ensure your pet wears visible identification at all times. Bring records of your pet's ID numbers along with a clear, recent photo and his or her vaccination records. Also pack any prescription medications the pet will need over the holidays, as there's no guarantee that a vet will be available. Likewise, pet supply stores may be closed, so bring comfortable bedding, food and water, toys, treats, towels or blankets, a crate, and anything else the pet needs.

A RESCUE DOG'S CHRISTMAS POEM (Author Unknown)

When Found ... Now in a Happy Home! 'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town, Every shelter is full... we're lost, but not found. Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare, We hope every minute that someone will care. They'll come to adopt us and give us the call, "Come here, Max, or Sparky, come fetch your new ball!" But we sit here and think of the days... We were treated so fondly... we had cute baby ways. Once we were little, then we grew and we grew... Now we're no longer young and we're no longer new. So out the back door we were thrown like the trash, They reacted so quickly... why were they so rash? We "jump on the children," "don't come when they call," We "bark when they leave us," "climb over the wall." We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed, Now we suffer the consequences of the errors THEY made. If only they'd trained us, if only we knew... We'd of done what they asked us and worshipped them too. We were left in the backyard, or worse, left to roam... Now we're tired and lonely and out of a home. They dropped us off here and they kissed us goodbye... "Maybe someone else will give you a try." So here we are, all confused and alone... In a shelter for others who long for a home. The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat, With so many to care for, they can't stay or chat, They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer... We know that they wonder how long we'll be here. We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads... Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds. Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears... Our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear. If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn... Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin? We count on your kindness each day of the year... Can you give more than hope to everyone here? Please make a donation to pay for the heat... And help get us something special to eat. The shelter that cares for us wants us to live, And more of us will, if more people give. # # # Please consider making a donation to your local SPCA or pet rescue organization. Your donation can help provide a homeless animal with nutritious food, a warm place to sleep, and a chance at a new life. Thank you for caring. - Rundle, Tonka, Kimo and Jasper (the furry 'support staff' at PetFriendly Canada)

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

Richmond, BC - Sat Dec 2/06: Star Pets Only is proud to announce the 2nd annual Pet Pictures with Santa! All proceeds go to Big Heart Rescue to help support animals in need. More info Calgary, Alberta - Sun Dec 10/06: The Calgary Humane Society's Christmas Party for the Animals. Festivities include ’Pet of the Year’, a visit from Santa, refreshments and tasty treats. More info Edmonton, Alberta - various locations and dates throughout December: Santa Claws photos from the Edmonton Humane Society. More info Winnipeg, Manitoba - Sun Dec 3/06: the Winnipeg Humane Society presents Pictures with Santa Paws. More info Ottawa, Ontario - Dec 1 & 2/06: Pet Pics with Santa at Elmvale Mall. Proceeds go to the Ottawa Humane Society. More info Etobicoke, Ontario - Dec 3, 10, 17/06: Paws and Claus at Cloverdale Mall. Get your pet's picture taken with Santa! A portion of the proceeds goes to the Etobicoke Humane Society. More info Hudson, Quebec - Dec 2/06: Blessing of the Pets. Pet photos with Santa also available (proceeds go to Greyhound Rescue). More info Does your Canadian non-profit organization have an upcoming event? We want to hear about it! Please contact us.

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