We all hear wonderful stories about amazing animals adopted from shelters who go on to give their guardians richer, happier lives. But for most shelter pets, the ending isn’t usually so happy. According to the ASPCA, 5 to 7 million companion animals enter shelters every year, and tragically, most of those don’t find their forever homes.

Millions of dogs are in shelters waiting for a forever home.

Around 60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats who enter shelters are euthanized. Most of them simply because there was no one to adopt them. Spaying and neutering is a huge part of the problem; only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters are spayed or neutered, compared to 75 percent of owned pets. According to the ASPCA, a fertile cat produces on average one to two litters of 4 to 6 kittens per year, and a fertile dog produces, on average, one litter a year of 4 to 6 puppies. Overpopulation of animals is a huge problem in this country, and our filled-to-capacity shelters are the result.

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) about 25 percent of dogs who enter shelters are purebred, which many find surprising. Animals are surrendered to shelters for any number of reasons, though. Some might have belonged to a recently deceased owner, others are animals that were adopted without proper breed research or forethought to ensure  they were a good match for the adopter’s lifestyle, and still others were strays found by animal control officers. According to the NCPPSP, most strays are simply lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with adequate identification. The

About 20% of cats living in homes were strays.

number of lost pets who are returned to their owners is lower than you might think. Less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of the ones who did find their way home were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips, so if you do nothing else today, make sure your pet is microchipped and is wearing updated tags.

Despite all the press animal shelters get, only 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs in the nation are adopted from shelters and rescues. Most pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members, 15 to 20 percent are purchased from a breeder, and 2 to 10 percent are purchased from pet stores. All animals need love, attention, and proper care, so we salute all responsible pet owners out there, wherever they found their four-legged friends. But we also never want to forget all the animals still in the nation’s shelters and rescues, still looking for their forever homes.

Did you get your pet from a shelter? Do you volunteer at a shelter? Maybe you foster animals? We would LOVE to hear about your experiences.

This is the first ever Celebrate Shelter Pets Day, and it’s sponsored by The Shelter Pet Project, a joint venture between The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie’s Fund, and The Ad Council.

Thank you for your support!

Happy Thanksgiving to All Our Pet-Source Friends!

Harlow, the Pet-Source Spokesdog -- A Surprising Mix of Breeds!

The results from the Wisdom Panel Insight’s DNA test we administered Harlow, the Pet-Source spokesdog, are finally back, and no one was more surprised with the results than us!

Here it goes! Harlow’s genetic breakdown goes like this:

Primary Breed: Russell Terrier

Secondary Breeds (equal parts each): Chow Chow and Minature Poodle

Of course, the fun part of finding out what breeds make up your mixed dog’s heritage is then learning about those breeds, and seeing what traits that are standard to the breed fit your dog as well. Russell Terriers, or Jack Russell Terriers as they’re also known, tend to be –

1. Generally cheerful, devoted, and loving. Check!

2. Spirited and completely fearless. Check!

3. Intelligent and mostly obedient, but they must be trained well. If you let them take an inch, they can become willful and won’t stop until they’ve taken the whole mile! Double check!

4. Enjoy games and playing with toys. Check!

Harlow's primary breed is the Jack Russell Terrier!

5. Highly trainable and able to perform all manner of impressive tricks. In fact, they are often used on TV and in the movies for this reason. Check!

6. They tend to thrive with a job to do, and may become destructive if they don’t receive enough activities to stimulate them both mentally and physically. Check!

Chow Chow is one of the secondary breeds in Harlow. We know there must be a resemblance in there somewhere under all that fur!

So what about the secondary breeds? Well, we know the Chow Chow is also a dominant breed that needs a dominant owner, or he’ll push his boundaries to the point of complete obstinacy. Chow Chows should be trained with a calm, assertive hand from puppyhood to prevent unwanted behavioral problems. Properly trained Chow Chows, however, can be a joy to have in the house, well-mannered, and are great with kids.

Now, perhaps the most surprising result – Miniature Poodle! The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent and joyful companion dog (okay, so maybe we do see

Miniature Poodle is the other secondary breed found in Harlow's DNA. Harlow certainly has the poodle's joyful disposition and intelligence!

some Minature Poodle in Harlow after all!) Like the Russell Terrier, they can be trained to a high degree, and are happy to please their handler. They’re very clever, and like any intelligent dog, need to have plenty to keep their minds busy to be happy and stay out of trouble. They are also very social, and do not do well outside in a kennel, but need to be part of a family.

So it looks like Harlow has a double dose of stubbornness, coupled with a double dose of intelligence…hmmm, a recipe for trouble? You bet! And we love every inch of her sassy spirit! Thank goodness Sherry got her in training early, and she’s doing great. Playful, spirited, and smart, we believe Harlow represents the best of all her breeds and makes a great ambassador for the Pet-Source brand.

But it was a contest, you’re thinking. WHO WON?!

Congratulations to Abby Bane, our Grand Prize Winner!

Okay, drum roll please… First prize goes to Abby Bane for guessing Harlow’s primary breed of Jack Russell Terrier. Congratulations, Abby! We don’t know how you guessed it, but you were the only one out of 472 contest entries who nailed the primary breed! As Grand Prize Winner, Abby will receive $200 of Pet-Source merchandise – and just in time for the holidays, too. Abby is the proud pet parent of Crystal, Doc, Tiki, Elvira, Malina, so we don’t think she’ll have any trouble finding a way to spend that $200!

We had a little more trouble choosing a second place winner because no one else guessed the primary breed, or even got the secondary breeds completely right. So, we’ve decided to award a $50 gift certificate to one of the six contestants who named Jack Russell as the secondary breed. Congratulations, Carolyn Hastings! Carolyn is the proud pet parent of Jesse. It looks like a happy holiday for Jesse this year!

Thank you to everyone who entered the Guess Harlow’s breed contest. We’re so grateful to everyone who participated and registered a guess. Harlow’s breed make-up is a mystery no more!

Putin cradles his new Karakachan sheepdog puppy.

Giving a puppy to someone as a surprise gift is almost never a good idea. Especially not a puppy that will quickly grow into almost 130 pounds of fur, chew, and energy!  UNLESS, of course, you happen to be giving the pup to the leader of a country.

Putin already has an 11-year-old black lab named Koni.

Russian Prime Minister Vladamir Putin was presented with a  Karakachan sheep dog by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov a few days ago, following the signing of a series of accords between Moscow and Sofia designed to boost the South Stream gas pipeline. Putin, a black belt in Judo who has fostered a stern, masculine image, smiled has he snuggled the 3-month old pup, and planted a kiss on his furry head. Putin already has an 11-year-old black lab named Koni, whom he once boasted was bigger than former U.S. President George W. Bush’s Scottish Terrier, Barney. We expect his new Karakachan sheepdog will grow to be bigger than both combined!

Putin is inviting his fellow country-men to help him name the male puppy. Whatever name Russians come up with and Putin decides on, we hope the puppy has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy at home, and maybe even a few livestock to guard. The Karakachan, also known as a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, has been bred as a flock guardian, is happiest when it’s working, and will fight with predators to the death to defend their flock. As you would expect, the Karakachan was initially bred in Bulgaria, although oddly, are rarely present at Sofia dog shows. We can’t help but wonder if the new exposure the breed is getting might bolster its image and change that. The dog is named after the Karakachan’s – nomadic shepherds of Thracian origin – and is one of Europe’s oldest breeds.

We wish the new little pup well in his new home, and many happy years guarding the Prime Minister of Russia and his family! If you’re getting or giving a new puppy this holiday season (once again, we don’t advocate surprising anyone with a puppy — make sure they’re ready for the responsibility!), enjoy a Pet-Source New Puppy gift combo pack full of many of the items a new puppy and his person will need. Enjoy the video below of Putin being surprised with his new puppy!

"I am not amused," this dog seems to be saying. Boarding a pet is hard on everyone!

to joyous celebrations. Often, though, one member of the family doesn’t get to join in on the party – the family pet. Some people will just load up the dog bed or cat carrier, and take them with, others have friends who are staying put and can care for their pets, but for others, boarding is the only option.

Fortunately, we are blessed with better pet boarding facilities now than ever before. Your pet can enjoy what amounts to a 5-star vacation while you’re away if you choose the right facility! Choosing a boarding facility should be undertaken with care, because not all are created equal. Your beloved pet is going to spend a lot of time there, and you want him to be happy and comfortable, and not overly stressed by the separation. It is important to begin the search now, as many pet boarding facilities, usually the best ones, book up for the holidays well in advance. If you’re at a loss on how to pick the place that would be best for your furry friend, here’s a few tips to help you choose a good one.

Visit the boarding facilities available in your community in person so you can tour the facility, compare services, and experience the way the staff interacts with the animals. Check out the facility’s cleanliness, the layout, and how attentive the staff seems to be to the animals. If the place seems dirty and stinky, don’t even waste your time — your pet deserves better than that!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here’s a few to get you started:

1. What is the staff to animal ratio? According to the BBB, an optimal ratio is 1 staff member to every 10 to 15 dogs. Cats probably can deal with a larger ratio, but they still need love and interaction, so use your best judgment and find out how much human interaction they get.
2. What does the boarding facility do if there is a medical emergency? Do they use in-house medical staff, take the injured animal to your personal veterinarian, or utilize a third-party veterinarian that provides care for their facility?
3. What vaccinations do they require the pets they board be current on? Most facilities require all the standards, plus Bordetella (Kennel Cough), which is usually only given to animals who are frequently boarded. If you are new to boarding your pet, consult your veterinarian well in advance to make sure all of your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Bordatella vaccines should be administered at least 4 days prior to boarding, and must have been administered within the previous year.
4. How often are the kennels cleaned and the animals exercised? Find out how they are exercised as well. If you’re boarding a dog, are they taken on leash walks? Do they have outside play time? Do they get to play with other dogs? Is the play time merely “supervised” or does the staff interact and play with the dogs? How much time do they get to spend outside playing with staff or other dogs, and how much time are they kept kenneled? If you’re boarding a cat, is there a play area for the cats where staff interacts with and plays with them? How much time is spent interacting with the cats?
5. When and how are the pets fed? Can you request specific foods or provide your own? Most facilities are happy to let you provide the food your pet is accustomed to, but don’t just assume they will.
6. If your pet is on special medications, can they accommodate his needs? Some animals suffer badly from separation anxiety, so you may wish to bring some anti-anxiety supplements to be administered to your pet.

"But I don't wanna!" Make sure the staff at the facility you choose for your cat spends time playing with and interacting with all the animals.

When you visit a boarding facility, use your common sense. Once again, if the place is smelly, seems understaffed, or the accommodations just seem unpleasant, walk away. There are plenty of great boarding facilities out there, and your pet deserves nothing less than a comfortable, fun, clean, and safe place to stay. Make sure you make reservations well in advance. The best places fill up fast.

Finally, before you drop your pet off, don’t make a big fuss. If you get emotional, your pet is going to get upset, and it will be a difficult parting for everyone. Along the same lines, pampering your pooch or kitty the days before you drop him off may seem like a good idea, but it’s just going to make the separation all the harder. You should also consider carefully before leaving her favorite toy or bed with her. Things get shuffled around when the kennels and cages are cleaned, and things do get lost.

Boarding a beloved dog or cat can be traumatizing for everyone involved, but it doesn’t have to be. Find the right boarding facility, and you’ll better enjoy your holiday knowing your pet is happy and well cared for, enjoying a holiday of his or her own.

We heard an interesting story recently about the local government in one Japanese prefecture that staged a disaster drill specially geared toward pet owners to help people plan. People in Japan own more than 22-million pet cats and dogs, and many Japanese shelters don’t allow pets. The drill gave people a chance to think about and practice what they should do in case of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Nearly 1,500 people participated in the drill, which included cages for dogs and cats lined up ready to go, and a specially-designated area for dogs.

In the US, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes are all realities in different parts of the country, and require a little advance forethought. We all heard the heart-wrenching stories of pets trapped in homes and on roofs during the Katrina catastrophe, and even after they were rescued, the difficulties of reuniting pets with their owners. We recently posted on Fire Safety and Your Pet, and many of the same suggestions apply. Here’s a rundown:

1) Put a sticker in a visible spot on your window to let rescue workers know how many pets are in your house, their names and breeds, and their favorite hiding spots. If you evacuate with your pets, be sure to write “EVACUATED” across the sticker (if there’s time) so rescue workers don’t waste valuable time searching for pets that aren’t there.

2) Chip your pets. We’ll say it again, “Chip Your Pets!” If you and your pets get separated, microchips are the most reliable way of making sure you are reunited in case the tags come off. The BlanketID system also helps bring lost pets home faster, and your pet should always be wearing tags.

3) Prepare a portable disaster pet supplies kit including medications, medical records, current photos of your pet, and information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets, all stored in a waterproof container. Also include sturdy leashes and/or cat carrier (make sure the carrier is big enough to keep your cat comfortable, with a small litter pan, in case he has to be there a while), potable water, and about a 2 week supply of food.

Because natural disaster can hit anytime, anywhere, and not only your house is the one effected, here are a few more things to keep in mind:

1) Get the names and addresses of people in your neighborhood who can help you out in case you’re away when disaster strikes. Exchange keys with someone you trust. If you work all day, make sure someone who isn’t out all day has your key, so they can easily evacuate your pets for you in case of the unthinkable.

2) Know the animal shelters in your area. If you do get separated from your pet, more than likely your fuzzy friend will be taken to a shelter.

3) If you have a dog, and he rides in the car with you, make sure you bring a leash. Disasters can happen anywhere, even when you’re in transit.

4) If you have a horse, it’s even more important that you plan ahead of time, because evacuating a horse safely is not a simple matter of putting him a carrier with a pan of litter! Find other horse owners in your community and plan together.

Each breed category features great stocking stuffer ideas, and whimsical gifts for any dog lover. Frame your favorite poodle pup in a poodle picture frame. Celebrate the season with a Chihuahua nut cracker ornament. Watch young eyes light up when they find a German Shepherd stuffed animal waiting in their stocking!

Most of the breeds featured have their own versions of monopoly as well. Bulldog-opoly, Poodle-opoly, Beagle-opoloy, or just Dog-opoly for the indiscriminate dog lover! Each of these monopoly games is all about the world of dogs, from being board kingpin as the butcher shop owner, to taking game hits by getting fleas, having an accident, or getting sent to the kennel. It’s tail-wagging fun for all!

We hope all our dog lovers out there enjoy these fun gifts as much as we are!

Dogs Are Pawsome Listeners

For little ones struggling with fluency and comprehension, the R.E.A.D. program provides much needed support for them to take their skills to the next level. The idea is that therapy dogs are non-judgmental and offer unconditional love while the handlers offer quiet encouragement and the undivided attention of a caring, supportive adult.

Kindergarten students first learning to read often struggle with frustration and low confidence, and need encouragement to practice their new literacy skills.  Teachers and parents are incredibly excited to report that the program seems to be a success. These young students are spending weeks practicing reading their books in preparation for when they will read aloud to the visiting therapy dogs.

The people at Pet-Source can relate to the idea that pets are emotionally supportive.  It sometimes seems like our pets are the only ones in the world who understand how we’re feeling! Why not reward them for their loyalty with a delicious treat from Pet-Source?  Our pets never cease to amaze us!  We salute the people behind the PAWsitive reading program for their efforts.  Let’s add “educational support”  to the already long list of known benefits to owning a pet.  That’s pawsome.

Kittens instinctively purr when they are nursing, and their mother automatically purrs back. Mom cats also purr when they are giving birth, and it’s been suggested the purr acts as a soothing “mantra”. Cat purrs come in a full range of sounds from a deep rumble that shares the same 26 Hertz range of a diesel engine, to a high-pitched whirr of about 150 Hertz, and everywhere in between. And one cat can make a full range of purring sounds, depending on his mood and physiology.

Before we tackle the why, there are two theories about the physiology of purring – that is, what little engine is rumbling to produce that soothing feline sound? One theory believes that purring involves the activation of nerves from within the voice box, which causes the vibration of vocal cords, while the diaphragm acts like a pump, pushing air in and out of the vibrating cords. Another theory has it that the sound comes more from vibrating blood vessels than from the voicebox itself. Scientists still aren’t 100% sure, but these are the top two theories on what causes a purr.

Wherever the sound originates, though, a cat’s purr has interesting properties. The feline purr lies between 25 and 150 Hertz, which, it turns out, is the same sound frequency range that can stimulate bone growth and healing. On top of that, a new theory suggests that purring releases endorphins. Cats often purr when they are in pain, so that would support this theory. Cats are known to have remarkable endurance, which could be partly attributed to the purr. And perhaps the therapeutic benefits of the purr spill over to cat guardians. It’s fairly well known that cat owners tend to have lower blood pressure. And it makes sense. There’s no sweeter sound than the gentle humming purr of a relaxed cat curled up on your lap, enjoying a nap and your undivided attention. It’s hard to feel stressed and overwrought with a cat in your lap. Perhaps that’s the greatest gift our cats can give us.

Whyever your cat purrs and whatever the purr sounds like, be sure and return the love to your cat with healthy food, lots of treats, and plenty of attention. This is the fuel your cat’s engine needs to keep it purring for a lifetime!

The Healing Presence of Pets

In fact, the health benefits of owning a pet are becoming so obvious to doctors and researchers, that many hospitals and nursing homes are changing their policies to allow “pet visits.”  Statistically, families with pets are happier and more active than families without pets.  Children who grow up with pets tend to be more confident and successful in school.  It’s amazing that our animal friends could have such a positive affect on human health!  One pet-loving doctor describes the presence of a pet to have the following affects on people: reduced loneliness, reduced anxiety, lower depression rates, improved short and long term memory, increased feelings of responsibility and nurturing, improved motor skills, better balance, improved speech, and distraction from pain.

At Pet-Source, we strongly believe in the positive healing power of pets.  Next time you’re feeling a little down, depressed, stressed or under-the-weather, do something special like cuddle up with your kitty, take your dog on a long hike, or just stare into your fish tank for a while. You’re likely to feel better right away! Want to reward your loving pet for how they positively impact your life?   Try a new toy like the Flying Squirrel dog toy available at Pet-Source or say thank you to your furry friend with some special Etta Says! treats (cats love them too)! Remember, when you care for your pet, you’re caring for yourself!