Daffodil is a shy gal who is learning that things at DAWS might just be alright. She was quite scared when she first arrived at the shelter, hunkering down in the corner of her kennel, curled up in a ball. She was not interested in engaging with any of the humans that came by her, but she was interested in the dogs that they often had at their sides. After having had some time to settle in a bit, our Dog Program Chair and Dog Trainer got the chance to evaluate her. She’s a sweet girl, who is just finding it a bit difficult to adjust to her new surroundings. None the less, she loves to play with her canine companions. She has a list of friends with whom she loves to romp in the yard. With their help, she is coming out of her shell and is even getting pets and love from the humans who arrange her play dates. She runs and chases her pals, plays with toys, and stops for a quick treat and a pet from the volunteers. Daffodil even flirts with her new “boyfriend,” Amos, who she is hoping to get to play with one day. Her sweet demeanor is shining through, and we know that one day a patient family (hopefully with a doggie pal already at home) will come along and give her a chance for a forever home.

Rowdy and Isabella are a bonded brother and sister pair who love being together. These eight year-old Min-Pins had an owner, but one day that owner abandoned them in a hotel where they were staying. Without a family or home, the pair was brought to a high-kill shelter in Kentucky where their fate was uncertain. Seeing how friendly they were, the shelter worked with DAWS to give them a chance at a new, happier forever. 

Because they are a bonded pair, DAWS is looking to ensure that Rowdy and Isabella are not separated. That means a special family has to come along that is willing to take two dogs instead of one. We know it will happen, but it will take a little bit longer than usual. Until then, DAWS will provide the care and love that Rowdy and Isabella need, while ensuring that they know they will never be abandoned again.

When you fundraise for DAWS in support of our 28th Annual Walk for Animals, you help make a happier forever a possibility for hundreds of cats and dogs in need. Just $100 raised makes a world of difference to animals like Rowdy and Isabella.

You can help us make a difference in the lives of animals. Join us at the 28th Annual Walk for Animals. Together, we can save lives!

Register and start fundraising today!

The 28th Annual Walk for Animals is coming on June 11, 2017. The Walk has always been a fun-filled day for families to come together and celebrate their love for animals. The event is also an opportunity for everyone to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare by fundraising to support DAWS. We hope that everyone will join in the fundraising, because every dollar raised makes a difference in the lives of animals—animals like Tessa.

Tessa has already been through a lot in her short life. She’s had puppies, become homeless, and made a long journey to a new state in hopes of finding happiness with a loving family. When Tessa arrived at DAWS, it was clear that she would make a family very happy one day. Her sweet demeanor, happy-go-lucky attitude, endless spunk, and absolutely adorable little face make her irresistible. But finding a home for Tessa was put on hold when her heartworm test came back positive. Tessa was facing another challenge that was standing in the way of a happy “forever” with a family of her own.

Our dedicated clinic staff assessed Tessa’s condition, ensured she was stable, and then initiated treatment. During heartworm treatments, dogs need to be restricted from exercise because physical exertion increases the rate at which heartworms cause damage in the heart and lungs. This was difficult for Tessa, who loves to romp and play. After one of her short walks outside to “do her business,” Tessa became ill. Concerned volunteers knew the possible side-effects of heartworm treatments and took her to Newtown Veterinary Specialists for emergency care. She recovered but spent the rest of her time being treated for heartworms in our own clinic to ensure she would have the best chance for recovery without complications.

Through it all, Tessa remained a sweet and happy-go-lucky girl. Now that her treatment is completed, she is finally ready for the next chapter in her life—going home with a loving family.

DAWS would not be able to care for animals like Tessa without the support of our generous donors and fundraisers. When you commit to fundraising for DAWS as part of our Walk for Animals, you can give animals like Tessa, the chance for the happiness they deserve.

We are certain that Tessa’s story will have a happy ending. YOU can play a role in creating happy endings for more animals in need. Together with YOU, we can make a difference in the lives of animals!

Register for the Walk for Animals and start fundraising today.

We all know that exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle but we seldom think about how true that is for animals. The epidemic of obesity has spread to our furry friends; in fact, as many as 50% of American pets are overweight. Besides the obvious benefit of weight loss, exercise can help our pets in other areas too. Exercise has been proven to reduce blood pressure and can even cut down on destructive behavior. Being active increases metabolism, muscle tone and bone density, and dogs that exercise regularly live longer lives and suffer less from the symptoms of arthritis as they age.

Dogs need anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours of daily exercise to be healthy and happy. If you have a dog that is content being a couch potato even thirty minutes of brisk walking can be sufficient. Active breeds however, need lots of exercise. Some indicators that your dog needs more action in his life include agitation, restless pacing and destructive behavior. Since our pets need so much exercise it is a good opportunity to join in and get active ourselves!

We can’t exactly hit the gym with our four legged friends but there are plenty of other activities in which to participate with our pets. Some options are pretty obvious, such as walking and jogging. With enough advanced leash training, dogs can even accompany us as we cycle or skate. Some other standard fare includes hiking and swimming, which is a great option for aging pets since it is easier on the joints. Playing fetch and frisbee are good choices, as well as going to the dog park, just be sure you squeeze in some lunges instead of just standing around. Agility training is a great source of exercise and provides mental stimulation for your pooch. You can find soccer balls for dogs they can push around with their paws and snouts. If you get bored of the usual activities you can even try finding a freestyle dance or dog yoga class.

Considerations

Before starting an exercise regimen there are some things to consider. It’s a sensible idea to make a trip to the vet to ensure that your pet is able to exercise. The vet will screen for heart and lung problems and will check to make sure there are no musculoskeletal issues to consider. Your vet will also help you determine what type of an exercise regimen is right for your dog.

When starting a new routine it’s a good idea to start off slow. Begin with ten minutes a day and gradually work up to a longer time. It is crucial not to let your dog overdo it, bear in mind that dogs don’t have sweat glands so they overheat faster. To prevent overheating it is preferable to exercise early or late in the day and to keep your dog hydrated with portable water systems. Be vigilant in watching for signs of dehydration and overheating. These signs include excessive panting, staggering, confusion and weakness.

Exercising is a good decision and exercising with your dog is an even better one. The buddy system has proven to yield better results than going solo. It’s a great way to strengthen the bonds between you and your pet. With so many different activities, you are bound to find something that you both love.

Written by Elizabeth Boluch

Loss is part of life. We all will face the death of a loved one at some point in our lives; and, while we may understand that loved ones will pass, death is never easy to process. No one deals with loss the same way. Death—and how we cope with it—is incredibly personal. While time is unfortunately the great healer, that permanent loss can be incredibly traumatic…especially for children.

Grief is a process. There are stages of grief that must be experienced to allow the mind to accept a loss, and, sometimes, those steps can happen like rewinding a tape. Sometimes the cycle may seem completed, when really, more processing must occur.

Children also experience grief, although they don’t always process their loss in the same way as adults. For kids, the first loss they may experience is the death of a beloved pet. Breaking the news that a pet has died can be a subject parents might wish to avoid with a little white lie…but the truth—while it hurts—must be told to children. While the loss can bring emotional devastation, it also can bring ambivalence. Reactions may vary, and parents should be prepared.

According to the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), how a child handles a loss depends on their age. Death isn’t understood on the same level at every age, and young children don’t perceive death in the same way as adults.

While young elementary age children know death is permanent, they don’t know why it happened. According the HealthyChildren.org, they may blame themselves. Parents need to reinforce that there was nothing that the child did to cause the death. Children also might need more emotional security and comfort from parents.

However, preschoolers see death as something that isn’t forever. According to the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a preschoolers understanding of death as temporary is “reinforced by cartoon characters who die and come to life again.” They may need more explanations from parents and may continue to ask about their beloved friend.

Older kids understand death in the same way as adults and may cycle through the stages of grief: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and, finally, acceptance. However, every child may experience these stages in different ways.

Parents can help children cope with loss by offering support. Allow kids to grieve. Let them be involved in a ‘funeral’ or memorial. If they express a need to say goodbye, allow them.

Some children may cry for days. They may have trouble eating or sleeping. Grief can be consuming and strong. If parents feel that a child is succumbing to depression, they should consult with a pediatrician to discuss the situation. Sometimes, a child may need to speak with a therapist to move through their grief and emotions.

APLB also advises parents to encourage children to draw pictures of their pets or parents and kids also can honor the pet with a memorial photo album. If the pet has been cremated and the family has kept the ashes, kids may help decide where to place the urn in the home. Or the family may discuss where to scatter the ashes. Involve kids in the process, as long as they wish to be included.

Some families also may decide to make a monetary gift to an animal charity in the name of their pet. Talk as a family about ways to honor the family’s best friend.

Death is difficult at any age. However, for kids the idea of death can be confusing, scary and heart wrenching. The death of a pet may be the first loss a child experiences, and that loss may hit them extremely hard. While every child experiences grief and loss in their own way, the only true cure for heartbreak is time.

Written by Sloan McKinney