ASPCA predicts 1 million animals will be homeless
As the economy continues to sink, people aren’t the only ones feeling the effects. More families are losing their homes, and many people aren’t sure what to do with their pets.
That problem could leave up to 1 million homeless pets homeless. The ASPCA makes the prediction based on foreclosure and pet ownership rates.
To help ease the blow, the ASPCA recommends pet owners who lose their living space to take one of these steps:
- Ask a loved one to look after your pet until you get back on your feet.
- Choose a rental property that allows pets.
- Seek out a shelter that will accept your pet before you move.
Volunteers who want to help out can do a lot to improve the situation, the ASPCA suggests. There are some steps many of us can take to help shelters and rescues deal with the possible influx of animals:
- Adopt a pet.
- Foster a homeless pet.
- Donate towels, blankets and toys to rescues and shelters.
- Support community services that help home owners who are teetering on the brink of foreclosure.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Recipe – Biscuits for dogs
Thanks to the folks at HealthDogFood.org for this great recipe:
Biscuits For Dogs
1 c. uncooked oatmeal
1/3 c. margarine
1 T beef bouillon granules
5 1/2 c. hot water
3/4 c. powdered milk
3/4 c. cornmeal
3 c. whole wheat flour
1 egg, beaten
Pour hot water over oatmeal, margarine and bouillon. Let stand for 6 minutes. Stir in milk, cornmeal and egg. Add flour a half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Knead for 3-4 minutes, adding more flour it necessary to make a very stiff dough. Roll or pat dough to 1/2″ thickness. Cut into dog bone shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes on baking parchment Allow to cool and dry out until hard. Store in container.
Mickey Rourke’s Chihuahua died
One of Mickey Rourke’s beloved Chihuahuas has died.
Loki, the actor’s 17-year-old dog died in his arms Monday. Rourke is known for his dedication to his dogs. Being a Chihuahua owner myself I can understand his dedication.
Rourke who has recently received acclaim for his performance in “The Wrestler,” thanked his dogs after winning the Golden Globe for best actor last month.
“Sometimes when a man’s alone, all you got is your dog,” he said.
How true.
- Staff Writer Dawn Marks
Rare piglets born in England
Ten British Lop piglets born recently in England are giving both animal and bacon lovers hope that the breed will survive. 
The breed is Britan’s rarest, and is increasingly disappearing as other breeds which grow and sell faster take over the market.
The breed is said to have more succulent meat because of its laid back nature, although my only thought when I look at the pictures of these guys is just how cute they are. Those floppy ears are also a trademark of the breed.
Only about 2,000 of the breed are born each year, and numbers are dwindling. Pure bred Lops, like these, are even more rare. Only 54 bulls and 267 sows are registered with the British Lop Society.
Breeder Maggie Todd said at least a couple of the piglets will be kept for breeding or showing. The rest will end up as sweet, juicy bacon.
As much as I love bacon, I’d be in favor of keeping all of these guys alive. I just can’t get over how cute their ears are.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Eat at Johnnie’s tomorrow!
If you ever needed a burger, tomorrow’s the day!
All Johnnie’s Charcoal Broilers in the metro area are donating 10 percent of their sales to the Oklahoma Humane Society. Want to help? Here’s how:
- Step 1: Get hungry.
- Step 2: Go to any Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler in the metro area. (Click here to find one!)
- Step 3: Tell them when you order your helping the Oklahoma Humane Society!
- Step 4: Eat.
Come on. You know you were going to eat anyway. Why not help out some lovable pets while you do? If you can’t go tomorrow, that’s OK. Go every third Wednesday of the month and eat up to help a pup!
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Edmond Pet of the Week
Rosie is a spayed female, black and white domestic medium hair. She is current on her vaccinations and is about 5 months old. She has been at the shelter since Nov. 10.
Citrus is a spayed female, orange and white domestic shorthair. She is current on her vaccinations and is about 6 months old. She has been at the shelter since Dec. 23.
Adoption fees are $70 for cats and dogs at Edmond Animal Welfare Shelter, 2424 Old Timbers Drive in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex on Covell Road east of Interstate 35. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Adoptions and pickups only on Saturdays.
For more information, call 216-7615.
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Beaver’s return signal success. (Michigan)
- Police probe cat beating. (Lawton)
- For champion, it’s still a dog’s life. (Tulsa)
- House loaded for bear hunting. (Oklahoma)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Free coupon for $20 off vet bill
These are tough economic times for everyone, including our pets. To help make sure our animals get the preventative care they need, Advantage and Bayer Health Care are kicking off the “Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet” campaign.
The companies are handing out $20 vouchers for pet owners beginning today and running through Feb. 28.
“In these challenging economic times, many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness. And unfortunately, veterinary visits and preventive veterinary care are often cut due to financial struggles and concerns,” according to the campaign Web site.
They’re limiting the giveaway to about 83 vouchers every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST so that everybody has a shot at getting some help. After all is said and done, about $260,000 in free vet care will be handed out.
The way it works is simple. You print out the voucher, take your pet to the vet, have your vet fill out the form and you mail it in. The result: you get a $20 check in the mail.
The vouchers are open to any adult in the United States, with a few restrictions. For example, the voucher must be used on preventative care.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
OKC cat owners have a cat with mailman aspirations
Lynn and Pat Anthony of Oklahoma City sent us this picture of their cat, Choxie.
“Choxie isn’t a cat in the hat but rather a cat in the mailman’s bag! I caught this photo of her – finally - one day after Pat returned home from his letter carrier duties. We’re not sure if Choxie thinks she’s a dog – we have three - or if the dogs think they’re cats. Either way, it’s always fun around our house!”
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Bird migration shifts follow climate trends. (Oklahoma)
- Bill aims to protect dogs, lawmaker says. (Oklahoma)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
