When I got the urge to add a second dog to my little family, I worried how my first dog, Happy would handle it. He’s a shy dog and not the biggest fan of other canines or new people. As you can see from the photo of my little Siamese twins above,  Happy and Joey (my second dog) are getting along so great they often share the same bed. Aside from the adorableness, another bonus is that Happy has gotten much better with his shyness.

Adopting a second dog is a big deal — financially, emotionally, logistically — but it’s also a load of fun and so rewarding. It’s literally twice the love! We are about four months into being a multi-dog household and we’re finally in a good groove. Happy and Joey have daily play sessions and snuggle together all the time. They even have a fun little game where Joey chews on the bone/bully stick/chewy til it’s good and soft and Happy swoops in and takes it over. (Poor Joey just gives in.) It’s been a slow transition process over the past few months — even getting them both on the same food took time — and they do still get into small spats here and there but they are finally living in doggie harmony. It makes my heart so happy.

Letting the dogs take their time with each other, monitoring bone chewing early on and giving them equal amounts of attention have been the keys to making our furry family work. How about yours?

Image via Katie Redmiles

You’ve probably heard about the benefits of omega-3 supplements for humans: they’re good for your brain, they help you achieve a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats in your diet, and they may stave off dry skin in winter. But what about our furry friends? Companies are now marketing fish-oil and algae supplements for cats and dogs — read on to find out why, and if they’re a worthwhile purchase.

Fans of omega-3 supplements for cats say that they lead to a shinier, flake-free coat and prevent shedding. They also claim that the supplements protect a cat’s immune system and joints, and that the DHA in fish oils is helpful for brain development in kittens. We do know that DHA seems to be important for fetal development in humans, and the essential fatty acids help our neurons fire correctly. Dr. Shawn Messonnier points out that the balance of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats in processed foods can be off, so adding a supplement rich in omega-3 fats can be helpful. He says that he does sometimes use treatment with essential fatty acids in his practice, but also acknowledges that their use is controversial but can be effective.

If you want to try supplements for your pet, buy a supplement designed for cats or dogs because that will give suitable dosage information. Either ask your vet for a recommendation or visit a pet store you trust to see their selection. The Concious Cat recommends looking for a supplement that is sourced from microalgae instead of fish in order to avoid mercury contamination; you could also try a fish supplement that comes from a species less likely to be contaminated, like sardines. (Smaller fish are less likely to have excess mercury and other contaminants, because it accumulates in the fatty tissues of larger fish as they eat smaller ones.) And keep in mind that fish oils do add calories to your cat’s meal — account for that when you’re doling out the food!

It’s just anecdotal, but I have found that my cats have softer coats now that I put a squirt of fish oil on top of their food in the evening, though it hasn’t made a difference for shedding. They also love the fishy smell and taste.  I’m going to keep doing it. (They also were very soft a few days after they knocked over an expensive bottle of olive oil and ate it all, but I wouldn’t recommend that approach.)

Do you use an omega-3 supplement for your cat? Would you try it?

Photo by Lynn Gardner

With so many pet stories around the web each week it’s hard to keep up. Table Scraps is our weekly roundup of memorable pet news around the internet.

• Uggie can act the pants off a film, but what everyone really wants to know:  Can he tell a good joke? (The Hollywood Reporter)
•  Well now this poor kitty is going to have a hell of a time getting through security at the airport. (Daily Mail)
•  The cat above is getting a prosthetic limb, these dogs are getting infrared cameras…this is all feeling very Transformers. (NY Times)
• With representation like a bengal, a jaguar and a panther in the mix of teams it comes as no surprise that cats have the inside track on the Superbowl. (Oregon Live)
• Hoping to hop to a victory, these bunnies mean business.  (BBC)

Image: .melanie

When I first moved to Jacksonville nearly six years ago, I lived on the other side of town. On my commute to work every morning I would pass the Jacksonville Humane Society, which is located on Beach Blvd. near a busy intersection. I didn’t think much of it (other than, wow, I wish I had a pup of my very own) until April 7, 2007. That morning as I drove past the building, I smelled smoke. Firetrucks were stationed just inside the gate, blocking my view, so it wasn’t until I got to work that I knew what happened: during the night, a devastating fire had torn through the Jacksonville Humane Society’s facilities. Although firefighters responded quickly and valiantly, the fire claimed the lives of 19 dogs and 67 cats – about half of the animals who were housed there that night.

Later that week, when a fellow employee began a fund drive for the fire recovery, I made my first charitable donation as an adult. In the check’s memo section I wrote “More to come!”

Since that first donation, I’ve become a member and supporter of the JHS. Cary and I regularly donate items to their thrift shop, and we’ve visited with the animals more than once – although I tend to stay away from the “Cat Cabana,” which is admittedly VERY hard since they love me so much. It’s very obvious that the animals are well cared for, and the volunteers love what they do. Who wouldn’t?

The Jacksonville Humane Society has a long history.  It was established in 1885 as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). In 1920, the SPCA was reorganized as the Humane Society, when then Society President, Flora M. (Genth) Bowden donated 12 acres of land solely for the welfare of animals. The first shelter on the Beach Blvd. property was opened in 1924 as the Humane Society’s Rest Farm. The Society was renamed the Jacksonville Humane Society, Inc. in 1958, and in 1993 a facility addition increased capacity to approximately 400 animals, all on the original 12 acres of land. In October, 2005, the Society made the transition from an open admission shelter to a limited admission, no kill for space center. JHS does not euthanize animals to make room for others.

It’s incredible how far the JHS has come since that fire five years ago. Thanks to donations from people like me, they were able to begin accepting animals again within a week of the tragedy. New buildings have been built on their campus using funds from their Life Changing campaign. The newest building - a low cost community animal hospital! – just opened this past weekend. The Society also takes part in several yearly events in town, such as the Trail of Tails (coming this March!) and Toast to the Animals. On campus they offer pet training as well as education opportunities for kids and volunteers. Oh, and there are also some really beautiful dogs and cats up for adoption! Every month there’s an adoption special to highlight specific animals; last month there was a January White Sale, for which any white or mostly-white animals were available for only $25, and this month they are promoting selected Furry Sweethearts, available for only $15.

Although I don’t get to drive past them every morning anymore, I love being a part of JHS’s new chapter. Hopefully when we’re ready to adopt a brother or sister for Emma, we’ll be able to find the perfect pup at the Jacksonville Humane Society. Until then, I’ll continue donating to my charity crush to ensure they stick around Jacksonville for another 130 years!

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’ll be taking a post a day leading up to the lovey dovey holiday to spotlight our favorite rescue organizations.

• Love & Hope Sanctuary in New York
• Grateful Dogs Rescue in San Francisco

Don’t even think about putting your grubby lil hands in this drawer

Via: Love Meow

I know a lot about my dog’s lineage and her breed-specific qualities. Sadly, most dogs aren’t as lucky to have well-documented history and health. So, I’d love for my next animal — dog or cat — to be a rescue.

With so many rescue organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have my pick of the litter, as it were. But Grateful Dogs Rescue in San Francisco caught my eye. In addition to being super-local to me, I’m very interested in rescue efforts in an urban landscape.

Founded in 1990 by Michelle Parris, Grateful Dogs Rescue is the oldest all-breed rescue group in San Francisco. Parris, a former volunteer at the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control, took it upon herself to rescue SF ACC dogs that weren’t made available for adoption. The two groups have a very close working relationship: some Grateful Dogs volunteers also volunteer at SF ACC, and all the rescue’s dogs come from this city agency.

“We get calls and emails every day from people who want to re-home their dogs without taking them to the shelter,” said Kim Durney, Grateful Dogs’ administrative director. “And the shelters continue to get a high percentage of dogs turned in by their owners rather than coming in as strays.”

As people surrender more and more pets in this troubled economy, that means more dogs at risk for euthanasia. SF ACC is still experiencing a significant boom in surrendered animals, which means more work for Grateful Dogs Rescue. The need can be overwhelming; as such, Durney says her group does not take in dogs from other shelters or dogs surrendered by their owners.

The economy is one thing, but so are “backyard breeders” producing a seemingly endless supply of Chihuahua mixes.

“There simply aren’t enough homes for all of them, but it appears this trend will continue, with Chihuahuas or whatever other breeds become popular next, until spay/neuter becomes mandatory or at least accepted practice,” Durney said.

Grateful Dogs Rescue’s biggest needs are foster parents, volunteers, adopters, and donations. Out of roughly 60 active volunteers, most of these are foster parents. The good news: many of these people end up adopting their charges. But that means a continuous need for new foster parents.

Do you think you fit the bill? Just in time for love day, the nonprofit is holding an event in San Francisco for anyone interested in adopting or fostering a rescue. Fall in love with a pet or make a tax-deductible donation to Grateful Dogs Rescue soon.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’ll be taking a post a day leading up to the lovey dovey holiday to spotlight our favorite rescue organizations.

• Love & Hope Sanctuary in New York