Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Join the fight against obesity - take part in the national study. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention will conduct their Seventh Annual Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey on October 9, 2013. They need our help. Veterinarians and pet parents are being asked to record information for their annual study. Signup at http://www.petobesityprevention.com

Let’s warmly remember the beautiful Kalina on what would have been her 28th birthday. She is celebrated for the joy she brought being part of the Shamu family.

Get Into the Fur-Free Spirit!

November 23 - the day after Thanksgiving is Fur-Free Friday. A day where animal advocates all over the world conduct activity's and events to educate holiday shoppers about the cruel fur, leather, down, and wool industries. "Animals on fur farms spend their entire lives confined to cramped, filthy wire cages. Fur farmers use the cheapest and cruelest killing methods available, including suffocation, electrocution, gas, and poison." - PETA Let's Take action against cruelty to animals and sign PETA's fur-free pledge.

Adopt a Turkey Month

This year why not start a compassionate holiday tradition and sponsor a turkey for Thanksgiving? Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Turkey Project saves turkeys at Thanksgiving through adoptions and sponsorships to rescue and provide care for animals at their sanctuaries. For a one-time donation gift of $30 anyone can sponsor a turkey who lives at one of their three shelters. As a sponsor you'll receive a certificate, color photo and details about your adoptee. For a gift of $180, you can sponsor a whole flock and have adoption certificates sent to family and friends. View the photo gallery of these beautiful, beloved birds in need of sponsorship support this Thanksgiving. 

Have You Hugged Your Little Dog Today?

Founded in 2011 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Behaviorist and Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige. Created in memory of her lost companion Tinkerbell, National Little Dog Day, celebrates the joys little dogs bring to us. Find out Why Little Dogs Rule!

Bird Health Awareness Week

Bird Health Awareness Week was observed last year for bird lovers, poultry owners, students and educators. It was a week-long event about keeping our birds safe and healthy. The event was part of the USDA's Biosecurity For Birds campaign to promote awareness about the diseases that affect bird health, and the ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. When I visited the USDA's website, it appears that the event wasn't held this year. However, I did come upon some valuable information about the "Exotic Newcastle Disease: A Deadly Disease That Affects Poultry and Pet Birds" and an article about "Biosecurity for Pet Birds". You can find some other useful information in the articles and downloads pages - including a "Biosecurity For Birds Coloring Book".

National Reading Assistance Dog Day

Betcha hadn't heard of this one before...

Simply put READing Paws helps children read. They accomplish this with Teams comprised of a registered Therapy Animal and owner/handler. These Teams volunteer their time to go to schools, libraries, bookstores and other settings. The handlers have undergone criminal background checks, and the animals are trained and tested for health and safety. READing Paws is active in literacy programs primarily in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. After viewing the photos posted on the READING Paws website, the animals look like they really love listening and participating with the children. The children as well look encouraged and are enjoying this unique reading exercise.