Green Pets America – Kids School Education

We believe that the hope of a better future for our animals and indeed our whole world lies in the hearts and minds of today’s children.

Through our Green Pets America – Communities program we take our rescued dogs into our local middle school, high school and college classrooms and talk about animal care, homeless animals and how they can help make life better for animals in their community. It is much more that however. We want to have them learn how to work cooperatively, to learn empathy for animals and one another, and learn to be leaders. They love seeing and petting our rescue dogs and love to tell us about their own pet.

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Our Vision

We live today in a new world. A exponentially accelerating changing world. Since the 1800’s that rate of change has accelerated every decade and has now reached exponential rapid change.The old social paradigm was “repetition reinforces repetition” – Think assembly line production, manufacturing and even education of our children.The paradigm shifted dramatically in the late 1980’s s and the world is now suffering through this dramatic change. The new paradigm is the polar opposite of the old repetition, repetition. It is no longer building a better mousetrap, but having us and the mouse learn to live together…now change begets new change…rapidly accelerating change. In just 10 years from now people who cannot adjust and contribute to a constantly changing world and society will be marginalized and stuck in dead-end jobs.We are experiencing that already. We must immediately change the Pedagogy of how we educate our children, and the social skills they will need to thrive in this exponentially changing world. We believe we can help our children learn new skills and social interaction skills by tying it into fun animal education as well as social skills education.

Despite the rapid change issues we must deal with in the short-term, the long-term outlook is positive. The future will be a world in which every single person learns how to become a contributor and collaborator and learn the skills; social and functional, to drive change in an exponentially changing world where solutions and opportunities must outpace problems.

Kids 4 Pets at Cherokee Charter School — Green Pets at Cherokee Charter School

Our Mission

Teach and develop children through animals.

Compassion for animals
Responsible pet ownership
Ethical Leadership
Teamwork

At Green Pets America Charities “Green Pets School Program” we believe we must reach our future leaders while they are learning about life and while their minds and hearts are still hungry and open for knowledge. We believe we can reach them in a fun way via interacting with and learning from animals. Our Children are our hope for a better tomorrow. We are a proud “Partner in Education” participant with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

But don’t take my word for it, take a look at the results from the 2002 study, “Behavioral effects of the presence of a dog in a classroom.”

Children were less engaged in loud, conspicuous, or troublesome behavior.

They paid more attention to their teacher, cooperated better, and communicated more intensely with one another.

Improvements in social behavior were more pronounced in boys than in girls, perhaps because girls showed less boisterous, “rough-and-tumble” activity to begin with.

The teacher’s authority increased, particularly with respect to certain male students, in the presence of her compliant, obedient dog.

The teacher continued to bring her dogs to school the following year. She reported that the effects observed in the study were lasting and long-term.

Join with us and donate today so we can create a safer and better world for our children and animals to thrive in tomorrow ?

Georgia Animal Cruelty Law / Statutes

become-an-hle-officer

A Note about Enforcement: Local , County and state police are generally mandated to enforce all laws, including animal cruelty, even if these laws are not included in a state’s penal code—contact them if you witness animal cruelty, including neglect, or have information regarding an incident of animal cruelty in your area. Please be aware that local law enforcement may have a limited familiarity with animal cruelty issues, so it can be extremely helpful if you are able to cite the specific section of law and provide police with a summary of it to assist them in their investigation.

GA – Alligators – Article 7. Feeding of Wild Alligators	GA ST § 27-3-170	This Georgia law makes it illegal to willfully feed or bait any wild alligator not in captivity. Violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200 or confinement up to 30 days, or both.
GA – Assistance Animal – Georgia’s Assistance Animal/Guide Dog Laws	GA ST § 30-4-2 to 4; GA ST § 40-6-94; GA ST § 16-12-120; GA ST § 16-11-107.1	The following statutes comprise the state’s relevant assistance animal and guide dog laws.
GA – Bite – § 51-2-6. Dogs, liability of owner or keeper for injuries to livestock	GA ST § 51-2-6 to 7	This Georgia statute represents the state’s relevant dog bite strict liability law. While the law imposes strict liability for injury to a person, the dog (or other animal) must first be considered “vicious” or “dangerous,” which can be as simple as showing the animal was required to be leashed per city ordinance. Second, the animal must be at large by the careless management of the owner. Finally, the person injured must not have provoked the animal into attacking him or her.
GA – Cruelty – Chapter 11. Animal Protection	GA ST § 4-11-1 to 4-11-18	The Georgia Animal Protection Act was passed in 2000 and provides for jail up to one year for general cruelty convictions and up to five years for an aggravated cruelty conviction. The judge is also allowed to order psychological counseling. The law also encompasses licensing provisions for kennels and impoundment provisions.
GA – Cruelty – Cruelty to Animals	GA ST § 16-12-4; GA ST § 16-6-6	This comprises Georgia’s anti-cruelty provisions. Under the statute, “animal” does not include any fish or any pest that might be exterminated or removed. A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals when he or she causes death or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering to any animal by an act, an omission, or willful neglect. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, but subsequent convictions incur enhanced penalties. A person commits the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals when he or she knowingly and maliciously causes death or physical harm to an animal by rendering a part of such animal’s body useless or by seriously disfiguring such animal.
GA – Dangerous Dog Ordinances – Chapter 8. Dogs	GA ST § 4-8-29	This Georgia statute states the standards and requirements for the control of dangerous dogs and vicious dogs; this statute also proscribes penalties for violations of these standards and requirements. For instance, a violation of this article is a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature; repeated violations of this article is a felony.
GA – Deer Hunting – CHAPTER 5. WILD ANIMALS	GA ST 27-5-12	Under this Georgia statute, it is unlawful to shoot, kill, or wound any wild animal held under a wild animal license or permit or any farmed deer for enjoyment, gain, amusement, or sport.
GA – Dog – Consolidated Dog Laws	GA ST § 4-8-1 to 45; GA ST § 4-14-1 to 4-15-1; GA ST § 27-3-16 to 18	These Georgia statutes comprise the state’s dog laws and the “Responsible Dog Ownership Law.”. Among the provisions of the Responsible Dog Ownership Law include a requirement for registration of dangerous dogs as well as the necessity of such owner to carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance. Owners of these dogs who do not comply with these and other provisions may have their dogs confiscated and destroyed. Any person who violates this article is guilty of a misdemeanor.
GA – Dogfighting – Article 2. Gambling and Related Offenses.	GA ST § 16-12-37	Georgia’s dogfighting statute states that any person who owns, possesses, trains, transports, or sells any dog with the intent that such dog shall be engaged in fighting with another dog, wagers money or anything of value on the result of such dogfighting, knowingly permits dogfighting on his or her premises, knowingly promotes or advertises an exhibition of fighting commits the offense of dogfighting. Violation of the law is a felony, with a mandatory fine of $5,000.00 or a mandatory fine of $5,000.00 in addition to imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years. On a second or subsequent conviction, such person shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one nor more than ten years, a fine of not less than $15,000.00, or both such fine and imprisonment. Any person who is knowingly present only as a spectator at any place for the fighting of dogs shall, upon a first conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
GA – Ecoterrorism – Article 2. Georgia Farm Animal, Crop, and Research Facilities Protection Act	GA ST § 4-11-30 to 35	This article is known as the Georgia Farm Animal, Crop, and Research Facilities Protection Act. A person commits an offense if, without the consent of the owner, the person acquires or otherwise exercises control over an animal facility, an animal from an animal facility, or other property from an animal facility with the intent to deprive the owner of such facility, animal, or property and to disrupt or damage the enterprise conducted at the animal facility. Other prohibited actions also include gaining entry where a person knows entry is forbidden. In the definition of “consent,” the act states that the term does not include assent that is induced by force, threat, false pretenses or fraud. It also excludes assent given by a person that the actor knows is not authorized by the owner, or given by a person who the actor knows is unable to make reasonable decisions (e.g., because of youth, intoxication, or mental disease or defect). Violations that involve exercising control over a facility are felonies; those that involve illegal entry or damage less than $500 are misdemeanors.
GA – Endangered – Article 5. Protection of Endangered Wildlife	GA ST §§ 27-3-130 to 133	These statutes provide for the definition of “protected” species and outline the duties of the board responsible for enforcing Georgia’s endangered species law. Included in the Board’s duties are inventorying and designating listed species and promulgating regulations. Violation of these regulations results in a misdemeanor.
GA – Equine Liability Act – Chapter 12. Injuries from Equine or Llama Activities.	GA ST §§ 4-12-1 to 5	This act stipulates that an equine sponsor or professional, or a llama sponsor or professional, or any other person, including corporations, are immune from liability for the death or injury of a participant, which resulted from the inherent risks of equine or llama activities. However, there are exceptions to this rule: A person will be held liable for injuries if they display a willful and wanton or intentional disregard for the safety of the participant and if they fail to make reasonable and prudent efforts in ensuring the safety of the participant.
GA – Exotic pets, wildlife – Chapter 5. Wild Animals	GA ST § 27-5-1 to 12	These Georgia wildlife provisions embody the General Assembly’s finding that it is in the public interest to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare by strictly regulating in this state the importation, transportation, sale, transfer, and possession of certain wild animals. Animals such as kangaroos, certain non-human primates, wolves, bears, big cats, hippopotamus, and crocodile, among others, are considered to be inherently dangerous to human beings and are subject to the license or permit and insurance requirements outlined in the laws. The section also details specifications for the humane handling, care, confinement and transportation of certain wild animals.
GA – Fur – Article 2. Trapping, Trappers, and Fur Dealers	GA ST § 27-3-60 to 73	Under these GA statutes, trappers and fur-dealers must be licensed. Trapping of fur-bearing animals is allowed during open trapping season. Traps must be inspected at least once every 24 hours. Trappers must dispatch fur-bearing animals caught in a trap and release domestic animals. It is legal to set traps to protect livestock and domestic animals from predators, but unlawful to trap upon the right of way of any public road or upon another’s land. A violation of these statutes is a misdemeanor.
GA – Horse Meat – Article 4. Advertisement and Sale of Meat Generally.	Ga. Code Ann., § 26-2-150 – 161	As stated in the legislative intent, the General Assembly declares that purchasers and consumers have a right to expect and demand honesty and fair practices in the sale of meat for human consumption. It is the purpose of this Code to ensure that honest, fair, and ethical practices are followed in the advertising and sale of meat for human consumption. With regard to horsemeat, the Code prohibits the slaughter a horse in this state for the purpose of selling or offering for sale for human consumption or for other than human consumption the horse meat derived from such slaughtered animal unless certain conditions are met. Further, no horse meat shall be sold or offered for sale in this state for human consumption unless at the place of sale there shall be posted in a conspicuous location a sign bearing the words “HORSE MEAT FOR SALE.”
GA – Horses – Chapter 13. Humane Care for Equines.	GA ST § 4-13-1 to 4-13-10	This section comprises Georgia’s Humane Care for Equines Act. The act states that it is unlawful for the owner of any equine to fail to provide adequate food and water to such equine; to fail to provide humane care for such equine; or to unnecessarily overload, overdrive, torment, or beat any equine or to cause the death of any equine in a cruel or inhumane manner. The Act also outlines procedures for the care impounded of equines as well as disposal procedures, which includes auction and euthanasia, when the owner cannot be found or refuses to enter into a consent order. Violation of this chapter results a misdemeanor.
GA – Hunting – Article 6. Interference with Lawful Taking.	GA ST § 27-3-150 to 152	These Georgia laws comprise the state’s hunter harassment provisions. Under the section, it is unlawful for any person to interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife by another person by intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent such person from such lawful taking of wildlife; engage in activity tending to disturb wildlife for the purpose of intentionally preventing the lawful taking of such wildlife; or fail to obey an order of a law enforcement officer to desist from prohibited conduct. The section also allows the superior court of a county to enjoin prohibited conduct and imposes civil liability on violators.
GA – Hunting – Chapter 3. Wildlife Generally	GA ST § 27-3-22	Georgia is unique as it prohibits the killing, possession, sale, and transporting of eagles and other migratory birds except for the transportation of feathers into the state of non-migratory birds for millinery purposes (the making of hats or headdresses). For discussion of federal Eagle Act, see Detailed Discussion.
GA – Hunting – § 27-3-12. Use of drugs, poisons, chemicals, smoke, gas, explosives, recorded sounds or calls and electronic communication equipment prohibited; misdemeanor violation; penalties	Ga. Code Ann., § 27-3-12	This Georgia law prohibits computer assisted remote hunting or providing or operating a facility that allows others to engage in computer assisted remote hunting if the wild animal or wildlife being hunted or shot is located in this state. The law also makes it unlawful to hunt hunt any wild animal, game animal, or game bird by means of drugs, poisons, chemicals, smoke, gas, explosives, recorded calls or sounds, or recorded and electronically imitated or amplified sounds or calls. Violation is a misdemeanor (high) with a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment up to 12 months.
GA – Hunting, Canned – Article 4. Shooting Preserves.	GA ST § 27-3-110 to 114	Under the Georgia canned hunting statute, it is unlawful for any person to release pen raised game birds, unless the person has first obtained a license. It it unlawful to hunt pen raised game birds on a shooting preserve except between October 1 and March 31, and except from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. It is unlawful for any person to propagate, possess, or release on any shooting preserve any bird or animal (with exceptions) unless the person has received prior written approval from the department. Licensees must maintain a complete record of all birds propagated, released, or taken on the preserve.
GA – Initiatives and Referendums – 2006 Amendment 2: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to provide that the tradition of fishing and hunting	2006 Georgia Amendment 2 (ballot initiative)	This Georgia constitutional amendment was presented to voters on the 2006 ballot. The measure preserves the state’s tradition of hunting and fishing for the public good. Amendment 2 passed by a margin of 81 to 19%.
GA – Ordinances – Jurisdiction and duties of local governments	GA ST § 4-8-22	This Georgia statute provides authority for local governing units to enforce this article. This statute further establishes that the local government shall designate an individual as a dog control officer to aid in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article; the dog control officer does not have the authority to make arrests unless the person is a law enforcement officer. Additionally, this article also allows local governments to make arrangements with each other for consolidation of dog control services.
GA – Rabies – Chapter 19. Control of Rabies	GA ST § 31-19-1 to 10	This GA statute pertains to the control of rabies. Any person bitten by an animal suspected of being rabid must notify the county board of health. The owner of any animal which has bitten any person or animal, or exhibits signs of rabies, must notify the county board of health. The owner must also confine the animal. A violation is a misdemeanor.
GA – Trust for the care of an animal; creation; termination – Chapter 12. Trusts	GA ST § 53-12-28	This Georgia law enacted in 2010 provides that a trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal that is alive during the settlor’s lifetime. The trust shall terminate upon the death of such animal or, if the trust was created to provide for the care of more than one animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime, upon the death of the last surviving animal.
GA – Veterinary – Veterinary Practice Code	GA ST § 43-50-1 to 91	These are the state’s veterinary practice laws. Among the provisions include licensing requirements, laws concerning the state veterinary board, veterinary records laws, and the laws governing disciplinary actions for impaired or incompetent practitioners. The chapter was recently amended in 2006.
GA – Veterinary Liens – Article 8. Liens. Part 9. Veterinarians and Boarders of Animals.	Ga. Code Ann., § 44-14-490	This section of Georgia laws deals with veterinary liens. Every licensed veterinarian in Georgia has a lien on each animal or pet treated, boarded, or cared for by him or her while in his or her custody and under contract with the owner of the animal or pet for the payment of charges for the treatment, board, or care of the animal or pet. The veterinarian has the right to retain the animal or pet until the charges are paid. There is a ten-day hold period after demand for payment (made in person or by registered or certified mail) until the pet is deemed abandoned and may be disposed of by the veterinary facility.
GA – Wildlife rehabilitation – Chapter 2. Licenses, Permits, and Stamps Generally	GA ST § 27-2-22	This Georgia law makes it unlawful for any person to keep sick or injured wildlife without first obtain a wildlife rehabilitation permit from the state department.
GA – Wildlife, transportation – Article 3. Transportation	GA ST § 27-3-90 to 94	This GA statute pertains to transporting wildlife. It is unlawful to transport any wildlife taken in this state without a license or permit. It is unlawful to transport wildlife by a carrier unless the person files with the carrier a written statement giving his name and address and the number of wildlife to be transported and specifying that he lawfully took the wildlife. It is unlawful to transport any wildlife (or parts) for propagation or scientific purposes without a valid scientific collecting permit.

Why We Must Unchain Georgia’s Dogs

Help us end chaining Georgia’s Dogs.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Register –

“Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog’s movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog’s shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog’s movement and potentially causing injury.”

American Veterinary Medical Association

“Confine your dog in a fenced yard or dog run when it is not in the house. Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior.”

CDC Atlanta:

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, a chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog.

Many fatal dog attacks are a result of tethering dogs when humans come within the reach of such dogs. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has reported that 17 percent of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 were chained on their owner’s property at the time of the attack. In her book Fatal Dog Attacks, Karen Delise (Anubis Press, November 1, 2002) states that 25 percent of fatal attacks are by chained dogs. The victims of such attacks are often children.

Chained dogs can become aggressive due to intense confinement and lack of socialization. They also feel trapped, unable to escape from noises or people or animals that frighten them.

Chained dogs typically lack adequate veterinary care, food, water, or shelter. They are rarely exercised or interact with their families. These dogs suffer from neglect. Even if they are not left without adequate care, they lead an unhappy, frustrating existence for such social animals. Dogs on chains suffer intense boredom, anxiety, even neuroses; their lives are very sad and lonely.

Dogs can choke to death when their chains became entangled with other objects, or develop infections and severe wounds when collars become embedded in their necks.

Lawrence County Kansas, a few years ago adopted an anti-tethering ordinance prohibiting dog owners from keeping dogs chained outside. In 2005, there were 800 calls to the Lawrence Humane Society concerning cruelty to dogs and dog fighting; in 2006 as of September 1, there were only 260 complaints.City officials attribute the decline in large part to the anti-tethering ordinance.

Paw it Forward

If you have been blessed this year then please help those who have not been so fortunate.

Please “Paw it Forward” so we can continue our work saving the innocents – homeless and abandoned animals.

Our Going Green Program Rescued – Recycled – and Reloved hundreds of Georgia’s abandoned animals in 2013.

We pay tens of thousands of dollars to do this: all self funded or with donations from caring people like you. We do not get grants or government money. You may have one or two dogs to care for; imagine having over a hundred to rescue, vet, give shots, spay & neuter… and repair broken bones and sooth broken hearts.

Green Pets America Charities Foundation via the Cherokee County Animal League, and GPA Going Green Rescue have been supporting animals via our food pantry kids education program, community programs and animal rescue since 2007. We have been recognized by the State of Georgia Senate and the City of Woodstock in this regard.

Our volunteers and Board work daily, without pay, to reduce suffering and create meaningful social change for animals in every way possible – from providing direct care and response in the field when animals are in crisis, to working with our leaders and lawmakers to adopt policies preventing animals from ending up in distress in the first place.

We rely on heroes like you to help us stop animal cruelty and create a more humane society for animals. We will continue to celebrate animals and fight against cruelty and abuse, but we cannot do it without you.

Be a hero for animals today and make a tax-deductible donation today.

DONATE

On behalf of the animals we work for every day, thank you,

Steve Monahan, Executive Director

Green Pets America Charities Foundation

Green Pets – Going Green Rescue

Meals 4 Pets Food Pantry

Kids 4 Pets School Education

Please Don’t Abandon Your “Fur” Kids

Can you imagine being foreclosed on; leaving your home, and not taking your kids with you? How callous would that be?

Yet every month people are leaving their homes, closing the door behind them and leaving their bewildered and frightened family pet behind and just drive away. We have rescued family dogs and cats left locked in basements, garages, back yards and houses with no food and no water. They are many times starving and near death when we finally hear about their plight from a concerned neighbor, Realtor or shelter and rescue them.

There is no excuse for this evil behavior today. If you have to move please take your “fur” kids with you. You don’t leave your two-legged kids behind, please don’t abandon your 4 legged kids either. Cats and dogs are domesticated animals and just cannot survive locked up with no food, water and love.

If you cannot take them to an apartment then ask a neighbor, friend or relative to adopt them. Or call a local no kill rescue to get them. Or at least call your shelter. But please do not leave them behind to die a slow painful death. Sometimes they are listless skin and bones when we get them. Your pets loved you. They feel fear and pain just as you do. If life has been unkind recently to you please do not take out your pain on your innocent animal.

Man up…do the right thing.

We presently have a happy little 3 legged dog named JD that was left behind to die. He was hit by a car and had his leg removed. Then his parents moved out and left him behind in the backyard to die. Despite all JD has been through this little guy is still happy and loving. Thank God a neighbor called to get him rescued. He is available for adoption now, or for a temporary foster home.

Please call right away or email Steve Monahan at the Cherokee County Animal League if you can help us get a well deserved loving home for JD. He is in Woodstock Georgia in our care.

Email Steve at CherokeeAnimalLeague@gmail.com, or call him at 770 712-4077.

Or visit our website to donate for JD’s care

http://cherokeecountyanimalleague.wordpress.com/donate-page/

POLICE K-9 OATH

I protect my officer with my life,
and would gladly take a bullet in his place.
I am sent in to find lost children
and fugitives on the run.
I find drugs and weapons and even bombs.
I am the first sent in
and sometimes the last to leave.
I am the nose and ears of my officer.
I will protect and serve him
and expect nothing but love in return.
I would die for him and for you.
I only ask for compassion and a kind word.

www.CHEROKEE COUNTY ANIMAL LEAGUE.org

Facts on Importance of Pets to Our Health

Our days are brighter and life is just plain better with pets in it.

Here are some interesting facts on the importance pets to our health, and our lives.

	Pets Help to Reduce Stress. Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet
	Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease and lower blood pressure. Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
	Pets Help to Fight Depression. Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security.
	Add joy. Pets are the best! They’re wonderful companions for kids and adults alike. Just think, no matter how bad a day you had, your dog will still love you, your cat will still cuddle you and your fish will still relax you buy swimming in graceful patterns. From canines to cockatoos, felines to fish, tree frogs to turtles, geckos to guinea pigs, owning a pet can bring immeasurable joy to your life.
	Add health. There’s nothing like a wagging tail or a friendly paw on your knee to lift your mood. Pets are therapeutic and we have scientific proof! Seriously, research shows that pets really are good for us humans. They help us fight depression, lower our blood pressure, reduce stress and prevent heart disease. All of which helps to lower health care costs. So there you have it, pets are a daily dose of good health and happiness.
	Add the right pet. Pets are big, small, furry and scaly. Some have lips, some don’t. The point is, every animal has specific needs for feeding, grooming, exercise and health care. You may have an idea of the type of pet you’d like to own. But your choice might not fit your lifestyle. It’s important to consider the demands of your career or your family before buying a pet. For example, if you’re single, work 12-hour days and travel frequently, a dog wouldn’t be the best choice for you. Before getting a pet, do your homework. Pet ownership is a huge responsibility! Don’t become a pet parent unless you’re prepared to take good care of your new baby.

Can Your Dog Think?

What’s in a dog’s mind? That has been the age-old question that man has had about the lovable canine species. Dogs and humans have had a long-standing history together that dates as far back as 30,000 B.C. While there are many differences between the two species, there are also some surprising similarities that are worth exploring.

It is estimated by historians that in 30,000 B.C., Paleolithic humans hunted alongside wild dogs. Dogs were buried with humans as far back as 12,000 B.C., which depicts the love between man and canine and that dogs were valued just as greatly as people. Different dog breeds were domesticated and easily distinguished by 10,500 B.C., and then, by 1,500 C.E., the oldest modern dog breeds were formed. These include the mastiff, terriers, herding dogs, sight hounds, chows, Asian Spaniels, the Spitz and Native American dog breeds.

Dogs can also experience a disorder known as separation anxiety, which makes them feel overly anxious when they are not with their owner or the one person they love the best. This disorder can be quite serious and the dog can act out in a variety of ways that will cause grief to the owner.

Dogs, like humans, can experience phobias. The most common include thunder, being left alone, vets, strangers, stairs and even riding in cars. A phobia of course is an irrational fear of something. Dogs can experience dreams around 20 minutes after they fall asleep. You can tell when your pet is dreaming as it moves while asleep or makes soft noises.

Like humans, dogs have the capacity to feel love. This is due to the hormone oxytocin, which is found in both species. Dogs can also feel an array of additional emotions, such as anger, joy, fear, excitement, distress, contentment and disgust. However, unlike the human race, dogs cannot feel shame, guilt, pride or contempt.

Having 4 dogs myself and rescued hundred through our rescue group Green Pets America I can assure you dogs are quite smart. They have a better handle on their emotions than we do. They don’t carry grudges, don’t judge, and accept us crazy humans just as we are. A dog will not try to change you…he accepts you for just who you are and loves you as is.

Dog Clothes: Protection for Your Dog this Winter

Dogs are just like humans in that they do not like wet and cold weather and can suffer in winter time if they do not have the correct protection against the cold weather. Dog clothes are a wardrobe essential for your four legged friend that keeps them warm and most importantly happy no matter the weather.

Dog clothes are well designed garments that are designed with your dog in mind so that your dog can function in his everyday life whilst staying cozy and comfortable. Dog clothes are ideal for dogs that fall into the categories listed below;

Older/senior dogs
Injured or recovering dogs
Small dogs as they are closer to the ground and easily get wet
Dogs with thin or thinning coats
Working dogs
Dogs living or working in extreme climates
Puppies

A coat for your dog can provide extra protection and insulation whilst they explore the outdoors and most dogs love the fuss of getting dressed in the winter time. If your dog has been injured or has suffered from an illness they would benefit from an extra layer of dog clothes when they are out and about as they can reach full health again faster.

If your dog is hesitant about going outside they may be feeling the cold so it is important to notice the signs and dress them appropriately. You should always ensure that the clothing item works with the shape of your dog’s body and does not prevent him/her from doing anything they would normally do!

Visit our Logo Store for the dog hoodie shown

The Thanksgiving Cat

thanksgiving-cat-is-not-happy

Thanksgiving, for most of us, is a day for family and friends; a pleasant day with lots of great food and often a houseful of guests. However, for your cat, Thanksgiving can be a living nightmare.

With lots of people coming and going, the doorbell ringing constantly, and major changes in the household routine, Thanksgiving can be an extremely stressful time for your cat. Unfortunately, stress and cats do not generally go well together. Stressful situations can make your cat anxious and frightened. They can also cause your cat to become ill. There are many stress-related feline diseases, with interstitial cystitis (urinary tract disease) being among the most common and most well-known of these diseases. Other diseases that can be caused by stress include intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even respiratory diseases like asthma can be antagonized by stress. While it may not be practical to keep to your regular household routine on Thanksgiving, there are steps you can take to make your cat more comfortable and reduce the stress level for him.

Make sure your cat has a quiet, safe, private area that he can retreat to if he feels the need. This area should be restricted from your house guests so that your cat can rest undisturbed. An unused bedroom or bathroom will work for this purpose.

Provide your cat with a litter box and with a food and water station in his safe place. A bed or a soft towel or blanket which keeps your cat comfortable while resting should be provided as well. If your cat is acclimated to his carrier and feels safe there, consider placing his carrier in the safe room with him. Leave the carrier open so that your cat can enter and exit at will.

Play a radio, television or CD in your cat’s safe room to provide background noise and mask the sounds of the festivities in other areas of the house. Classical music is a good choice.

Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that can be used to reduce your cat’s stress level. It is available as a diffuser or as a spray. Either form is effective and can be used to help calm your cat during stressful periods such as Thanksgiving.

There are also other natural remedies, such as Rescue Remedy for Cats, which can be helpful in providing a calming effect for your cat. Never use any remedy for your cat that does not specifically say that is safe for cats on the label. Some medications, natural or pharmaceutical, are safe for dogs but not for cats.

If your cat becomes especially anxious or fearful, sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) can also be considered, particularly if the natural remedies prove to be ineffective or only partly effective. Talk to your vet about whether this would be appropriate for your cat.

Your cat will thank you for giving him the opportunity to escape from people and activity with which he feels uncomfortable. Of course, there are some cats that enjoy the added attention and the tempting smells that come with Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving dinner. If your cat is in this category, let him enjoy the festivities. Having his own private room or even an open carrier he can sneak away to will still give your cat the opportunity to take a break from the action if he finds it necessary.

Article Courtesy Dr. Lorie Huston