In hopes that viewers of the new Warner Brothers film release, Cats & Dogs, will be inspired to save a life, Montgomery County Animal Shelter pets will walk the red carpet in front of Tinseltown Movie Theater this weekend. MCAS dog and cat stars will arrive by limo, courtesy of C&S Executive Transportation. All of the star pets will be available for adoption at this fur-studded event!

“There are lots of great, adorable dogs and cats ready and waiting for a good home,” said Marcia Piotter, Montgomery County Animal Shelter’s Adoption Coordinator. “Whether you’re looking for an active, playful pet or a fellow couch-potato, we’ve got just the pet for you. Stop by and one of the adoption volunteers can help you find just the right dog or cat for you and your family.”

The Red Carpet event will begin at 12 noon on Saturday with the arrival of the limo. Animals will be available for adoption from 12-2 and 4-8PM. On Sunday, the event will continue with animals available for adoption from 12-2 until 4-8PM.

After the event, bring your movie ticket to MCAS and adopt a long-term pet for $25. Long-term pets have been at the shelter for more than 60 days.

Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS) is currently caring for over 100 dogs that have been at the shelter for over 60 days. These long-term dogs, nicknamed “Diamonds in the Ruff,” are available for adoption for a minimum donation of $25 – a considerable savings over the

standard MCAS adoption fee of $75. The adoption fee includes spay or neuter surgery, heartworm testing, a first round of vaccinations and micro-chipping.

To promote the reduced adoption fee for MCAS’ Diamonds, the shelter will hold the Hot Dawgs and Hot Dogs Adoption Event on Saturday, July 24 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The tent adoption event will showcase adoptable dogs, allowing them also to enjoy time outside and cool off in

baby swimming pools. Refreshments such as lemonade and hot dogs will be available. Donations for refreshments are welcomed. In preparation for adoptions, volunteers created biographies for all Diamonds that will be displayed on

kennels.

MCAS would like to remind people that Diamonds can make wonderful pets. “These are wonderful animals who wait and wait to be picked, and are overlooked time and time again,” states Dr. Patricia Ryan, DVM, Shelter Director.

Some Diamonds have been i

n the adoption program, either at the shelter or in foster care for more than 60 days. “It’s disheartening to see a trained dog sit in a kennel, waiting for their owner to claim them or waiting to go home with a new family, and that day never happens.  These dogs wag their tails at the sight of a human.  Waiting for months and months is unacceptable,

and we want to do something about it,” says Dr Ryan.  “We won’t put a dog down just because it has been here too long. W

e just hope someone will see something wonderful in them and provide them a place to call home.”

The shelter will pro

vide special offers for these dogs so that people will be more motivated to consider an addition to their family.  Each adopted dog will have had his or her spay/neuter procedure, vaccinations, a rabies certificate, and a heartworm test, and will be ready to go home. The shelter’s goal is to adopt out all of the long term residents that day, making more room in the adoption areas for other animals that are in the holding wards.

Shelters across America are so inundated with lost dogs over the next few days that they have even coined a term for them – “July 4th dogs.” The fate of these family pets is often tragic – death in a frightening and unfamiliar place. Even if the “July 4th dogs” make it home again, other dogs that have been at the shelter longer may pay with their lives as shelters make room for the flood of new arrivals. Cats can be victims of July 4th as well. Do not let your dog or cat become a statistic. Fortunately, preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply planning and taking some basic precautions.

“With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet,” said Dr. Patricia Ryan, Director at Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you have removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you are attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally would not leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags or are micro chipped so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.

Last year, hundreds of July 4th dogs enter the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Only 2% are reunited with their owners. Do not let your pet become a statistic – leave them at home in a safe place.

The Houston Humane Society is offering special adoption incentives now through Father’s Day, June 20, 2010.

Half price adoption fees for:

• Dogs that have been shelter residents for six months or longer
• Dogs that weigh 50 lbs or more
• heartworm positive dogs

Check out all of the adoptable dogs at www.houstonhumane.org. The Houston Humane Society is located at 14700 Almeda and are open the following hours:

Monday – Wednesday      11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Thursday                           11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday – Sunday                 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Take Your Dog to Work Day was created by Pet Sitters International in 1999 to promote pet adoption. The belief is that when businesses allow pet owners to bring their furry friend to work with them, non pet owners see the joys of the human-canine bond and are inspired to adopt a pet of their own.

While your company may be reluctant to allow pets in the workplace, studies have shown the positive impact that pets have on productivity, absenteeism and employee relations. If you’re having a hard time convincing your boss that it makes good business sense, tell them that even multi-billion dollar companies like Amazon and Google allow employees to bring their dogs to work. If your company has a strict no-pets policy, ask if they will allow an hour off to volunteer at an animal shelter.

Montgomery County Animal Shelter has recently experienced a tremendous jump in the number of animals surrendered to their shelter on State Highway 242. Incoming dogs have increased exponentially since the beginning of 2010. Over 30 kittens and puppies are coming into Montgomery County Animal Shelter and Animal Control Services each day.

Why is this happening now? It is the usual and the unusual. Springtime brings the usual influx of kittens, born to unneutered cats. The unusual recent thunderstorms spooked many dogs into finding creative ways to get out of their homes and yards. This resulted in an increase in stray dogs and combined with the tough economic times, fewer dogs are being reclaimed by their owners. The economy continues to affect some pet owners causing them to struggle to meet their basic needs.

“As anyone might imagine, this sudden jump puts a huge strain on an already extremely busy shelter. Montgomery County Animal Shelter, along with the other local animal shelters and rescue groups, is working hard to create a true safety net for the homeless animals of our community. This safety net is only made possible by the citizens of this community who open up their homes and hearts to these innocent lives,” said Dr. Patricia Ryan, Shelter Director for Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

“We have so many wonderful animals that deserve a new family and home,” said Marcia Piotter, Adoption Coordinator for the shelter. “And for each animal adopted, one more space is opened up so another homeless animal can be saved.”

How ironic, yet appropriate, that June is Big Love month at Montgomery County Animal Shelter. You can help animals and our community by adopting a new furry friend into your home or by providing temporary foster care. Most of the kittens and puppies that arrive at the shelter are too young to be adopted, but if they receive a few weeks of care in a foster home, MCAS can find them permanent homes.

During the Big Love month of June, along with each pet adoption, you will get a free, “Opt to Adopt” Car Magnet to show your support for rescued animals. Additional Car Magnets can be purchased for $10 each with the proceeds helping to care for the orphaned animals.

“If you have ever considered adopting another pet, now is the time,” said Dr. Ryan. “And if adopting isn’t right for you, how about fostering adorable kittens or puppies for a few weeks? It is a time when we can rally together to help our community by helping the animals who cannot help themselves. Pets have been our friends for thousands of years and have put their faith in us to keep and protect them.”

Montgomery County Animal Shelter is located at 8353 State Highway 242 in Conroe and is open Weekdays from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm and Weekends from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. For more information on adopting a pet, please call 936-442-7738 or to foster puppies or kittens, call Jane Holman (Foster Coordinator) at Jane.Holman@montgomerycountypets.com.

May 2-8, 2010 is National Pet Week and in conjunction with that, the five Houston area animal welfare organizations are teaming up to help thousands of homeless and deserving animals find permanent, loving, forever homes. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA), Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), HCPHES Veterinary Public Health, the Houston Humane Society (HHS) and the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) encourage Houstonians to open their hearts and adopt a homeless animal for National Pet Week.

During the week of May 2-8, each shelter will offer adoption specials to help canines and felines from all over the Houston area find their true love.  Adoption policies, costs, promotions, shelter hours and days of operation and participation may vary.  Make sure to contact each participating shelter for more information.

All five organizations have adorable, healthy and behaviorally sound pets of all breeds, colors, sizes and ages eagerly awaiting their new homes. We know people looking for a furry best friend are sure to find true, unconditional and lasting love when they open their hearts and give a homeless animal a second chance at life.

For more information please contact, Houston Humane Society, Laurie Kendrick at 713-341-3311; HCPHES Veterinary Public Health, Colleen Hodges at 281.999.3191; Citizens for Animal Protection, Trisha Royal at 713.464.3525; The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Meera Nandlal, 832-473-5647, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC), David Atencio at 713-229-7300.

April 26^th marks the beginning of PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week. MCAS is participating by having large adoption tents at PetSmart Conroe, and PetSmart 1488.  Many of the MCAS animals will be on display all week long.  On May 1^st, MCAS will bring 50-60 pets to PetSmart Portofino and PetSmart 1488.  ”We want to make it convenient for families to see our pets.  In addition, this is a great opportunity for us to raise funds for medical needs of our animals” cites Marcia Piotter, MCAS Adoption Coordinator.  MCAS will receive $35 from PetSmart Charities for each pet that is adopted.

On April 30^th, the U.S. post office is launching a new stamp - Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps.  This campaign continues the Postal Service’s 50+ year tradition of raising awareness of serious social issues with special commemorative stamps. The 44-cent stamps feature photos of five cats and five dogs who were all adopted from shelters.  MCAS will celebrate this stamp series by having an adoption event at the Conroe Post Office on April 30^th.

On May 1^st, MCAS will be providing $55 vouchers for the first 100 feline adoptions.  Cats are just $10 due to a kind donation from generous supporters. Vouchers will apply to cats adopted at the shelter.  MCAS has 3 rooms of cats and kittens, with more arriving daily.

Adoption fees for dogs are $75.  Every dog and cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped.  The value of these services are in excess of $150.

The MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER is located in Conroe at 8535 State Hwy 242. For more information, contact the shelter directly at 936-442-7738 for visit their web site at www.mcaspets.org.

With competition from casinos and in some states, legislation banning racing, Greyhound racing tracks are closing across the country, leaving thousands of racing greyhounds displaced. It is estimated that every U.S. track requires about 1,000 Greyhounds to operate, so when tracks close thousands of new homes are needed.

Often the public’s misconception about Greyhounds’ temperament makes them reluctant to adopt. Many believe they are very hyperactive and require lots of exercise. But the truth is that Greyhounds are sprinting animals; their races usually last only 30 to 35 seconds.

National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month is the perfect time to adopt a greyhound - a true retired athlete.  These beautiful, graceful and gentle dogs make great companion pets.

For more information and to adopt a Greyhound in your state, visit Adopt-A-Greyhound.org.