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How can I make my home safe for pets? January 12 2021

Welcoming a new pet into your house is much like preparing for a new baby or an elderly relative to move in. The more thought you put into making their environment safe and comfortable, the more potential accidents you can avoid. Follow these tips to help reduce the risks:

  • Purchase pet-friendly furniture and opt for removable cushion covers that are machine-washable. Silk and velvet probably won't wear well in a home with pets! 
  • If you have carpeted floors, invest in a high-quality vacuum. Do not leave small items lying around your floors. 
  • Install window screens, baby gates and fences as needed, and make sure animals don't have enough room to crawl behind large appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc.) where they may get stuck. 
  • Keep your toilet lids closed at all times.
  • Make sure all your trash cans, including the ones in bathrooms and bedrooms, are the lidded variety and always keep them shut. Pets can become ill from ingesting many of the items commonly found in our trash.
  • Along the same lines, move all foods, medications, cleaning supplies and chemicals to an area that your pet cannot access. 

During the adoption process, be sure to get all the information you can about your new furry friend. Ask about your pet's specific history, allergies and propensity for getting into mischief! The more you do to prepare, the happier they (and you) will be in their new forever home.


What should I do if I develop pet allergies? December 24 2020

If you or a member of your family has developed an allergy to your beloved pet, you're probably feeling devastated at the thought of parting ways. But before you take the drastic step of dropping your pet off at a shelter, we urge you to consider the myriad alternative options!

According to the Mayo Clinic, pet allergies are typically a reaction to dander, the dead flakes of skin shed by cats and dogs. Symptoms can present as similar to hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes), asthma (wheezing, difficulty breathing) or skin ailments (itching, rashes). Try cleaning more frequently to avoid the buildup of dander, using air purifiers with HEPA filters throughout your home, and keeping pets out of the bedroom of the allergic family member.

Fortunately, mild symptoms may be treatable with over-the-counter remedies. If those are ineffective, prescription medications and allergy shots are also available. Meet with your doctor to discuss which medical treatments, if any, are appropriate options for you.

If none of these suggestions work to alleviate your allergies and it becomes necessary to find your pet a new home, check first with trusted friends and family members to see if anyone may be able to take in your furry friend. Bring your pet to a shelter only as a last resort, and only after carefully researching to make sure that the facility you're considering is a humane no-kill shelter that will provide a clean, safe and loving environment for your pet until his or her forever family can be found.

At a kill shelter, your pet has only about 72 hours to be adopted before it is destroyed, and even the most beautiful and loving pets are susceptible to the harsh emotional and physical conditions at overcrowded shelters.


What shelters look for in potential adopters December 06 2020

So many loving families homes are waiting for a pet to come into there lives. The process of adopting a pet isn’t always easy and many people become discouraged causing them to shop rather than adopt. This is a brief overview of what rescues and shelters look for when adopting.

Fencing..
if you live in a home with a yard the shelter wants to make sure that your new pet will have a safe place to run around and not get out to get lost. Make sure that your yard is protected. You can also get a pet collar with a virtual fence that will help to keep your dog safe within your backyard.

Family...
Bring the entire family to meet the new pet.. the shelter or rescue will want to meet the family so they can assess if this adoption seems like a good fit.

Other pets in the home..
A shelter or rescue will want you to bring your other dog along with you to come to meet your new pet on neutral territory. This will help them to see if there is synergy between the new pet with other pets in your home.

Home alone..
A shelter or rescue will also ask the pattern and schedule of the house. They will want to know how many hours a day the pet will be left alone , how many time’s a day the dog will be walked and who will watch them if you go away on vacation.

They may require a virtual tour of your house and yard now that they can’t visit in person during covid . Please keep in mind that these questions and regulations are in place to help the let and you adjust to a wonderful life together.

Everyone wants to make sure that the pet will have a safe , loving home for its whole life. If you show them that you can be a responsible pet owner they will be thrilled to have you adopt with them!


Keeping our pets healthy and happy and safe in their homes is possible! August 26 2020

Tough times for some make it difficult to keep pets in their Loving homes. This is a time when pet owners need information on how to be able to keep their pets safe and at home instead of turning them out on the streets or leaving them in a shelter. There are many pet care assistance programs that are there to help save your pet ... If your pet is ill.. there are different organizations and grants to help . There are foundations that specialize in supporting pets that are ill and will help to pay for the veterinary bills. Please google it to see which organizations and how to apply for a grant.

You can also ask the local vet to see what they recommend. If you are having difficulty because there isn’t enough food to feed your pet .. There are many local food banks and food pantries that supply pet food along with food for you and your family. Many local shelters also have food pantries to assist with this. Please google or call your local shelter and food bank to see the one closest to where you live. If your pet needs vaccinations or spay-neuter there are also many shelters and organizations to help with this too.

Many times there are  low cost spay-neuter vans that travel and will come to your area to help with this. Please look it up as well or call your local shelter or SPCA to inquire. Some shelters have specific Days set aside for vaccination days and spay-neuter days. All it takes is some effort and curiosity to make the calls and google to see how you can be aided. Keeping our pets healthy and happy and safe in their homes  Is possible! It Just takes love , effort and care. 


Saving precious lives! July 21 2020

There are so many homeless unwanted animals all over the world. In the USA there are too many homeless animals in the South. In the North there are many shelters with empty cages.

We are happy to say that most shelters were picked clean and fosters and adoptions were at an all time high. Unfortunately the overflow of unwanted animals still creates a large homeless population that needs help.

Rescue Paw Foundation helps these animals. We work with boots on the ground partners funding them to go into the streets and the high kill shelters in Texas. Texas is the number one kill state in the USA. After we pull these animals on the kill list we vet them and transport them to our partner shelters and rescues up North to find their forever loving homes. Over time we have rescued approximately 6,000 dogs , some cats and a coupe of donkeys from places that are over populated or from disaster areas . These puppies were recently rescued from Texas and are waiting for their forever homes.

There will be plenty more to come but we can’t do it unless we sell the Our Cause for Paws jewelry.. every piece sold saves a life! Generous proceeds from the sale of this beautiful collection helps to save innocent , precious lives. We can’t continue to save them without caring people like you.

Please see our work on Our Cause for Paws Instagram and Facebook


Fostering a pet June 18 2020

Fostering a pet from a rescue or shelter is a win- win situation for all!

Many animals don’t do well in cages in shelters. It can be a fearful experience leaving an animal to have anxiety or depression. Individual attention and love is what these animals need desperately. The benefits of fostering a pet are many!The biggest advantage is to give a dog or a cat an opportunity to find their forever home ! The pet will be out of the shelter environment and a cage often letting their true personalities shine. People who are thinking of adopting but don’t want to commit will find this a way to see what it’s like to bring a new pet into their home.

For the shelter or rescue this is great as it makes room for another rescued animal to take the cage space so more lives can be saved. Each shelter or rescue has different requirements when fostering a pet in your home. They will ask for the foster to fill out a form letting them know your personal statistics..

such as do you have children..
do they like animals ?
Ages ?
Is your household active ?
Do you have other pets in the house?
Will they get along with a new pet coming into your home?

There are many questions to be asked so the shelter can find the best fit for you.

Many shelters want to know if there is a fenced or gated yard . What are the hours that the pet will be alone in the house. The working schedule.. what do you plan to do with them if you go on vacation? What do you do if the pet makes in the house ? Or chews your favorite shoe? How would you handle that situation? As we all know things can be unpredictable and they want to know what to expect should a situation arise while the pet is in your home. The requirements can be simple from committing to spending time to socialize them and taking them to the vet for check ups if needed.

As for the fosters information to know..Ask questions ... make a list and have the shelter representative answer them. You must ask what food to feed so as to keep the animal stable .. a change of food suddenly can lead to an upset stomach. The amount of food given is based on size and needs. Daily routines for a pet is needed. Feeding and walking should always be the same time. Positive Socializing is Also a vital part of fostering. It’s important to play and socialize your pet with people and other animals if tolerated. If it’s a puppy it’s important to dog proof your home taking away valuable and dangerous objects that can be chewed on or broken. Exercise is vital according to their energy levels as this is what all dogs need. Positive stimulation is what makes dog healthy and happy. Recommendation is 2 hours a day if time allows. Know that it’s important to take the pet to the vet for a checkup if needed so you must find a good vet. And bring the previous vet records with you to make sure all vaccinations are updated. Since this is a foster pet you will have to check in with the shelter or rescue regularly to see if there are any applicants applying for your pet. They will let you know how that goes but as a foster if you decide to adopt you will have first priority.

See if the shelter or rescue has a training program to help if you feel you need the assistance. There are many tools offered to help make the adjustments easier for all. As all rescues and shelters hope that the foster stay will be successful ... hoping that the foster will be a foster failure .. which means that you now have a new member of your family!


Creative Solutions: Adoptions & Fosters in the Time of Social Distancing March 31 2020

 
After Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) in Southampton, NY made the difficult decision to suspend normal operations a few weeks ago, they needed to get creative about accommodating the many animals still in their charge.
 
The goal is to keep staff safe so they can continue caring for cats and dogs in the shelter, while also keeping adoptive and foster families healthy enough to continue caring for the animals at home.
 
The solution came in the form of a new program, SASF Roadside Adoptions & Fosters, designed to get pets into foster and forever homes in a sanitary, social-distancing-friendly way. “We have been doing great getting fosters out,” shares Kate McEntee, SASF's director of adoptions. “Our community really stepped up. In the first two days alone, eight animals were placed into homes!”
McEntee shares the details of their process and strongly encourages other animal shelters to give this type of program a try during these unprecedented times:
  • To take part in the Roadside Adoptions & Fosters program, you must fill out an online application and be approved. SASF kindly asks that anyone feeling ill not attempt a foster or adoption at this time. Please use your best judgment.
  • SASF is following regular guidelines for matching up pets and potential families, to ensure a good fit on both sides.
  • An adoption coordinator will contact you for a phone interview and discuss possible matches. Please do not show up to the shelter unannounced, as all adoptions and fosters will be done by appointment only. 
  • When you arrive for your appointment, SASF staff will meet you curbside to introduce you to the pets. Fostering is free and includes all the supplies you will need, so you can take your foster pet directly home!
  • SASF will remain in close contact, supporting families with anything you may need during open hours. For after-hours emergencies, you will be provided with a cell number so someone can always be reached.
McEntee also notes that the SASF wellness center and mobile clinic are considered essential businesses, still available to anyone in the region. Most needs can be handled outside in a large area with limited physical interactions.
 
We at Rescue Paw Foundation applaud SASF for their quick and adaptive thinking, and for continuing to provide this critical service! To start your fostering or adopting journey with them, visit southamptonanimalshelter.com/adopt/.

Bear, Darwin and Lettie head off to loving foster homes thanks to the SASF Roadside Adoptions & Fosters program


Please Consider Fostering or Adopting a Pet at this Critical Time! March 25 2020

Although the CDC has been reporting for weeks that there is zero evidence of pets catching or transmitting COVID-19, rescue shelters nationwide are still experiencing a lack of people willing to adopt or foster. Rescue dogs from abroad are especially vulnerable, as misinformation has made the public fearful.

To make matters worse, there is an influx of animals being brought to shelters as many Americans lose their financial stability and become unable to care for their pets. Our shelters are overwhelmed, and most do not have enough volunteers to keep things running smoothly. The unfortunate reality is that many dogs and cats will be euthanized during this time, since there are more displaced animals than there are spots at shelters.

As you send prayers to people and businesses across the globe, please remember to add homeless companion animals to your thoughts. If you or someone you know is in the position to adopt, or even foster a dog or cat temporarily, please reach out to your local rescue shelter. If you are unable to foster or adopt yourself, please consider donating to the Rescue Paw Foundation today to assist us in this critical life-saving mission.

Our non-profit organization directly supports boots-on-the-ground rescue workers and shelters throughout the USA. 
 

Patrick and Christine of Bergen County, New Jersey, welcomed rescue pup Wiley to their family on March 21, 2020.


What are puppy mills? January 28 2020

Puppy mills (or puppy farms) are places where dogs are bred for commercial purposes. According to recent research conducted by The Puppy Mills Project, there are at least 10,000 puppy mills currently operating in the U.S., breeding more than 2 million puppies per year. On the other hand, it is estimated that over 1 million dogs are euthanized in shelters every year.
 
Why are puppy mills so bad? First and foremost, they are businesses designed to make a profit, which means that the dogs’ health and well-being is not breeders’ primary concern. They rarely invest in proper veterinary care, healthy food, or creating safe and sanitary conditions.
 
Female breeding dogs are forced to carry litter after litter and are generally kept in cages around the clock, often without protection from the weather. When they are too old to be used for breeding (and thus no longer profitable), they are euthanized, even via barbaric methods like shooting or drowning.
 
Conditions are no better for the young puppies, who are taken from their mothers too early, crammed into crowded, dirty living conditions, and not properly socialized.
 
Puppy mills both licensed and unlicensed operate all over the U.S., with the largest concentration in the Midwest. The dogs are shipped at a young age to pet stores across the country, often in inhumane ways. They may go an entire day without food or water, and the close quarters they are shipped in make disease transmission extremely common. Many puppies will not survive the journey from puppy mill from a pet store.
 
The most important thing you can do to help is to adopt shelter animals instead of purchasing from pet stores or online sellers. Not only are puppy mills bad for the puppies and their parents, but they are bad for the end consumer, who may end up with a dog that develops behavioral or health issues because of its horrendous experience early in life.
 
If you suspect that an unlicensed puppy mill is operating in your area, or if you suspect inhumane conditions at a licensed puppy mill, report the situation immediately to your local police department or animal control agency. You can also call 1-877-MILL-TIP to file a report with the Humane Society.
 
Remember: adopt, don’t shop!
Charlie the Maltese, our very own puppy mill survivor, spent five years as a breeder dog.
Charlie the Maltese, our very own puppy mill survivor, spent five years as a breeder dog. She was forced to carry litter after litter of puppies, only to have them taken away from her. We were fortunate to rescue her from the terrible fate of being drowned once she was no longer in her prime reproductive years. She is now the queen of the house – loving and forgiving as all dogs are. Giving puppy mill survivors a second chance at life is the most rewarding thing you can do. Please adopt and give these deserving animals a forever home!

A Beautiful HEART November 13 2019

Gizele Oliveira
Oliveira pals around with Freddie, our rescue model for the day, while wearing pieces from the Our Cause for Paws jewelry collection. Sales from Our Cause for Paws, available at all London Jewelers locations and at ourcauseforpaws.org, directly benefit the Rescue Paw Foundation.
The Rescue Paw Foundation and Gizele Oliveira partner to save precious lives.

Gizele Oliveira, a Brazilian native, began her modeling career as a favor to her uncle, a bridalwear designer, but she was too shy to take it any further until an agent noticed her at one of his shows. Soon after, in 2014, she signed with IMG Models and moved to the U.S. to pursue that career path full time, making her fashion week debut at Dolce & Gabbana the very same year. She has since walked the runways for Elie Saab, Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch and Victoria’s Secret, among others; appeared in international editions of Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar; and was featured in ad campaigns for MAC and H&M. Now, the animal lover is partnering with No Dogs Left Behind and London Jewelers president Candy Udell’s Rescue Paw Foundation. Read on to learn more about this sweet beauty who’s on her way to becoming a top international model.

On the day of our photo shoot, you had just returned from Hawaii and were leaving the next day for a job in St. Barths. How much of the year do you spend traveling, and where do you currently consider “home”?
I feel like most of the time I’m traveling somewhere for work or vacation, which is the life I’ve always dreamed of! I consider New York City my home at the moment, but I’m always missing Brazil.

How did you meet Candy Udell and Jeffrey Beri of No Dogs Left Behind?
I was looking to work with an organization that loved animals just as much as I do, and my public relations agent connected me with Candy and Jeffrey. A partnership with the Rescue Paw Foundation and No Dogs Left Behind is truly a perfect match.

This fall, you will travel to China to help No Dogs Left Behind rescue animals from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. Why did this cause speak to you?
The Yulin Dog Meat Festival was one of the main reasons why I stopped eating meat, so to me, being part of this was inevitable. I hope my work with them will bring a lot of awareness about how horribly people treat animals, especially in the meat industry. I can’t wait to bring dogs back to loving homes.

Jerey Beri - No Dogs Left Behind
Jerey Beri of No Dogs Left Behind, the leading foreign organization in China that works boots on the ground to save dogs from slaughterhouses and the meat trucks.
Your own dog, Bieber, is adorable and even has his own Instagram account, @bieberthedog. We’d love to know more about him!
Bieber is a Havanese-Bichon mix, and I got him at an amazing time in my life. I was feeling super sad and lonely, and he brought me so much happiness! He’s the sweetest animal ever; I’m a really proud mom. I adopted him from a place in Brooklyn. He was so little and sick, but he turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to me.

How would you describe your own style, and what were some of your favorite London Jewelers pieces that you tried on during our shoot?
My favorites were the diamond necklaces—they made me feel so glamorous! For everyday wear, I love mixing big chains with more dainty diamond pieces. London Jewelers has something for every style.

Tell us about your upcoming work. Which magazines and runways can we expect to see you on in the near future?
I’m so happy because this year I got to do a lot of magazines. I did an editorial for Harper’s Bazaar, and I’ll soon be appearing in Vogue Taiwan and also L’Officiel St. Barths.