Double Trouble? Think Again!: Benefits of Adopting a Pair

Warm weather marks the beginning of kitten season at Animal Friends. This is the time of year that cats give birth, often beginning as early as March and lasting into October. At Animal Friends, we're  feeling the effects of kitten season as we work tirelessly to accommodate the overwhelming needs of kittens who come through our doors. With so many homeless kittens waiting to find loving families, right now is the perfect time to adopt a sweet kitten … or two! At Animal Friends, we know it’s twice as nice to adopt two kittens at once.

Not to mention, when you adopt two animals from Animal Friends, you get twice the amount of love for one adoption donation!





There are many benefits to adding two kittens to your family at once.

• They will always have a playmate to chase, wrestle and keep them active, well-exercised and healthy.
• Many cats are social and will love having a sibling to groom and cuddle with during nap time.
• Kittens learn from each other! If one is a little shy, socializing with an outgoing sibling can show them how to interact with humans.
• Usually, negative behaviors in pets can be because of boredom. Having a companion will help to keep them mentally stimulated and out of trouble!
• We all have to leave home from time to time. Having a kitten sibling can alleviate separation anxiety for your kitten and can prevent you from feeling guilty for being away.
• Two cats will bring your family double the love. They make great lap warmers during the winter months and offer twice as many purrs and cheek rubs. The only thing more heartwarming than the love of a pet is the love of two!
• Adopting two cats actually saves four lives – the two you're adopting, and the two that will take their open spots at Animal Friends, given a priceless second chance thanks to your adoption.

Having two kittens doesn't require much additional effort, either. An extra food and water dish and litterbox is well worth the joy your newest additions will bring to the family. Plus, if you adopt from Animal Friends, your newest family members will be spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccinations. 

Often, Animal Friends has pairs of cats who have come in together and need to find a home with room for two. We'll help you introduce your new cats to your home and give them the time and space they need to bond. 

It’s the perfect time to bring home two homeless cats! How can you resist? Two-step to Animal Friends at double speed – after all, two cats certainly are twice as nice!

So, come to Animal Friends or visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Cats to meet our adoptable cats today!

Bonded Pairs: The Importance of Bunny Relationships

The companionship of a rabbit can bring lots of fun and happiness into the home. From their sweet demeanor to their exceptional intelligence, rabbits can add a unique and playful presence to any family. But, what you may not realize about rabbits is their capacity for friendship and its importance in their lives. Bonded rabbits, or two rabbits who are emotionally connected, help each other navigate their world – physically and emotionally – making them the perfect adoptable duo! And, by adopting a bonded pair, not only are you maintaining the special connection between two bunnies, but you are saving two lives.

 

A Special Bond

Since they are very social animals, rabbits who are bonded have a deep and lasting relationship. Many of these pairs do almost everything together. Whether it is eating, sleeping, grooming or simply exploring their surroundings, bonded pairs make everything a group activity. Physically, these bonded bunnies spend hours cuddling and sleeping together, ensuring the other is safe and comfortable.

 

Twice the Love

Many people don't fully understand the connection between bonded rabbits, so they often have to wait longer to be adopted. And, while it may seem that adopting two rabbits is twice the work, bonded rabbits are no more work than one – they love to share. With one litterbox, one set of water and food bowls and one living space, you get twice the amount love!

Bonding Made Easy

Although bunnies can love their companions, introducing two new bunnies to one another can be a stressful and lengthy process (from weeks to even years). By adopting a pair, the bonding process is already complete. The contrasting personalities and temperaments of two bunnies can create an unwelcome and even unsafe environment for bonding. For many experienced bunny owners who have gone through the bonding process themselves, the ease of adopting an already bonded pair is the best option.

While some bonded pairs are very close, each pair is different. While they may not be joined at the hip, they still share an important connection.

Open Your Heart and Your Home

At Animal Friends, we often meet families who adopt a rabbit and soon realize they're ready to add a second floppy-eared member to the family. With so many bonded pairs of rabbits searching for loving homes where they can stay together, we encourage you to consider adding one of these lovable duos to your family.

Click here to meet the adoptable rabbits at Animal Friends. Who knows, maybe two will hop into your heart!

Beat the Heat

Summer Safety Tips for Your Pets

 

Summer is the perfect time of year to experience the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather, but the heat can take a serious toll on your four-legged companion. Animal Friends has a few tips to help you beat the heat and keep your pets safe, healthy and cool during the warm months ahead.

Visit your veterinarian.

A checkup for your pet is in order this time of year. In the warmer months, your companion is at a high risk of contracting parasites, fleas and ticks, which can cause much bigger problems down the road. Preventative treatments are much easier (and less expensive!) than an emergency visit to the vet.

Practice parking lot and vehicle safety.

When the weather starts heating up, protect those paws from the hot asphalt and pavement by walking on grassy areas whenever possible. Paw pads can burn easily, especially since pets do not usually wear shoes outdoors like we do!

Your pet should never be left in a parked car. Even with the windows down, a car can quickly reach an internal temperature of more than 120 degrees, which is enough to cause severe heat stroke or worse. Your pet is much safer at home on warm days, especially if your destination is not a pet-friendly one. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Drink up.

As the temperature rises, animals need to drink much more water to stay hydrated. Be sure your pet has plenty of cool, clean water to drink, especially if they’re spending some time outside on warm days. Check water dishes frequently and be sure they are placed out of the sun’s reach in shady areas. Drinking dishes should be secured to avoid accidental spills.

Know the symptoms of overheating in pets.

Heat stress and heat stroke can be serious threats to animals – especially those who are very young, old or overweight. Pets with flat faces such as Pugs or Persian cats are at unique risk for overheating because their faces do not allow them to pant effectively. Animals can have trouble maintaining their body temperature, especially when outdoor temperatures and humidity levels are high.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, increased heart and respiratory rate, stupor and collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, along with an elevated body temperature of more than 104 degrees.

Beat the heat.

If your pet is overheated, move them out of the sun immediately and immerse them in cool water. Apply ice packs to the head, neck and chest and provide cool water for them to drink. If you are concerned about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian immediately

If it's simply too hot to safely enjoy the weather together, try some of these enrichment activities you can enjoy inside with your pets. And, be sure to join us at Animal Friends this summer for plenty of fun classes and events (indoors and outdoors!) for you and your pets.

Misty: Animal Friends' Home to Home Adoption Program

Misty is a 1-year-old Yellow Lab who is full of love and energy that she cannot wait to share with her new family. While she is very loved and well cared for by her current family, they are searching for a home where Misty can get all of the exercise and physical activities that are so important for young dogs. Whether it is taking a walk around the neighborhood, playing fetch or simply running around a fenced-in yard, this pup loves to stretch her legs and burn off some energy.
 
Misty is housebroken and crate trained – although she can get a bit anxious if she is crated for an extended period. Misty has also visited the vet regularly and is in great health. This sweet pup already knows a few basic commands and has attended puppy obedience class. She is always excited to meet people and loves to give kisses and play with new friends. She is such a gentle and loving dog who would make a perfect addition to any family willing to give her the attention and affection that she deserves.
 
To set up a meet and greet with Misty, contact her current family at tfornataro_354@comcast.net.

Happy Birthday to Us | Saving Lives for 75 Years

Today marks exactly 75 years since Animal Friends began serving the pets and people of the Pittsburgh region!

In 1943, a small group of citizens made it their mission to find homes for soldiers’ pets when they left to serve in the war.

Our founders took a name that clearly articulated their mission: to serve as friends to unwanted animals.

And three quarters of a century later, it’s truly been an incredible journey.

Starting in a rented out room in the bottom of the William Penn Hotel, our organization has grown into a bustling, 75-acre campus.

Although Animal Friends has accomplished feats in the last 75 years that were nothing short of incredible, we never realized that it would grow into such a visionary, progressive organization that is never satisfied with the status quo.

Before no-kill became a movement, our founders had a vision that no animal would ever be unnecessarily euthanized at Animal Friends. And, we remain committed to that premise to this day. We’re constantly striving to save the lives of more pets of our region.

It’s not just the pets – it’s also about the people of our community. In 2006, we were able to better serve our region’s pet-owning families by opening the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center.

And, this past summer we took that one step further by opening our Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center to ensure that all pet owners – regardless of income – can afford the critical wellness care that their pets need … and deserve.

We are so proud that for 75 years we have remained committed to serving our animal friends and those who love them. But we simply cannot wait to see what the next 75 years (and beyond!) will bring.

We'd love to hear your memories! So, as special birthday present to us, please share your favorite photos and stories from every decade of our 75 years on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or send us an email.

The Silver Lining

Before making her way to Animal Friends, a very pregnant Janis narrowly made it out of a small shelter in Kentucky.

Because they were at capacity, they made temporary outdoor kennels for their resident dogs, including Janis.

But just as quickly as the shelter had creatively made more space, a forthcoming winter storm was all it took to undo their hard work.

And then, it went from bad to worse. Janis had given birth … growing their problem 11-fold.

They needed help – and fast.

The shelter reached out to a rescue group in our region that transports animals in crisis to partner organizations. That organization then contacted us to see if we could take in Janis and her puppies. We, of course, agreed.

And so, Janis with her 11 puppies in tow came to Animal Friends.

They immediately went into a loving foster home.

Janis was the perfect pet. Her foster family quickly decided that she would become a permanent member of theirs, once her puppies were ready to find homes.

But sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned …

Lethargy set in. Janis wasn’t acting like herself. Then the vomiting started and a fever set in. It was mastitis, and she needed surgery.

Despite her weariness, she continued to provide for her puppies. She simply wouldn’t give up on them.

After her surgery, Janis stayed at Animal Friends to recover. She continued to decline. We would do anything to get Janis healthy … but we couldn’t even get her to stand, let alone eat.

Then finally, we caught a break when her foster mom stopped by. Had we known what was about to transpire, well, we would have arranged it much sooner.

As soon as Janis spotted her foster mom, it was like her every ailment fell away. She rose from her bed and exuberantly went to her. In that moment, she was back to acting like the Janis we all knew and loved – even ate for the first time in days for her foster mom.

Their bond was remarkable. Truly undeniable.

We were hopeful that sending Janis home would speed up her recovery but the very next day proved otherwise. Janis couldn’t keep any food or medication down.

Strictures were found in Janis’s throat that made even swallowing painful. So to give her esophagus time to heal, a feeding tube was placed.

There wasn’t anything we weren’t willing to do for sweet Janis.

As the weeks continued, there were good days and bad. Despite all Janis’s pain and misery, Janis remained devoted to her pups … just as her family remained devoted to her.

We wouldn’t give up. We simply couldn’t. However, there are times when loving and letting go is the best thing you can do.

“I’ll never forget that day. It was like everything aligned so that we could all be with her until the very end. A school cancellation kept the boys at home, and the weather was bad early in the day so my husband couldn’t make it into work. Somewhat serendipitous even …”

Janis had pulled out her feeding tube. Her pain was too great. It was clear that there was no real chance for recovery. We were forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to say goodbye.

Surrounded by those who loved her most, Janis was sent off with the utmost dignity, respect and compassion.

She had finally found peace … and her home in the hearts of her foster family.

There truly is a silver lining in every tragedy.

In this case, it was Janis’s sacrifice to ensure her legacy of 11 puppies would go on to become beloved pets who will teach their families about companionship and love.

 

But, you see, it was also the sacrifice of our staff and volunteers who made sure that Janis and her puppies received the best quality of care we could provide.

At Animal Friends we have an unwavering commitment to give each and every one of our residents the individualized care they need – and deserve.

We’ll continue to work tirelessly for every animal who comes through our doors. We promise an unlimited number of hours and days – even years – of specialized attention.

But we cannot continue without you. Help us continue to find the silver lining.

Please give.

 

The Dangers of Declawing Cats

If you have a feline family member, you’ve probably experienced the many benefits that come from having a loving bond with your kitty companion. You’ve probably also seen (or felt!) the familiar prick of those pointy paws. But, before you declaw your cat, it’s important to know the downsides – and dangers – of declawing your beloved family cat.

 

Why Cats Have Claws

• Claws help cats grip and enjoy stretches that engage and tone their backs and shoulders. 
• While humans walk on the soles of their feet, cats walk on their toes. Because of this, they need their claws to help them balance properly. Without claws, your cat is forced to alter the way they walk which can result in discomfort, pain and joint damage. 
• Cats scratch to release happiness – which is why you may witness your kitty joyfully scratching their scratching post when you return home or after a play session with you or your other felines.

Why You Shouldn’t Declaw

• Declawing is a painful procedure that actually removes part of a cat’s toes, cutting through bones and nerves. For humans, this would be the equivalent of cutting off a finger at the first joint, nail and all.
• The removal of the bone and claw also has unhealthy, harmful side effects for your feline. Declawing can cause infection, abnormal claw growth within the toe, inflammation, arthritis or behavioral changes such as increased aggression, biting, emotional trauma or litterbox avoidance issues.
• Animal Friends and the ASPCA discourage declawing – it is considered inhumane and is already illegal in 28 countries. Although it is not yet prohibited in the United States, several cities have banned the practice.

Safe and Healthy Alternatives

• Ensure that your cat has approved surfaces to scratch. Cardboard, carpet, rope or fabric scratchers can be purchased or made at home. With a variety of scratching options, you’re sure to find a surface your feline will enjoy scratching more than your sofa!
• Trimming a cat’s claws every few weeks can drastically reduce damage from scratching.
• TIP: Make trimming a pleasurable activity for your cat by offering some yummy treats as a reward!
• Cats' claws grow continuously, just like human nails. The outer sheaths of the claws, which become dull over time, are shed when a cat scratches. As cats get older, they may not wear their claws down as fast, resulting in the need for more frequent claw trimmings.

With proper education, patience and a little positive reinforcement, your cat can continue to scratch happily without you or your home paying the price! Contact Animal Friends at 412.847.7000 or visit our website if you need help training your cat to scratch appropriately. Your kitty (and your furniture) will certainly thank you!