The American Kennel Club recently announced a new dog-training program that encourages responsible dog owners to train and socialize their new puppies. Titled S.T.A.R., which stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility, the program is aimed at providing pet owners with the tools to provide their puppy a good life.

Before a puppy can enter the S.T.A.R. program, he must first enroll in a basic training class for at least six weeks. These courses include classes on housetraining for owners and lessons on basic skills for puppies, such as learning to come when called.

Once a puppy graduates from the course, he will earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction and his owner will receive a frameable certificate, a discount to enroll in the AKC Companion Animal Recovery Corporation, and much more.

All puppies, including mixed breed and purebreds are welcome to participate in this program. To find a training program near you, see the AKC’s list of approved evaluators.

Proving it’s never too soon to start helping animals, the students at Rowayton Elementary School in Norwalk, Connecticut made a major contribution for pets this year. At the beginning of December, the children began collecting money for the Pet Animal Welfare Society, a local shelter. By the end of the month, they had raised $1,200 to help the shelter provide food and medical care for the animals it houses.

Three years ago, Rowayton teachers Kathleen Hellrigel and Maura Fried started the Pennies for PAWS fundraiser at their school. The teachers say they are always impressed by how enthusiastic students are about the program and how much the kids care. This year, they set a goal to collect $1,000 and were amazed that, especially in the current financial climate, their students were able to not only meet, but exceed this goal. Their success just goes to show what big hearts these little children have when it comes to pets.

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I wanted to share our special end-of-the-year stock up sale with blog readers. This week only, we’re offering free shipping on orders $50 and above. If you order $100 or more, you’ll receive:

•    -FREE SHIPPING
•    -A $25 GIFT CARD
•    -$12 IN COUPONS

We’ll email you the $25 Gift Card and $12 in coupons 2-3 weeks after shipping your $100 order.

Please shop soon, because this offer ends this week (January 2, 2009).

CLICK HERE TO SHOP NOW

Shop by category:

Natural Dog Food

Natural Cat Food

Natural Treats

Pet Supplements

Grooming Supplies

The Whole Pet Diet book

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When it comes to animal rescue, many find their calling in ways they never would expect. When Lynea Lattanzio moved to Kings River in 1983 after a difficult divorce, she certainly never thought she was living in the eventual home to over 700 cats.

Lynea’s work as a cat rescuer began by accident in 1992. When her father asked her to help him find a new cat, Lynea went to a local animal shelter and wound up coming home with a box of 15 kittens. That year she would go on to rescue and place 96 homeless cats, and Cat House on the Kings would have its start.

As the largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center in California, Cat House on the Kings is truly a unique place for its many feline residents. Cats roam beween a 4,200 square-foot house and a huge outdoor area. Inside, there are rooms like the Kitty Garden, a large room with a sunny view where kittens ready for adoption are housed and the Condo Room, where adult cats transition to their new home.

The outdoors area is nothing short of a feline playground. Called the Pasture Project, kitties roam in a 75’ by 100’ enclosure with sheds, patios, a waterfall, and lots of trees. The outdoor houses have heating and cooling systems and are used year-round. The Cat House also has a special FIV ward, so that these cats that must be separated can still lead happy lives.

Cat House on the Kings offers many services, including referrals for low cost spay/neuter services, assistance and education in behavioral problems with cats, and help for those who need to find homes for their cats. For more information and to find out how even those who do not live in the area can volunteer, visit Cat House on the Kings online.

Check out a video of this amazing shelter in action:

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To celebrate its 125th year in 2009, the Kentucky Humane Society will be getting quite the anniversary gift. The state’s largest pet adoption agency will be doing $1.6 million in improvements to its main facility, which it hopes will better the lives of the pets housed in the shelter. Additions will include a 3,000 ft. supplement to the primary shelter, a new air ventilation system to provide isolation areas for those suffering from respiratory problems, and a cat solarium that will allow cats to have playtime with other felines.

Thus far, the Kentucky Humane Society has raised about 80% of the money they need for this project. Those looking to contribute can visit the KHS online.

Humane Societies all over the nation are also seeking to make improvements and better the lives of animals housed there. If you would like to find out what you can do to support your local organization, head to AnimalShelter.org to locate your area shelters. Or check out the t-shirts and accessories available in the National Humane Society’s store, which gives a portion of all proceeds to animal protection programs.

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