Putting Our Best Paws Forward: MaxFund Animal Adoption Center 0

Putting Our Best Paws Forward: MaxFund Animal Adoption Center

Here at Doggie Dailies, we believe there is no better feeling than helping those in need. That's why every quarter we pick a new charity to donate a portion of our proceeds to!

We’re now in the first quarter of 2020 (January-March) and this quarter we're excited to be donating to MaxFund Animal Adoption Center.

About MaxFund Animal Adoption Center
MaxFund Animal Adoption Center is a true no-kill animal shelter and adoption center in Denver, Colorado. Founded in May 1988, MaxFund was established to provide medical care for injured, abused, and abandoned animals, and to give these animals a “second chance at life” once they recovered. 

As the organization has grown, so has its mission. MaxFund has expanded its efforts to include educational programs, community outreach and partnerships, and animal advocacy. 

Since its founding, nearly 56,000 animals have been spayed or neutered and nearly 35,000 animals have been adopted from MaxFund. All because two people had an idea of how to help injured, homeless animals. 

In early 1988, Dr. Bill Suro and his wife Nanci owned and operated a large veterinary practice in suburban Denver. Having recently added 24-hour emergency care to their hospital services, the Suros immediately noticed one glaring problem: What to do with all the injured animals with no known owner that are found by Good Samaritans? Before MaxFund, these animals were often sent to animal control and euthanized if no one came forward in 7-10 days. 

The Suros knew they could help these animals. Not long after their realization, a special dog came into their lives and made this ‘problem’ all too real.  

Not long after opening their 24-hour emergency care, one of Dr. Suro’s clients told him about a dog that was hit by a car and asked if he would help. While the Good Samaritan paid for the immediate medical care, this pup needed expensive orthopedic surgery for his fractures. The Suros decided to see what they could do.

The dog was a good-natured, headstrong big male, assumed to be a cross between a German Shepherd and a German Shorthair Pointer. The staff named him Max. 

The Suros, their clients, local veterinarians, and other pet lovers worked together to raise the funds and provide the services needed to save Max and allow him to live a long, happy life. In the end, they raised more money than expected and decided to apply the funds to the next doggie in need, which started the MaxFund. The funds the mission was to save injured dogs and give them a second chance - just like the fund’s namesake. 

From the beginning, MaxFund knew that they wanted to challenge the traditional methods of animal sheltering by leading the no-kill movement in Colorado. Whether injured, abused, or abandoned, MaxFund is committed to accepting every animal they have space for and to nurturing each animal until its owner or new adoptive home is found.

MaxFund’s no-kill philosophy is driven by a total commitment to the holistic care of the animal once admitted to the shelter. This means:

• Age, medical condition, disabilities, or similar factors do not dictate shelter admission - Only shelter capacity does.
• Each animal receives the medical care he or she needs. From kennel cough to cancer to broken bones, the animal will be cared for regardless of cost.
• Each animal is allowed the time he or she needs to find the best suitable forever home. 
• From walks to play to training, each animal participates in enrichment programs to keep them happy and healthy. All must have regular, loving human contact.
• Alternatives must be in place in case of too-long stays. Foster homes and safe havens ensure that no animal lives out his or her life in a shelter.
• An animal is only euthanized if their suffering is intractable and cannot be relieved medically.

With the majority of their animals starting off with medical bills, recovery, and rehabilitation, their operating costs are much higher than other shelters. But they remain committed to giving each animal a second chance.

It became apparent to MaxFund that they were combating two main issues: pet overpopulation and the lack of resources on responsible pet care and ownership. MaxFund knew it would need to expand its mission to have a greater impact on overall animal welfare.

MaxFund developed and implemented educational programs on pet care and ownership, which emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Many folks simply aren’t educated on proper pet care and ownership. To shrink the knowledge and resource gap, MaxFund provides informational resources and offers low-cost vaccinations, pet food, and spay/neuter services for pets of low-income families.

While the organization had performed spaying and neutering from the beginning, MaxFund decided to launch a spay/neuter campaign to help stem the tide of pet overpopulation in the community. Nanci spearheaded the expansion of MaxFund’s spay/neuter efforts and launched a campaign for a mobile spay/neuter clinic. The mobile spay/neuter clinic allows MaxFund to perform spay/neuter procedures in rural areas and communities in need. Since 1988, Maxfund has spayed or neutered nearly 56,000 animals. 

Our friends at MaxFund work hard each and every day to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome as many dogs as possible, but they can’t do it alone!

Of course, you can make a donation to MaxFund. Any amount you can afford to give helps pups in need.

MaxFund has many adorable, deserving animals available for adoption. If you live in Colorado and prepared to add a furry family member to your home, take a look at all the loveable animals available for adoption. 

Not able to adopt? Help MaxFund spread its message and mission with your friends. Share MaxFund on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to let your friends know about this amazing organization.

There are so many ways to support MaxFund. Visit their website for a full list of ways you can help MaxFund. 

To learn more about MaxFund Animal Adoption Center or to assist them in their mission, visit their website, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, ‘Follow’ them on Instagram, or ‘Follow’ them on Twitter.

Should You Hire a Pet Psychic? 0

If you're a no-nonsense type of person, the term "pet psychic" might sound wild to you. However, plenty of people hire these specialized alternative practitioners to get in touch with their dearest furry friends. So, what's the deal with pet psychics? Are they for real?

What Pet Psychics Do

Like psychics for people, pet psychics claim that they have a special connection with animals. They believe they know what they are thinking and use a variety of methods to help pet owners figure out what is going on in their pets' cute heads. Many pet psychics claim to use telepathy to communicate with animals in pictures. Others say they can read a pet's energetic vibrations.

Pet psychics often help people figure out a mystery about someone's animal. Owners love hiring pet psychics to find out the secrets in their adopted pet's early life. They may also hire one when Fido runs away or when their horse seems particularly melancholy.

A pet psychic may come to your home for an in-person session, but more often than not they do their sessions over the phone. Increasingly, they now do sessions via live online chat. This is good news because even if there is not a pet psychic in your area, you can still hire one if the mood strikes.

Are Pet Psychics For Real?

Only you can answer this question for yourself, just like you have to make your own decisions about human psychics. If you believe in the metaphysical realm, then a pet psychic might be good for you. However, if you're generally a skeptical person then a pet psychic probably isn't the best choice. The important thing to know is that pet psychics believe they are providing a real service. Most are not trying to pull one over on their clients. They are legitimately trying to help them and truly believe they have a special connection to the animal world. Whether or not you believe that pet psychics are real, they often offer something very real to their clients: peace of mind that their animals are safe and happy.

The truth is, we simply don't speak the same language as animals even though some dog and bird breeds can mimic our speech. They have different ways of speaking or telling us what they need. Most pet owners really love their animals so it only makes sense they would want to try to communicate with them the same way humans do. However, it might be more useful to pay attention to your pet's behavior and body language to learn about what they need.

Why People Hire Pet Psychics

People hire pet psychics for a variety of reasons. Some people just want to know what their pet is thinking or find out about their pet's past, but more often than not it's due to a specific reason. Some examples include:

• Find out about any health problems
• Find out if a sick animal is in pain
• Find out if Spot is upset or lonely when the owner leaves
• Connect with an animal that has already passed on
• Let the pet know that the owner truly loves them
• Explore the origin of a specific behavioral problem

Most pet psychics claim they are able to help with these issues and more.

Pet Psychic Not for You? Try This Instead!

Let's face it. A pet psychic is not for everyone. If you're not feeling this idea, there are plenty of other ways to get insight into what your pets are thinking. A certified pet behaviorist, usually hired for dogs and sometimes horses, is a great option. These people are experts in reading animal body language and finding out what that means. They may visit your home and examine the surroundings to help determine why your pet is having behavioral issues. Behaviorists don't claim to be psychic at all, and they may also be competent animal trainers who can use their knowledge of animal behavior to properly motivate your pets' good behavior. However, many behaviorists are not trainers. They simply advise you on the environmental factors affecting your pet and how to adjust them to make your pet feel better.

Veterinarians are also experts on animal behavior. If your pet is doing something strange, chances are, other pets have done it before. Ask your vet to get some answers from someone who really knows.

The Verdict on Pet Psychics

Only you can decide for yourself if you want to hire a pet psychic. It can be something fun to try, but if you really want to get down to your pet's issues, there are other options that might work better. However, it's never a bad idea to try to connect with your pets any way that you can.

Helping Your Dog Overcome Painful Mobility Problems 1

That puppy you brought home a few years ago couldn't keep still -- he was a ball of energy, darting in every which direction and running like he had a race to win. But these days, you can tell that your beloved pal has lost a step or two. Maybe he struggles to rise to his feet or experiences obvious pain when lying down. Maybe he limps, has trouble going up and down the stairs, or simply doesn't want to run or play anymore. These are all signs of joint problems that make dogs miserable and rob them of their mobility. Fortunately, you can help your best friend cope with his condition and enjoy greater comfort with the aid of a simple, safe solution: nutritional supplements.

Common Canine Joint Problems

Dogs demand a lot from their weight-bearing joints, so it's inevitable that these joints will experience some wear and tear over the years. Congenital or acquired diseases can hasten this natural degeneration of the joints. Some of the more common joint problems faced by dogs include:

• Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative condition involving the cartilage the normally keeps bone ends from rubbing together. This cartilage can deteriorate after years of heavy use, especially in working dogs or obese animals. The resulting friction causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body's own immune system, which treats joint components as if they were "enemies" and attacks them with antibodies. This condition can cause acute swelling as well as pain.
• Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is an inherited problem particularly common in larger breeds such as Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and German Shepherd Dogs. The ball and socket of the hip joint don't fit together snugly, a problem that leads to joint pain, degeneration (including osteoarthritis), instability and weakness.

The Nutritional Approach to Joint Healing and Pain Management

Anything that supports the health of your dog's joints can play a valuable role in easing pain and improving joint motion. (Even losing a few pounds can remove a lot of stress from a painful joint.) Proper nutrition is a great start because it gives the damaged tissues the raw ingredients they need to heal themselves or at least optimize their remaining function. Consider adding these helpful substances to your pet's joint pain management plan:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin - The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin have long been employed as a means of supporting cartilage health and remodeling in damaged joints, both in humans and in dogs.
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids - These substances, which are plentiful in fatty fish, support joint health by fighting inflammation.
• Hyaluronic acid - Hyaluronic acid is the lubricant used by joints to maintain smooth, friction-free motion. It can be supplemented orally or through injections.
• MSM - MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, a natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substance that also supports the body's ability to use other nutrients.
• Co-enzyme Q10 - This amino acid, which supports heart health in animals, also promotes healthy immune function for dogs troubled by rheumatoid arthritis.
• Yucca Schidigera - This kind of yucca root supplement is known for its ability to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Ready to Improve Your Dog's Quality of Life?

You don't have to go shopping for these supplements individually in your quest to alleviate your dong's joint symptoms -- you can get them all in one product. Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs offers comprehensive, convenient nutritional support to help your dog enjoy the best possible quality of life. It's the easiest way to give those ailing joints the nutritional support they need!

5 Tips for Providing Doggie Foster Care 0

Many shelters and rescue groups depend on their doggie foster parents to provide a life-saving service. When you take a foster dog into your home, even for a short while, you allow the rescue or shelter to take in another dog that may otherwise not survive.

As a doggie foster parent, you open your heart and your home to a homeless, neglected, or throw-away fur-baby. By giving him/her the love, attention, and care they need, you're helping prepare them for their future forever home.

General Responsibilities

The shelter or rescue organization for which you foster will provide you with the specific responsibilities you'll take on as a doggie foster parent. There are, however, some general responsibilities that almost all shelters and rescues require.

• The biggest responsibility is to provide shelter and love.
• You may need to put in time working on manners, such as jumping on people, getting on furniture, or house training.
• Helping the dog learn to walk on a leash is an important skill fosters can help their fur-baby master.
• You may need to take your foster baby to appointments, such as vet visits, trips to the shelter or rescue to meet with potential adoptees, or "meet and greet" events.
• You'll be responsible for dosing your foster with any prescribed medications.
• Most, but not all, shelters and rescues want their foster babies to be inside pets.

In most cases, the shelter or rescue will cover veterinary costs, including costs of medications. Food, toys, blankets, crates, bedding, etc., are usually provided, usually through donations and hand-me-downs from previous fosters.

5 Tips for Providing Doggie Foster Care

There is no one key to success in providing foster care for dogs. Time and patience are the two main ingredients for both you, your family, and your foster fur-baby having a great experience while fostering. Some dogs will adjust to new homes readily while others will take some of that time and patience you're offering.

As a foster parent, you'll need to remember there are going to be bumps in the road. To help get past them and into some smooth cruising into doggie foster care, the tips below can help you and your foster make the transition to a great experience.

1. Try to see things from the dog's point of view. Even a well-adjusted adult dog can find adjusting to a foster care situation stressful. He or she may be a bit 'shell-shocked' when they're first introduced into the foster home. Be prepared to see some changes in the dog's demeanor and/or behavior over the first three days or two weeks. Be patient and give the fur-baby time to adjust.
2. Make the introductions slow. Let your foster fur-baby meet one family member at a time so as not to overwhelm him/her. Keep some treats handy to encourage making a good first impression by remaining calm, being patient and approachable. Go slowly when introducing a foster doggie into a home where you already have pets. Your shelter or rescue can help you with this.
3. Keep the family circle small at first. Avoid big parties and family gatherings with your new foster baby. Get to know the dog's personality better, and give your family - especially your kids - time to adjust to the newest addition to the home before expecting the fur-baby to function appropriately in a large crowd of strangers.
4. A leash is a must. Take the dog outside on a leash so he/she can sniff around as soon as possible. Even if you have a fenced yard, keep the dog on a leash when going out.
5. Make a den with a crate. Dogs have a natural 'den' instinct, so set them up a cozy space in their crate for sleeping. Let your foster fur-baby sleep in the same room as you, if possible. Sleeping alone in a strange place can be frightening and anxiety-producing for these social animals. Dog-proof the room by clearing the floor and providing them a chew toy in their crate.

Fur-babies with Special Needs

In addition to dogs needing foster care because of shelter overcrowding, there are certain types of dogs that aren't eligible for adoption unless they've had the benefit of foster care. The types of doggies needing special foster homes may include:

• those too young for adoption (some may need to be bottle-fed)
• abused doggies that need help with socialization and extra love and affection to help them heal
• those who've suffered injury, are recovering from surgery, or who are sick
• an abandoned mother with a litter to nurse

If you're up to fostering these special cases, talk with your shelter or rescue personnel to find out how you can help.

The Goal of Fostering

As a doggie foster parent, your goal is to help your foster fur-baby find their happily-ever-after home. The organization for which you foster will have the final say in who adopts your foster baby, but your input is invaluable in helping them select the right forever home.

A foster placed in a loving forever home is a goal reached and a job well done.