What will your pet transform into this Halloween?

    

It’s a bit of a toss-up about which part of Halloween is more fun…the candy or the costumes. Fortunately, as humans, we can indulge in both! Pets, though, have to keep their paws away from all that sugar. It can just be a bad idea. There’s still ways they can be involved: costumes. Of course you could just go out and buy one from the pet store, but what if you want to indulge a little DIY project?
Here’s one that’s easy enough. Just wrap your pup or cat in a snug blanket and re-enact the bike scene from ET: The Extraterrestrial!

Another good use for a blanket or old shirt. A few eye-holes and you’ve got Ghost Dog!

These next two are a bit fancier, but if you’ve a deft hand with clippers and access to a little non-toxic hairspray, you can turn your pup into a whole other creature! Apparently these pup-paintings are popular in China. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother them at all, though your dog might suddenly look in the mirror and wonder why there’s a tiger in the house!


So there you go. A few fun–if very silly–ideas on how to dress up your pets for Halloween. What’s the best costume your pet has ever had? We’d love to see. Are you going store-bought or dare to get crafty? Check in next week as we discuss ways to keep your pets safe and un-spookified when the little ghouls come out to play.

ATTN: It's Fine to Dress Your Pet Up But Remember Candy Is a NO NO for PETS !!!

Time to celebrate! October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

Time to celebrate! October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

Every effort to help more pets get adopted means more families finding the joy of caring for their new dog (or cat, of course). While we love animals of all shapes and sizes, this month gets a special focus: shelter dog adoption! Shelter dogs need particular care because unless they’re at a no-kill shelter, their whole life could be on the line if they don’t find a new family in time. So consider this a month-long rescue operation!

Now we know everyone wants to get in on the effort, right? Obviously, the biggest and best thing you can do is as the theme say–find a dog and adopt them from your local shelter. But there are other things that can make a big difference too.

First, spay or neuter your pets if you haven’t already. Many shelters struggle so much because there are overpopulation pet issues in most cities and towns across the country. Don’t let your dog be a contributor.

Second, ID your dog, either with a properly licensed collar, an implanted chip, or both. This can also help cut down shelter demand because if your dog escapes, it can be brought directly back to you.

Third, support your local shelter by volunteering time or funds so they can purchase necessary supplies. If you don’t know what they need most, just call them up or drop by. They’ll be so thankful you cared.

And fourth, of course, spread the word! Hop on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or even just start calling friends and family and let them know what the month is all about. Maybe put together a Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog party or coordinate an adoption event with local rescue and foster groups.

See? There’s so much you can do. Every dog counts!