Go Orange for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month!

This April, the ASPCA invites you to join millions of animal lovers across the country as we celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Starting four years ago as a small adoption event in New York City, the ASPCA’s April celebrations have mushroomed into a nationwide observance of the human-animal bond and our victories on behalf of animals. We encourage you to organize a pet parade in your neighborhood, get your town hall to light up in orange, or enter our Go Orange Photo Contestto show your love and support of the furry kind.

Last April was great—let’s make this one even better! Join us for April’s “Go Orange for Animals” campaign, and together we can improve the lives of animals in every corner of the country. Here are some ways you can participate:

• Snap a Photo—and Win a Prize!
  Send us photos of unique ways that you, family, friends and pets have gone orange for animals! Our top 10 favorites will receive a very special ASPCA Prize Pack and be featured on our website.
  
  
• Throw a Party!
  Become an ASPCA Ambassador and create your own grassroots event, inviting friends and family to sponsor your efforts on behalf of the ASPCA.
  
  
• Show Your Virtual Support
  Dedicate your MySpace page, Facebook status or blog to the ASPCA during the month of April and encourage your friends to spread the word about our Go Orange campaign!
  
  
• Support Your Local Animal Shelter
  Coordinate a Go Orange for Animals event with your local animal welfare group or shelter and donate the proceeds. Remember to alert local media about your event!

Visit ASPCAApril.org for more ways to celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and have a happy April!

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Austin Lofty Dog April Events

Here's the Lofty Dog April newsletter with news of exciting upcoming events (and special savings!) for you and your pet. Don't forget about Woof Wednesdays and be sure to check the website for monthly coupons.

You can keep even more up to date by following them on Twitter.

Every Day Is Tag Day™ Kicks Off This Saturday!

It’s a big, scary world out there for cats and dogs who are lost and alone, far from home. Even if you think your pet would never run away, the sad fact is that it can happen to anyone. Millions of dogs and cats are taken to animal shelters as strays each year -- but only about 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats without an ID tag or microchip are reunited with their owners. American Humane is celebrating Every Day Is Tag Day this Saturday, April 3, to encourage all pet owners to tag and microchip their companion animals. All cats and dogs need to wear a collar with an ID tagthat includes your name, address, phone numbers and the pet’s name (plus microchip registration number if your pet has been microchipped). Microchipping provides permanent identification for your pet. Nearly all animal shelters and veterinary clinics routinely scan every animal for the presence of a microchip, which can be matched with owner information in a national database. With both identification methods, remember to keep your contact information up to date if you move or change your phone number.

Springtime Safety Tips for Pets

Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts inevitably turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. But the new balmy weather can prove not-so-sunny for curious pets—or their unwitting parents. Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take inventory of potential springtime hazards for your delicate, furry friend. To help you out, our ASPCA experts have come up with a few seasonal tips that will help prevent mishaps or misfortunes.

Here’s a sneak peek at Springtime Safety Tips for Pets:

• Easter Treats and Decorations
  Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be fatal if ingested by our feline friends. While bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!
  
  
• Buckle Up!
  Dogs love good weather, too! But allowing them to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of car windows is downright dangerous. Abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.
  
  
• Home Improvement 101
  Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.
  
  
• Ah-Ah-Achoo!
  Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets can be allergic to dust, plants and pollens.Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause minor sniffling as well as life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If your pet suffers from a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian.

Read our complete article Springtime Safety Tips for Pets, and enjoy a safe and sunny season.

Buyer Beware: Puppy Scams Thrive Online

As more and more Americans turn to the Web to find the pet of their dreams, scams have skyrocketed as criminals seek to take advantage of unsuspecting pet parents. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, hundreds of complaints are filed each year by victims who were conned when attempting to buy a dog online.

One potential pet parent, Diane, was hoping to add a Yorkshire Terrier puppy to her family when she spotted a classified ad in her local paper. “It was over my morning coffee that I saw the perfect ad for a Yorkie named Nancy,” says Diane, who lives near Cleveland, OH. She sent an email to the address listed, and immediately received a response—Diane could have the puppy if she promised her a loving home and sent $500 to cover the shipping fees.

“I corresponded for an entire week with this man who claimed to be a missionary,” Diane explains. Diane sent the requested payment via Western Union, but once she sent the code for the money transfer, she never heard from the “pastor” again.

Like many trusting animal lovers, Diane fell victim to one of many “free to good home” scams currently circulating the Internet and classified sections of newspapers. So how do you avoid persuasive cons and still get the dog of your dreams? The ASPCA recommends never buying a dog you haven’t met in person and always check references. Also, keep in mind that adoption is still the best option, even if you have your heart set on a purebred dog. There are thousands of dogs waiting for good homes at local animal shelters, including purebreds! Please help others avoid being cheated by emailing your puppy scam story to dogstory@aspca.org.

Pet friendly SXSW venues

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Poochinis & PeticuresFeb 18 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

403 W 2nd Street Veronique Michalik 512-476-5050 www.austinloftydog.com/ Join Lofty Dog for an evening of pampering for you and your pooch. Enjoy a complimentary Poochini Martini while your dog gets a nail trim. All donations to benefit the Weimaraner Rescue.