Animals pat life

“Oh my goodness …” a woman muttered to herself. She was driving on the South Side and came across Maximus and Leonidus sitting in the middle of the road. She stopped her car and scooped them up. She was in disbelief. How could anyone abandon these sweet pups?! Lucky for them, she turned to Animal Friends ... But they weren't in the clear just yet. Upon admission, they tested positive for a very serious and sometimes deadly virus and were rushed to an emergency vet. After weeks of supportive care and continuous monitoring, they were bouncy and playful – they were going to make it! And, once they were strong enough, they were both neutered and cleared for their second chance. All pets admitted to Animal Friends are altered before they can be adopted. Spaying/neutering is not only necessary for their health and well-being but it also compassionately and proactively combats pet overpopulation. And, we won't stop with the animals in our care. Animal Friends is committed to creating ...

Summer is the perfect time 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 helpful tips to help you beat the heat and keep your furry friend safe, healthy and cool during the dog (and cat and rabbit!) days of summer. Practice vehicle safety. Your pet should never be left in a parked car. Even with the windows slightly open, a car can quickly reach an internal temperature in excess of 120 degrees. This is enough to cause animals to suffer severe heat stroke or even death. 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 time outside on warm days. Check water dishes frequently and...

Meet Doc Watson! He came to us as a stray through one of our community clinics to be altered. But, our veterinarian quickly realized he was in need of much more than that. Doc Watson had two badly injured eyes and a severe infection setting in – he made it to us just in time. Not only was he neutered and vaccinated but both of his eyes were removed. Our compassionate team saved Doc Watson's life. And now he's happily and healthily living out his days ... in a loving home! Animal Friends has been committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for the pets of our region – starting with a gender neutral pet community where every pet is spayed or neutered. But there are still so many pets out there that need these lifesaving services ... Now is the time to help keep Animal Friends gender neutral by supporting spay/neuter! An anonymous donor will match your gift 50 cents on the dollar, but only if you act now !

Many of us are looking forward to Fourth of July weekend this year. Families will be gathering for outdoor barbeques, friends will be enjoying the warm summer weather by the pool and what Independence Day celebration would be complete without fireworks?   Unfortunately, in the flurry of patriotic parties that are planned for the long holiday weekend, pets can unintentionally be put at risk. Many of the activities that humans see as fun and games can be dangerous and frightening for our pets. Knowing how to keep your pets safe and happy during the festivities could quite literally save their life. Proper Identification Be sure that your pet is wearing a collar with legible and up-to-date contact information at all times. In the event that your furry friend escapes from the safety of your home, proper identification will allow neighbors, animal control and law enforcement agencies to contact you if your pet is found. Microchipping your pet is an easy and inexpensive way to implant ...

During an extremely active kitten season , Animal Friends has been working diligently to admit as many cats and kittens as possible from a variety of sources. In an effort to do all that can be done, Animal Friends is filled to capacity. That's why we are sharing the many, many benefits of adopting two cats - it's "Twice as Nice!" But we're not stopping there. When you adopt one cat between now and June 30, your donation will cover two feline adoptions!   Here are just a few of the reasons to consider adopting two cats: Having a constant playmate to chase and wrestle with helps keep cats lively, well-exercised and healthy. Often, destructive behavior in pets can be traced to boredom. The stimulation of a companion can help to ward off inappropriate feline behaviors and scratching. Two cats will keep you laughing with their antics. Many cats are social creatures, and will happily groom one another and sleep cuddled together. People who wor...

Who doesn’t love dogs, and cats, and bunnies? Animal Friends employees and volunteers do an extraordinary job of caring for furry friends in need, as I have seen firsthand.   I visit Animal Friends on a regular basis, recycling my newspapers, cardboard egg cartons, towels, and blankets (and they always need more- plus pet food donations!) I was very fortunate to “book” a book reading and signing for my new children’s book “Grady Gets Glasses” at Animal Friends- with new children friends and all of the bunny friends!   What an exciting afternoon! The volunteers brought all of the bunnies into the room- with pens set up around them to keep them safe.   I read “Grady Gets Glasses” to the kids- while wearing bunny ears, of course!   The kids were very responsive to the rhymes and the rabbits- so, of course, I had to hand out Grady stickers!   And then, all of us went inside the penned areas to pet the bunnies! What a fun afternoon!   The Animal Friends employe...

  Jake is an 8-year-old Black Lab/Australian Heeler mix who is in search of a full-time home with lots of love to give! He is neutered and up to date with all of his vaccines. Jake is very well trained, house broken and loves to play with the other dogs and cats in his home. He is also great with kids and loves to run around and play fetch.   This handsome guy was taken into his current home when his previous owners were moving and were unable to take him with them. Instead of surrendering him to a shelter, family friends offered to take him in. Unfortunately they do not have the space to keep Jake. He is a wonderful dog and they would love to find him a great full-time home!   Jake would make a perfect companion for someone who wouldn't mind throwing a ball about a thousand times (although Jake is a good sport when it's quitting time). This dog is a professional when it comes to a good game of fetch. He will always drop the ball in your hand when he brings it back. ...