Archive for the 'Pets & People' Category
Thankful for the animals…and for those who save them
November 26th, 2008 categories: Pets & People
I heard this article read on a radio show today but it originally appeared in USAToday. It is an opinion piece called “Thankful for the animals…and for those who save them.”
Animal rescue organizations are going to be facing some tough times with the economy - not only will they struggle to raise money but more pets will be abandoned and killed at shelters.
I don’t like to preach but if you’re considering getting a pet this year or next, please consider adopting a homeless pet or donating (or donating more) to your local rescue organization and/or no-kill shelter.
There are so many wonderful, faithful pets who will appreciate the second chance you’re giving them - pets like Nigel (see Take Me Home on right).
| Discussion: No Comments »
One More Baghdad Pup Makes it Home - This Time To Connecticut
November 7th, 2008 categories: Pets & People
Last year, I read From Baghdad With Love: A Marine, The War and a Dog Named Lava. It is a war memoir centered around a Marine’s struggle to adopt a stray puppy he found in Iraq and bring it home to the US.
Since then, I’ve been following the stories of other soldiers who’ve rescued stray dogs in Iraq and then try to bring them home. Unfortunately, the military has a policy in place forbidding soldiers from keeping animals. Despite this, many soldiers have grown attached to pets they’ve found or saved from starvation and neglect. Their bond with these animals not only helps the pet but provides immeasurable comfort to soldiers who are far from home. Furthermore, the miltary makes it impossible for soldiers who rescue pets to transport them back home, which is where the SPCA has stepped in.
The SPCA has been working to help soldiers bring home pets from Iraq. Their Operation Baghdad Pups (the slogan is No Buddy Gets Left Behind) has successfuly helped rescue dozens of soldiers’ pets and there is one more to report.
From the SPCA via the Furry Paws Chronicle,
“Yesterday, a U.S. soldier’s dog arrived in Connecticut after a long journey from Iraq. Wayne and Susan Szmyt welcomed their son’s dog, Kindi, to their Trumbull home this weekend. Kindi arrived in the U.S. at Dulles International Airport Saturday afternoon along with 3 other soldiers’ dogs thanks to SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups program. The Szmyt’s son, Derek, will be returning home from Iraq soon to be reunited with Kindi.”
To read more of Kindi’s story, click here.
The YouTube slideshow shows pictures of some of the pets rescued by soliders.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Thank You, John Gagnon’s Pet Resort
November 4th, 2008 categories: Pets & People
Obie has been running through his pet fencing lately. A lot smarter than he looks, he regularly tests his fence to see if it’s still working. If his battery is low, I know it because he runs off into the neighbor’s yard. Then, I have to chase him and will probably get some calls from the neighbors.
This time, however, replacing the battery didn’t do the trick. I called Darcy at John Gagnon’s Pet Resort in Colchester, CT, who installed our Dogwatch fence last year.
She came out to our house and within a few minutes and with a few minor adjustments, she fixed the problem. Obie’s back on track and now free to patrol my backyard, or just hang out and chew on a nice bone. See how happy he is…doggie paradise.
Thanks, Darcy and John Gagnon’s Pet Resort!
| Discussion: No Comments »
Upcoming Pet Adoption Event October 11th in Avon Connecticut
October 8th, 2008 categories: Central Connecticut News & Information, Pets & People
Our Companions will be among the groups at this event on Saturday.
Dog Adoption Day
Orvis in Avon
380 West Main Street, Avon
860-678-7900
October 11, 2008
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
| Discussion: No Comments »
The Great Baby Gate Debate - Balancing Safety And Selling Your Home
September 24th, 2008 categories: Home Sellers, Pets & People
I was attacked by a baby gate. Last week at a showing in Glastonbury, I lead the charge up the stairs ahead of my clients. File in hand, I was met by one of those complicated baby gates. I tried to remain composed but I couldn’t get it open - do I push then lift or lift then push?. Standing at the top of the stairs, with my clients trapped behind me, I threw my file down and tried to pry it open.
Feeling the pressure from the audience and my fear of enclosed areas, I pushed and lifted with my weight in every combination possible and finally the gate released and I fell forward, just catching myself. This isn’t the gate but this one has growled at me before.
Baby gates are hard to navigate for Realtors, they create clutter, and make a small hallway feel even smaller. During a showing they are just in the way and aren’t actively keeping anything in or out.
What do you do if you have pets or kids you need to keep out of an area while you’re living in the house and selling it?
I’ve used this particular baby gate for the last year, and can comfortably say that it balances the two. It fully retracts so when you don’t need it (showings, open house, inspection or just running up and down the stairs with laundry), it rolls away like a shade. And it’s safe to use on stairs.
I purchased two gates from One Step Ahead last year and after daily use, they are holding up very well, containing both my toddler and three dogs. They’re pricey, trickey to install and there is a technique to getting it open but if you have kids or pets and are trying to sell, think about upgrading to a retractable baby gate.
For related posts:
The Home Sellers Five Step Guide to Selling With Pets
Five Perfectly Good Reasons to Get a Comparative Market Analysis of Your Home
Don’t Believe the Feedback - Why Agents Showing Your Home Won’t Tell You the Truth
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
