Petfinder Blog

Lost-Pet Reunions: Tommy slipped out the door

2012-02-10T19:21:50Z

Here's another great lost-dog reunion story from our partner HomeAgain. You can help lost pets get home again: Sign up to receive lost pet alerts when a dog or cat goes missing in your area.

Tommy was gone for months.

Tommy slipped out -- from Virginia in San Diego

Tommy slipped out unnoticed on March 21. We posted signs all over our neighborhood and at a couple of local vet hospitals and businesses. We checked the animal shelter a few times per week. But months passed and no sign of him.

We received a call from Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital this afternoon, stating that Tommy had been brought in for treatment to a wound on his leg. The man who brought him in said he had found him about two months ago. Since Tommy was a found cat, the vet scanned him for a microchip and immediately called HomeAgain to get our contact information.

We are so happy to be reunited with Tommy!

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Want to have a nationwide network of 650,000+ PetRescuers keeping an eye out for your pet if he or she gets lost? Register your chip with HomeAgain and you'll get that plus many other unbeatable benefits.

Register your pet's microchip with HomeAgain now. (Not ready? Learn more here.)

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More Pet-Reunion Stories:

Bruno was gone for six months

Oski disappeared on Christmas night

The paramedics left the door open

Lisa didn't know her dog's chip number

Gus and Banjo's Tags Were Outdated

A neighbor left the gate open

A dog gets loose and is hit by a car far from home

A dog was lost and needed his seizure medication

Robbers took Trinity from her home

Newly adopted Chip dashed out the door

Scared by fireworks, the Yorkie sneaked under the gate

Twinkie found the gate cracked open

Barkley the terrier ran off after a cat

A cat dashed out the door and broke his mom's heart

VIDEO: A door-dashing dog is found 70 miles away

VIDEO: See a lost dog as she's reunited with her family

VIDEO: An indoor cat disappears while vacationing with her family

VIDEO: A dog is lost (then found) while the family is out

It's Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month: Are you rabbit-ready?

2012-02-10T13:00:17Z

Mary Lempert is the founder of The Rabbit Advocate, where this post originally appeared. She has served as a rabbit behavior and rehabilitation consultant for the House Rabbit Society, House Rabbit Network and the MSPCA in Massachusetts and, most recently, for the Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, IN. She lives in West Lafayette, IN, with her rabbits Graysie and Willoughby and any number of foster bunnies.

Meet adoptable rabbit Sammy at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center.

Rabbits are remarkably affectionate, interactive, and intelligent (check out 10 Reasons Rescue Rabbits Rule). But they are by no means low-maintenance pets. Rabbits can live 12 years or more, so they are long-term, though thoroughly rewarding, commitments. Before you adopt a rabbit for Adopt-A-Rescued Rabbit Month, here are a few things to consider:

Do you have the indoor space for a dog crate or exercise pen? Are you rabbit-proofed? You'll need to hide or cover electrical wires, telephone cords and poisonous plants in at least one room of the house.

Do you have enough time for a rabbit? Rabbits don't require long walks, but they should be let out of their cage for at least an hour a day. Playtime doesn't have to mean dedicated rabbit-watching; it can be incorporated with your everyday activities: Bunnies love lounging on the couch while you read and are happy zooming around your feet as you cook dinner.

]]> Can you handle a rabbit properly, or learn to? It's important to recognize that, despite their toy-like appearance, rabbits are not always easy to handle. If a rabbit is not held properly, his powerful back legs can deliver a dangerous blow or scratch to an inexperienced handler. Such kicks can also be devastating to the bun -- they can lead to spinal or pelvic fractures (rabbits have exceptionally light bones beneath their strong muscles).

Can you provide a calm environment? Rabbits are delicate -- not just physically, but psychologically. As prey animals, they scare easily and can even suffer cardiac arrest due to fright. Because of their sensitivity, rabbits often don't make the best pets for young children, who have a hard time understanding rabbits' occasionally anxious outlook.

Do you know which foods rabbits need to eat? Rabbits should eat a varied diet that includes a small portion of Timothy hay-based pellets, unlimited access to quality grass hay and a daily assortment of fresh vegetables. While it's definitely not as easy as throwing cat food in a bowl every morning, stocking your fridge with greens encourages good eating habits for everyone!

Is your entire household on board with adopting a rabbit? Before adopting any animal, ensuring the entire family is on board and ready makes for a harmonious foundation. With rabbits, it's a good idea to take a trip to a shelter or a rescue with all family members to rule out possible allergies. Allergies to rabbit dander or hays are not uncommon and can range from mild to severe, and it's much easier to find out about any sensitivities before bringing an animal home.

Rabbits make truly outstanding companions who will flourish with proper care and in the right environment. If any questions about care, health, or behavior come up -- and they will -- never hesitate to reach out to a rescue organization or exotic-animal veterinarian for answers.

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More about rabbit adoption and care:

Articles:
Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month: 10 Reasons Rescued Rabbits Rule

Do Rabbits Make Good Pets?

9 Common Rabbit Myths

Rabbit Care

Top 10 Basics for Rabbit Adopters

Blog:
5 tips for saving money on rabbit care

A Thundershirt helps a terrified dog trust humans

2012-02-09T14:48:00Z

The Petfinder.com Foundation recently partnered with the Thundershirt company to award 5,000 Thundershirts to Petfinder.com members across the country. Thundershirts' constant, gentle pressure has a dramatic calming effect on most dogs when they are anxious, fearful or overexcited. Thundershirts have already helped hundreds of shelter dogs find forever homes. Hertford County Animal Shelter in Winton, NC, received a Thundershirt grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation. Here is how a Thundershirt helped one of the shelter's dogs, Flo.

Flo lets amazed volunteers pet her.

Flo was found abandoned in an empty house and has been with Hertford County for about six months. During her first few months at the shelter, staff could barely tell that she had legs -- she always laid with her legs curled under her body, hidden from sight.

She was fearful of people and would cower and hide when the shelter staff went near her to show her affection. Then the Thundershirt grant arrived.

A shirt was placed on Flo right away and, slowly, she warmed up to other dogs at the shelter. Flo began to play in the puppy room and venture outside for some fresh air. But she was still fearful of human interaction.

The dedicated staff and volunteers at Hertford worked patiently with Flo to gain her trust. They kept the Thundershirt on during training sessions and when Flo was in her kennel, hoping it would help her gain some trust. And indeed, her trust in humans grew stronger. She started allowing the shelter staff to come closer.

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Flo is currently living in a foster home to help her become more comfortable with human interaction. Once she is available for adoption, she will be added to Hertford County Animal Shelter's adoptable pet list on Petfinder. And thanks to her Thundershirt, Flo is well on her way to more-trusting behavior and finding a forever home.

The Petfinder.com Foundation is thrilled to have helped give Flo a new lease on life! We hope that all 5,000 granted Thundershirts bring a happy story like Flo's.

To donate to the Thundershirt grant program and other programs like it at the Petfinder.com Foundation, visit http://www.petfinderfoundation.com/help/

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More Grants That Changed Lives stories:

A trip to Florida gives an Alabama puppy a second chance

Training helps a shelter dog get adopted

PHOTOS: The pitties were nestled all snug with their KONGs

The Petfinder.com Foundation's 2011 success stories

A grant helps a rescue group tame three feral kittens

A starving Boxer and her puppies get lifesaving care

Five pet-themed Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetie

2012-02-08T13:00:54Z

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so we asked our Facebook fans, "Have you ever included your pet in a romantic gesture?" Your responses gave us some great ideas.

Thinkstock

1. Send a message via your pet's collar. Christa W.'s sweetheart proposed this way. "My fiance had two dog tags made," she writes. "One said 'will you' and the other said 'marry me?' And when I looked back at him he was on one knee with the ring!"

2. Create a pet-themed custom present. Melissa M. says, "My fiance bought me a white-gold paw necklace with diamonds and my two dogs' names engraved on it." Check out No. 3 to see how it was delivered!

3. Have your pet give the gift. Melissa's fiance had her rescued Pit Bull bring the necklace to her with a card that read, "To Mommy, Love Bella and Reed." To do the same, teach your dog the "take it" command, using a small bag that can hold your present. Have your dog practice walking a few steps to you while holding the bag. To present the gift, have your dog take the present in another room, then ask your sweetheart to call your pet.

]]> 4. Do a sweet or funny photo shoot with your pets to use on a custom card. "My fur kids and I dressed up with feather boas, bow ties, top hats, princess crowns and other accessories for a DIY photo shoot at home," says Emily R. "The photos were used to make a loving handmade birthday card for my boyfriend, featuring his favorite party animals."

5. Give a Pet Promise Certificate. "My husband and I had been talking about adopting a Westie puppy," says Maddie B. "So for my birthday, he gave me a stuffed-animal Westie. It was a romantic clue of what was to come ... my baby girl! Five years later, she is still such a wonderful addition to our family!" You can download and print our Pet Promise Certificate, a promise that you will pay the adoption fee for the pet of your honey's choosing, and give it to him or her with a stuffed animal or pet toy.

Will you include your pet in your Valentine's Day fun? Tell us how below and don't miss these other Valentine's Day pages for pet parents:

Send a free pet-themed Valentine's Day eCard

Print and send a free pet-themed Valentine's Day card

Take a peek at our Valentine's Day Smooches board on Pinterest

Take Animal Planet's Valentine's Day poll

Meet the 10 oddest couples of the animal kingdom

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You might also like:

Ten Reasons Your Dog Makes the Best Valentine's Day Date

Top Four Pet-Related Arguments -- And How to Solve Them

Happy Tail: The rabbit had been raised for food

2012-02-07T13:00:00Z

Read Ashley's adoption story in her "mom" Laurelin's original words.

When 12-year-old Ernie's bond mate passed away, he was lonely. Laurelin Sitterly of Providence, RI, had adopted Ernie from Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue in Foster, RI, nine years earlier, so that's where the family turned to find him a new friend.

"Knowing that he has always preferred larger buns -- he weighs in at two pounds -- we tried Ashley, a middle-aged Giant Chinchilla," Laurelin says.

Ashley had spent her entire life as a breeder in an outdoor shed where she had regularly witnessed other rabbits being slaughtered. She herself had narrowly missed being someone's dinner, according to Laurelin. The death of her owner saved her, and she ended up at Sweet Binks, awaiting a loving home. How lucky she was when Laurelin saw her on Petfinder and decided to give this big bun a chance at the good life.

At first it was dicey. "She was traumatized, to say the least," Laurelin says, "and spent the first couple of days with us hiding in her litter box, which was larger than her previous cage."

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The family doesn't know how they got along with out her. For Ashley, it was a close call, but now life is sweet.

March is Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month. Help other rabbits find homes: Tell your rabbit adoption story.

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More about adopting a rabbit:

Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month: 10 Reasons Rescued Rabbits Rule

Do Rabbits Make Good Pets?

Nine Common Rabbit Myths

Rabbit Care

Top 10 Basics for Rabbit Adopters

A Rabbit's Basic Needs

Rabbit Feeding Basics

Rabbit Housing

A rescue dog stars in a Super Bowl commercial!

2012-02-06T18:11:13Z

Plenty of Super Bowl ads featured dogs last night, but our favorite was Bud Light's "Rescue Dog." The spot features Weego, a real-life adopted dog who fetches Bud Light whenever anyone says, "Here, Weego!" (Or "Here we go.")

Even better, Bud Light has pledged to donate $1 to help the adoptable pets at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek, CA, for every new "like" to Bud Light's Facebook page.

]]> unfriendly ads, including a McDonald's radio spot that stereotyped Pit Bulls (which the company pulled from the air and apologized for after receiving complaints) and Sketchers' ad featuring Greyhound racing (which aired during last night's game despite a Change.org petition with more than 122,000 signatures).

Tell us: What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial?

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Our Puppy Bowl 2012 coverage:

On Animal Planet:
Official Puppy Bowl VIII website

Game Day Fan Photo Faceoff

Blog:
Puppy Bowl: Behind the scenes

Meet some of our favorite Puppy Bowl puppies!

Meet Puppy Bowl's all-rescue lineup!

Meet the kittens, pigs and bird of Puppy Bowl

Video:
Behind the Scenes at Puppy Bowl VII

Puppy Bowl: Behind the scenes

2012-02-05T20:00:35Z

All week we've been showing off the all-rescue stars of this year's Puppy Bowl. (Check out the starting lineup, some of our favorite players and the pigs, kittens and bird of Puppy Bowl VIII.) Now, as the puppies take to the field on Animal Planet, we're giving everyone a virtual backstage pass.

After the jump, take a look at our behind-the-scenes photos and find out which puppy got adopted onsite by a Puppy Bowl staffer!

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While helping to check in the puppies arriving at the New York City studio, I sneak some cuddle time with York from Trevorton, PA-based Pet Matchmaker Rescue.

In the green room, staff and volunteers from the puppies' shelters and rescue groups wait patiently for filming to begin. (Puppies definitely help make the waiting easier!)

Meep the Bird, a cockatiel from St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, gets ready to live tweet the event. (Follow @MeeptheBird)

The puppies start getting called to the field. As each puppy leaves the green room, his or her photo is taken off the "on the bench" board.

Sandi Buck, a certified animal safety representative for the American Humane Association who's on hand to make sure no animals are harmed during filming, passes a puppy onto the field.

On-set dog trainer and founder of Life on the Leash in Doylestown, PA, Victoria Schade cuddles with Tattoo from Friends of Pep Border Collie Rescue in Gouldsboro, PA.

After playing hard on the field, the puppies are pooped!

Puppy Bowl crew member Elvis De Leon fell in love with Wally from Alabama-based Chattahoochee Humane Society and applied to adopt him on the spot. The best moment of the day: When Elvis found out he was approved to adopt Wally!

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More about Puppy Bowl:

On Animal Planet:
Official Puppy Bowl VIII website

Game Day Fan Photo Faceoff

Blog:
Meet some of our favorite Puppy Bowl puppies!

Meet Puppy Bowl's all-rescue lineup!

Meet the kittens, pigs and bird of Puppy Bowl

What's That Mutt? Puppy Bowl Player Jackson

What's That Mutt? Puppy Bowl Player Two Face

Video:
Behind the Scenes at Puppy Bowl VII

Meet the kittens, pigs and bird of Puppy Bowl

2012-02-03T18:41:00Z

This Sunday, puppies from shelters and rescue groups will take the field for Animal Planet's eighth annual Puppy Bowl. (Meet some of our favorite players!)

Animal Care and Control of NYC brought the 20 Kitten Halftime cats.

But they won't be the only Petfinder alumni there. Five piggy pep squad members will squeal their delight, 20 kittens will play during halftime and Meep the Cockatiel will "tweet" the game from the stadium. (Follow @meepthebird on Twitter.)

Can't wait for Sunday? After the jump: a sneak preview of Puppy Bowl's kittens, pigs and bird -- some of whom are still adoptable!

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The Piggy Pep Squad
Hank, Beulah, Bubbles, Khalessa and Othello were brought to Puppy Bowl by Pig Placement Network in Sewell, NJ.

The Kitten Halftime Show
Twenty kittens played courtesy of Animal Care and Control of New York City.

Meep the Bird
Meep the cockatiel was adopted from St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ.

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More about Puppy Bowl:

On Animal Planet:
Official Puppy Bowl VIII website

Game Day Fan Photo Faceoff

Blog:
Meet some of our favorite Puppy Bowl puppies!

Meet Puppy Bowl's all-rescue lineup!

What's That Mutt? Puppy Bowl Player Jackson

What's That Mutt? Puppy Bowl Player Two Face

Video:
Behind the Scenes at Puppy Bowl VII

A trip to Florida gives an Alabama puppy a second chance

2012-02-02T13:00:00Z

Last August, 10 Petfinder.com shelters and rescue groups received $1,000 grants from Blue Sky Soda and the Petfinder.com Foundation. Here's another story about how the money is being used to help pets in need.

Save A Pet, a rescue group in Dothan, AL, has a straightforward mission: To promote the adoption of homeless pets and to encourage spay/neuter through education and lifesaving programs. It does not have a physical shelter; rather, Save A Pet transfers pets from the local shelter, finds foster homes, holds adoption events and transports pets to less-crowded shelters.

Deanna, now named Lily, found a forever home thanks in part to a Petfinder.com Foundation grant.

In August, Save A Pet received a $1,000 grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation and Blue Sky Soda and put the money toward vaccinations and transport. While many pets benefited, one dog in particular stood out.

Deanna, a young Boxer mix, was pulled from the crowded City of Dothan Animal Shelter and vaccinated against bordetella. She was then transported to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Florida for its adoption event "Passion for Pets."

Pam Backer, director of shelter operations at HSTB, saw Deanna at the event. "She pranced around and made everyone smile," Backer says. "Everyone wanted to adopt her."

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A couple of weeks after the adoption, Backer checked in with the adopter: "She told me Lily has brought so much joy into her life and home. She is the perfect fit."

Lily found her forever home because Save A Pet was able to vaccinate and transport her with the help of a grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation and Blue Sky Soda. Save A Pet president Nicole Wiley says, "Thank you for your support! Thank you, Blue Sky Soda!"

To learn more about the Petfinder.com Foundation or to donate, please visit www.petfinderfoundation.com

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More Grants That Changed Lives stories:

Training helps a shelter dog get adopted

PHOTOS: The pitties were nestled all snug with their KONGs

The Petfinder.com Foundation's 2011 success stories

A grant helps a rescue group tame three feral kittens

A starving Boxer and her puppies get lifesaving care

Meet some of our favorite Puppy Bowl puppies!

2012-02-01T17:13:51Z

This Sunday, Feb. 5, an all-new lineup of adorable rescue puppies will make their debut on Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl (3 p.m. E/P).

Today, we're sharing some of our favorite players -- some of whom are still waiting for forever homes. Come back on game day for exclusive behind-the-scenes photos!

After the jump, meet 23 Puppy Bowl pups. Come back on Friday to meet the kittens from the kitten halftime show, the pigs of the piggy pep squad and the bird who will be live "tweeting" the game!

]]> Abby
911 Pet Rescue, Inc.
Poland, IN

Ray
All Star Pet Rescue
Linden, NJ

Brody
American Fox Terrier Rescue - Northeast
Hackettstown, NJ

Samson
Animal Alliance
Lambertville, NJ

Simon
Animal Alliance
Lambertville, NJ

Brisko
Chattahoochee Humane Society
Valley, AL

Eurika
Chattahoochee Humane Society
Valley, AL

Wally
Chattahoochee Humane Society
Valley, AL

Tanya
Friends of Pep Border Collie Rescue
Gouldsboro, PA

Kaitlyn
Furever Dachshund Rescue
North Smithfield, RI

Madeline
Furever Dachshund Rescue
North Smithfield, RI

Max
Furever Dachshund Rescue
North Smithfield, RI

Peter
Furever Dachshund Rescue
North Smithfield, RI

Phoebe
Furever Dachshund Rescue
North Smithfield, RI

Shotzie
Furever Dachshund Rescue
North Smithfield, RI

Dakota
Halfway 2 Furever
Berlin, MA

Nina
Happy Tails Rescue
Morrisville, PA

Piper
K9 Best Friends Forever
Fresno, CA

Jacie
LARAS House
Mexia, Texas

Denver
PSPCA
Philadelphia, PA

Pixie
Pet Matchmaker Rescue
Philadelphia, PA

Duke
The Park Pet Haven
Tucker, GA

Sooty
Save that dog! Rescue that dog! Love that dog!
Minneapolis, KS

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More about Puppy Bowl:

On Animal Planet:
Official Puppy Bowl VIII website

Game Day Fan Photo Faceoff

Blog:
Meet Puppy Bowl's all-rescue lineup!

What's That Mutt? Puppy Bowl Player Jackson

What's That Mutt? Puppy Bowl Player Two Face

Video:
Behind the Scenes at Puppy Bowl VII

Lost-Pet Reunions: Bruno was gone for six months

2012-02-01T13:02:17Z

Here's another great lost-dog reunion story from our partner HomeAgain. You can help lost pets get home again: Sign up to receive lost pet alerts when a dog or cat goes missing in your area.

Bruno disappeared while his "mom" was away training for the military.

Bruno disappeared while his mom was in military training -- from Crystal in Leavenworth, KS

In 2008 I left Bruno with my uncle while I was in Texas for a month-long training with the military. I was only gone a few days when my uncle called to tell me that Bruno had gotten out of the yard and he couldn't find him. Flyers were put up in the neighborhood, but we got no response.

]]> found on the other side of St. Louis. He was found walking down the side of a major four-lane road and a lady had stopped to get him before he got hit by a car. Lucky for me, she took him to the closest vet, where they got my uncle's contact information from Bruno's microchip.

Bruno had some bald spots from food allergies and hadn't had a nail trim in the entire six months he was gone, but other than that he was the same Bruno that I had been missing.

* * *

Want to have a nationwide network of 650,000+ PetRescuers keeping an eye out for your pet if he or she gets lost? Register your chip with HomeAgain and you'll get that plus many other unbeatable benefits.

Register your pet's microchip with HomeAgain now. (Not ready? Learn more here.)

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More Pet-Reunion Stories:

Oski disappeared on Christmas night

The paramedics left the door open

Lisa didn't know her dog's chip number

Gus and Banjo's Tags Were Outdated

A neighbor left the gate open

A dog gets loose and is hit by a car far from home

A dog was lost and needed his seizure medication

Robbers took Trinity from her home

Newly adopted Chip dashed out the door

Scared by fireworks, the Yorkie sneaked under the gate

Twinkie found the gate cracked open

Barkley the terrier ran off after a cat

A cat dashed out the door and broke his mom's heart

VIDEO: A door-dashing dog is found 70 miles away

VIDEO: See a lost dog as she's reunited with her family

VIDEO: An indoor cat disappears while vacationing with her family

VIDEO: A dog is lost (then found) while the family is out

Happy Tail: Abandoned rabbits become best friends

2012-01-31T13:00:53Z

February is Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month, so today we're featuring the story of Patch and Peewee.

Read the story of Patch (left) and Peewee in Karen's own words.

Patch's previous family probably started out with good intentions when they bought her at a pet store, but they eventually surrendered her to the District of North Vancouver Animal Welfare Shelter in British Columbia when one of them developed an allergy to her.

Peewee was abandoned in the wild. Her odds of survival there were slim. Fortunately she also ended up in the care of the North Vancouver shelter. Both were posted on Petfinder, where Karen Chan Fong of Vancouver saw them and arranged
to adopt them.

The two have become good companions for one another, even though they have very different personalities. "Peewee is very sweet-natured," Karen says, "and Patch, well, is the opposite. She took longer to feel safe and trusting, which is no wonder, but she's a great and hilarious, peevish 7-year-old lady!"

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"If you spend a lot of time with them and give them free run," she says, "rabbits are awesome companions; they communicate amazingly well and certainly know how to make their wants understood! Rabbits deserve to be better-known and understood."

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How birds changed my life

2012-01-30T14:27:40Z

Robert Levy is a digital media producer and video editor who lives in Rockville, MD, with his wife, two daughters, two cockatiels, one bossy budgie and an occasional guest cockatoo, as well as an assortment of fish, guinea pigs, a cat and four Australian sugar gliders. When not caring for his own flock, he volunteers with the Wilson Parrot Foundation in Damascus, MD. Today, Rob shares with us how having birds has shaped his life.

The author's first companion bird, Slice, poses with his daughter Rina.

When I was a senior in college I found myself alone most of the day writing my honors thesis. While my friends were at classes or parties, I was home doing research or writing. I desperately needed companionship -- somebody to talk to, or just have around.

My mind went to a pet, but in my apartment, a cat or a dog was out of the question. What was next on the pet chain? I thought, "maybe a bird." I never expected that this desire for some animal company would result in a love of parrots that has lasted 20 years.

As I did my research on birds, parrots began to fascinate me. Parrot coloration is stunning, their personalities amazing, and they can talk! Not only would I have a pet, I thought, but also I would have somebody to talk to who would talk back.

Then I was hit with reality. Large parrots -- macaws and cockatoos -- were prohibitively expensive and extremely loud. Not a smart choice for a college apartment with four roommates. After more research I settled on a cockatiel: the small, clown-like bird similar in look to a cockatoo, but without the oppressive screech and cost. On a fall day in 1988 I met Slice, a baby male cinnamon pied cockatiel who would be my sidekick for the next 19 years.

After the jump: The author's girlfriend learns to accept the bird poop on his shirt.

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Slice followed me from college in Boston to an apartment in New York City. In our studio, I let him fly around freely. Sometimes I would have to chase him in the morning to get him back into his cage. Slice learned my schedule and every day as I walked home from the subway the sound of his chirping made it down to the street. It's amazing how loud even these small birds can be when they really let loose.

Slice gave me the companion-bird bug, and I've been hooked ever since. These days we've added a bossy baby parakeet and a pair of cockatiels to our family flock.

One of the most satisfying things I have done is to volunteer with a parrot rescue. The Wilson Parrot Foundation rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes neglected and abused parrots. The group's mission is to teach the public about having parrots as pets and how to provide for them with caring and compassion. So many people buy birds on impulse, not knowing that they can be incredibly demanding, loud and messy.

Often the birds end up in rescues with the original owners complaining that they will not stop screaming or biting. But with a little empathy and bird psychology, we have them stepping onto our hands. They would make great pets for anybody who is willing to take the time to understand them. Bird parenthood is not the same as having a dog or cat. Birds are loud, messy and live for 50 years or more. But they are also intelligent, loving and majestic.

Over the last 20 years, my birds have enriched my life, but I have also had to make some real concessions, and so have the human members of the family. When my wife and I were dating, she needed to accept that when she put her arms around me there might be some bird poop on my shirt. She married me anyway. That is true love.

Having a bird requires that you accept the noise. Not just chirping, but squeaking, squawking and yes, talking. One day I was mopping the floor at the Wilson Foundation and I heard a voice yell at a decibel level that could drown out a jet, "What are you doing?" My natural response was to say, "mopping the floor." Again I heard, "What are you doing?" and I responded, "mopping the floor!" This dialogue can go on for hours. Some might find it frustrating, but it just makes me laugh. It's all part of life when living with birds.

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You might also like:

Blog:
Do parrots make good pets?

10 questions to ask before you adopt a bird

Articles:
10 Things You Need to Know Before Adopting A Bird

Choosing the Right Companion Bird

The True Nature of Parrots

Adopting a Goose

Household Items Dangerous to Pet Birds

Parrot Companions

Physical and Mental Needs of Captive Birds

10 questions to ask before you adopt a bird

2012-01-26T13:11:37Z

Catherine Gwyer is a volunteer with Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Surrey, BC. Through Sunday, Jan. 29, she is answering your questions in our Ask the Experts forum. Below is her answer to her first reader question.

Meet Charlie at Surrey, BC-based Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary.

What questions should I ask about a bird I'm thinking of adopting?
Before considering adopting any bird, I recommend that you do some research about the specialized care and diet requirements of parrots and other birds. The smallest of species can live 10-15 years while larger species such as Macaws can live 80+ years.

All birds require fresh fruit, vegetables and grains daily. They also need to live in a clean cage and an environment that is free from smoke and harsh chemical odors. Some species, such as Lorikeets or African Greys, have specific dietary needs that have to be considered as well. Understanding the basics of bird care will help you determine if a parrot is the right pet for you.

If there is a bird club or rescue in your city that you can visit and talk to bird owners, it's a great way to learn firsthand information about the commitment it takes to have a companion bird in your life. [You can search on Petfinder for bird rescue groups near you.]

When you finally start your search for the perfect feathered companion, take your time and interact with the birds. See which one is responsive to you. Many people who have parrots will tell you that their bird chose them, not the other way around.

After the jump: 10 questions every aspiring bird-adopter should ask.

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1. Is the bird currently on a seed or pellet diet? Pellets are preferred for most species as they offer complete nutrition. However, this is something you can work toward switching to once your bird is home and settled.

2. What are his or her favorite fruit and vegetables?

3. What is the bird's current sleeping schedule? Does she get covered at night or does she have a night cage? Parrots need 10-12 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to help ensure good health.

4. What is his daily schedule? How many hours out of the cage does he get? Does he have favorite toys?

5. How does the bird like to bathe?

6. Does she have any known medical issues? Most rescues will have the bird checked by an avian veterinarian prior to making it available for adoption and will be very honest if a particular bird has special needs.

7. What does the adoption fee include? Some rescues will include a cage with the bird, some do not.

8. What size enclosure/cage does she need? Ask what is the recommended cage size for the species if you haven't learned that through your research.

9. Why was the bird surrendered? Although this shouldn't play too much into your final decision, you might want to know.

10. Can you recommend a good avian vet? If you don't already have an avian vet, ask the shelter to recommend one in your city. It's better to be prepared than to have to find one in an emergency.

Tell us: Have you ever considered adopting a bird?

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You might also like:

Forum:
Exotic Bird Adoption and Care w/Greyhaven's Catherine Gwyer

Blog:
Do parrots make good pets?

Articles:
10 Things You Need to Know Before Adopting A Bird

Choosing the Right Companion Bird

The True Nature of Parrots

Adopting a Goose

Household Items Dangerous to Pet Birds

Parrot Companions

Physical and Mental Needs of Captive Birds

'Cat from Hell' star reveals the top 3 cat complaints

2012-01-25T19:45:12Z

Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell (Saturdays at 8 p.m. E/P), makes his living helping cat parents who have almost given up hope of solving their pet problems. He revealed to us the top three cat crises he's called in to solve.

Photo: Animal Planet

PETFINDER: What cat-behavior issues do you see most?
Litter box issues, territory/aggression and integration -- introducing cat-cat, cat-dog, cat-baby, etc.

Why do you think those three are so prevalent?
By and large, it comes from lack of understanding of how your cat sees the world -- in terms of ownership or territory.

After the jump, Jackson's tips for solving these problems.

]]> What causes those three issues?
Oftentimes there are too many animals or humans in too little space, which leads to competition for resources. For example, if there are four cats and only one litter box, many times we'll see competition for that prime piece of real estate.

In my experience, if not for territorial insecurities, the other top two reasons a cat will act out are lack of exercise or an underlying medical issue, which can lead to, for example, litter box aversion.

How can someone try to resolve these problems before calling an expert?
Litter box issues:

The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
Scoop more often.
Create a new litter box with opposite choices than you would normally make. If you have a square litter box, get a round one. If you use clay litter, try wheat- or corn-based. Attempt to make a new association with the litter box. Put it in the last place you want it: the middle of the room! Away from loud noises, corners, appliances, etc.

Territory issues:

Spread out blankets, beds, cat condos and cat towers. If your home is full of these territorial markers and you spread them out, there won't be so much competition for scant resources.
See the world the way your cat does: floor to ceiling. Accommodate the "tree dwellers" and the "bush dwellers." [Editor's note: Give your "tree dwellers" places to climb and perch and your "bush dwellers" safe spaces to relax at floor level.]

Integration:

Slow and steady wins the race with this one. [Introduce your cat to whomever you want him to feel comfortable around -- the other cat, dog or person -- by] scent first, sight second.
Create a positive association through food. Before they ever lay eyes on each other, good things should always happen in the presence of one another.
[When introducing two cats who will share a home, keep them separated at first.] Before opening up the home completely, practice "site swapping." The cats never make eye contact during this process and they each own the home at different times during the day.

If someone has tried all of the above, what would you suggest?
Don't get discouraged! Remain objective. Try going back and thinking, "At what point did everything start to fall apart?" Start observing the behavior closely. If these techniques don't work, or the problems escalate, call a behaviorist.

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You might also like:

Litter Box Problems: Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside Her Litter Box?

Litter Box Etiquette

Can You Crate Train A Cat?

Litter Box Training

Help! He's Not Using the Litter Box

Urinating Outside the Litter Box

Feline Aggression:
Resolving Feline Aggression, Part 1

Resolving Feline Aggression, Part 2

Resolving Feline Aggression, Part 3

Multi-pet Households:
New Cat Introductions

Tips for Introducing Cats

More Tips for Introducing Cats