About Me

This is myself and my dog Madison, I am a college student who was bit by the rescue bug after competing in costume contests at different rescue events all around Oklahoma.

Madison is my Weimaraner she's 10 years old and my baby. She enjoys getting dressed up and going on with me to all kinds of different events. She's always got a smile on her face and loves attention.

Madison has a sister named Maggie, and she also has some pug aunts named Zoey and Princess (they'll make appearances on the blog in due time) She also has two lizard siblings named Rose and Nitwit.

Why A "Free Kitten" is NOT Really Free

How Much?

By far the largest expense of taking in a "free" unaltered kitten is the cost to spay or neuter that kitten. Taking your new kitten to the vet for surgery should be a "no brainer". Here are a few reasons why this is important:

Females should be spayed because they:

• Reach sexual maturity at 4-5 months of age
• Go into heat every 2-3 weeks with only 2 days between cycles
• Are pregnant for only 67 days
• Can have up to 5 litters a year averaging 4-5 kittens in each
• Can get pregnant again while they are nursing
• Will mate with brothers, fathers and sons if able

Males should be neutered-nuetered mailed: 

• Are less likely to spray urine to mark their territory
• Are more accepting of other pets
• Roam less and hence decrease their risk of injury from other cats, cars and animals
• Fight less over females and hence have a reduced chance of contracting Feline Leukemia and FIV which sadly is incurable (unspayed females can also contract these deadly viruses during mating)

Both male and feamle kittens benefit from "early" spay and neuter ( at less than 6 months of age)

• Less mammary cancers in females
• Less aggressive behavior development in males

1+1= 420,000

One female cat and one male cat and their offspring resluts in 420,000 kittens in 7 years. The solution to the problem of pet overpopulation is for you to spay or neuter your cat.

The Cost of a Free Kitten

Adoption Fee: $0

Office Visit*: $40--> this is per visit for 3 sets of shots add $80

Testing for Feline Leukemia and FIV: $35-->Viruses transmittable to other cats

Vaccinations** (FVRCP and Feleuk): $35--> Boosters given 3 weeks apart to kittens

Fecal Testing: $17--> Common issue in kittens up to 6 months old

Ear Mite Treatment: $12-->common in stray kittens

Worming (not tapeworms): $10 -->eliminates/prevents round and hook worms

**Rabies vaccine: $20--> Required by law at 13 weeks of age then annually

Neuter (males) : $100 --->for females add $50 more

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Total Cost of a "free" kitten: $269.00

*Office Visit: It is always advisable to take every new pet you acquire to your veterinarian within 6 weeks of adoption for a wellness exam. This first exam establishes your new pet as a patient, sets their schedule for future vaccines/recommendations your vet may recommend and serves as a check to make sure the stress of an environment change hasn't triggered any underlying issues.

**Vaccinations and Rabies: FVRCP and Feleuk vaccines are given at 3-4 week increments, minimum of 2. Rabies is required by law at 13 weeks of age (earliest) or immediately for cats/kittens with no vaccine history then annually. Additional visits to your vet for these scheduled vaccines may incur additional office visit charges.

OKC Area rescue organization adoption fees range from $65 to $75 

MOST of these items are commonly included in the adoption fee at local rescues and shelters where kittens are 13 weeks of age or older

SOME rescues also include microchipping in the Adoption Fee

Ask for a medical record on any pet that you adopt. This record should detail all procedures and vaccines and when presented to your vet, prevent costly duplication of efforts.

Cost of vet care may vary from the example cited here: This should be used as a guide only.

Consider ALL the costs!

Immediate Financial Costs

Sure "free" sounds like a bargain but what other "freebies" might come with this cute little kitten? Does she also come with free diseases? Free fleas and parasites? Free deadly viruses? More importantly, will she also provide you with more free kittens when she is 5-6 months old that you'll need to feed and find homes for? All these additional "freebies" will take a toll on your wallet.

Cost to Your Existing Pets

When you bring a free kitten in to your home it may carry unknown bacteria and viruses if it hasn't seen a vet. If you have other pets in the home, they will be exposed to illnesses, worms and viruses your free kitten may carry.

Emotional Cost

It is easy to get attached to those cute little kitten faces very quickly. Your whole family will fall totally in love in just a few days! Protect your heart, and those of your family's by ensuring the kitten you adopt is healty. A sick kitten or one who dies could leave long term scars on those you love.

Kitten Behavioral Cost

There is no replacement for a momma cat's discipline and training. Kittens weaned from their mothers before they are 10-12 weeks old often become biters, play too rough, don't easily accept other cats and have nursing withdrawals.

Don't Believe Us? Check out these other references

www.all-about-cute-kittens.com/free-kittens.html

www.scribd.com/doc/15858403/Free-kittens-the-Actual-Costs

http:/prairieecothrifter.com/2011/09/free-kitten-cost-9000.html

This information is brought to you by Pet Adoption and Welfare Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

PAWS-OK

Local Feline Adoption Options

Pet Adoption and Welfare Services (PAWS-OK)

www.pawsok.com

PetSmart Adoption Center at Rockwell and NW Expressway

405-204-3964

pawsok@sbcglobal.net

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/pawsok

Community Cat Coalition of Edmond

Petco Adoption Center in Edmond at 324 S. Bryant

405-294-CATS (2287)

edmondcats@gmail.com

On Facebook at www. facebook.com/edmondcats

Hands Helping Paws, Inc.

PetSmart Adoption Center in Norman at 666 Ed Noble Pkwy

405-410-5718

www.petfinder.com/shelters/OK252.html

Find Them on Facebook

Ms. Kitty's Cat Rescue

www.mskittyscatrescue.org

Two PetSmart Adoption Centers 63rd and May and 1-40 and MacArthur

All Hours Animal Hospital--Veterinarian

Adoption Center: 609 NW 8th St., Moore

(405)237-1055

Adoption Hours: 8am to 6pm daily

Specializing in adult cats and special needs cats for adoption

An added benefit of adopting from a rescue is their "return policy" in the unlikely event that you can no longer care or keep your cat, the rescue organization will take them back and find them a new home.

Some tips about Animals and Plumbing

1. Keep the toilet lid closed

cleaners/chemicals used to keep toilets clean can harm your pets

2. Do not flush cat litter down the toilet

There is NO SUCH THING as flushable cat litter. It will expand and clog your drain.

3. Keep pets away from standing water

Do not allow your pets to drink water from sinks/tubs that are backed up. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTION IF YOU HAVE USED ANY DRAIN CHEMICALS OR CLEANERS.

4. Keep cabinet doors closed

Leftover chemicals may be on copper piping which can get on pets. When the pet grooms itself they will be ingesting the chemicals

5. Do not place your cat litter box in the tub

Cat litter that falls out of the box can fall into the drain. The cat litter will expand and clog your drain

6. Do not put dry pet foods down your disposal

Dry pet food can expand and clog your drain.

7. Cover/cap all clean outs 

Small pets can fall into an open cleanout along with your pets toys. Large pets can step into the open cleanout and injure their legs.

This information came from The Plumbing Company

405-367-7388

tpc-theplumbingcompany.com

Madison's Rescue Animals of the Week

Ike and Tina

Ike & Tina here…..We’re gonna start out telling you a little bit about our past….Some “Poor Fool” left us to roam the streets and fend for ourselves. We spent many “Sleepless” nights trying to figure out what to do. You see, we aren’t very big, about 7 & 8 lbs, so living on the streets was difficult. We then ended up at the shelter and this wonderful group, Oklahoma Yorkie Rescue, came and saved us. We tell them all the time “I Idolize you”.  Our foster mom keeps telling us that the “Poor Fool” that left us to roam the streets doesn’t have a clue what they missed but “It’s All Gonna Work Out Fine”. She tells us all the time there ain’t no “River Deep Enough, No Mountain High Enough” to keep us from getting the forever home we deserve. So, now we need to find our forever homes. The dogtor says that we are pretty young, maybe 2-3 years. She says we are so sweet and funny when we play.  We love the other dogs at foster mom’s house and don’t mind the skin kids too bad either. We know that our forever home will be “A Fool in Love” with us. If you think you can give us a new home run on over to www.okyorkierescue.org and fill out the adoption application.  We can’t wait to see “The Way That You Love Me”

A Video of Ike and Tina

Snow

Snow is a shepherd mix.  She has one beautiful blue and green eye and one blue eye.  She is 10 months to a year old.  She has been spayed and it up to date on shots.  She is heart negative.  She is great with kids, and gets along well with dogs and cats.  She would make a great all-around indoor/outdoor family dog.  She is a medium-sized dog.

If you'd like to check us out, our web address is http://www.clevelandareapoundpals.com/

Willie

Willie is a happy and playful boy.  He is smart and learns quickly.  He is just waiting for some to call him their own.

He is also completely vaccinated and on heartworm preventative and microchipped.  He is 8 months old.  Good with other dogs and cats.
 

If you are interested in Willie please contact Misfits, Mutts and Meows at

Willie's Petfinder Profile

Misfits Mutts and Meows Facebook

Contact Joy at 405-471-3922 or email misfitsmuttsmeows@hotmail.com.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering Your Pets

Why Spay and Neuter?

About 2.7 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs—about one every 11 seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.

Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/

It's time to start thinking about spaying or neutering your dog. But, maybe you are not quite sure if it is the right thing to do. If you're wondering whether you should just leave your dog as nature intended, consider the positive and negative aspects of spaying and neutering before making your decision. 

First, what does neutering mean? Neutering is a procedure used to "de-sex" an animal. This procedure has been used to control animal population growth, reduce unwanted sexual behavior in pets, and decrease or eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions later in life, such as pyometra or infection in the uterus. 

Castration is a term used to describe the removal of the gonads (testicles) in male animals. Spaying is a term used to describe the sterilization procedure of females. The procedure of spaying most often consists of removal of both the ovaries and uterus, which is called an ovariohysterectomy. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and both involve a surgical incision. 

Neutering is done most commonly at or around six months of age. However, many veterinarians perform this procedure earlier – as early as 8 to 10 weeks in some situations. Early neutering can be done safely and has a number of advantages, especially in cases of pet adoption.

Spaying – The Positive Side

Spaying removes the risk of pregnancy. 

Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your dog to have litters, you are adding to the problem. Finding homes for your new family additions is not as easy as you may think. Even if you choose to keep the puppies, you now have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets. In addition to costs, the health of the mother can be in jeopardy during delivery. Some new mothers can have serious complications delivering puppies and can even develop health problems during nursing. All these potential problems can be avoided by spaying your dog.

Spaying makes for a cleaner, calmer dog.
Without the drive to mate, your dog may be quieter and not prone to an incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed dog no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Dogs won't have a bloody discharge for several days while they are in heat. Without proper protective products, the discharge can stain sofas, bedding and carpets. Spayed pets are also easier to get along with. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate.

Spaying keeps your dog healthier.

A final positive aspect of spaying your dog is that spayed pets tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs or dogs spayed later in life.

Spaying – The Negative Side

Spaying means sterilization.

Spaying will result in the sterilization of your dog, and she will no longer have the ability to become pregnant. In the era of pet overpopulation with thousands of unwanted pets being euthanized each year, this is really not so bad. 

Spaying may cause weight gain.

Some pets may gain weight after spaying and as they get older. Just as with people, to loose weight we need to either diet or exercise. Cutting back on food intake or increasing your pets activity will help reduce weight gain. 
Neutering – The Positive Side

Neutering removes the risk of pregnancy.

Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your dog to breed, you are adding to the problem. Although you may not own the female dog, and you are not burdened with finding homes for those new puppies, someone else is. Even if you accept your responsibility and choose to keep the puppies, you now have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets. 

Neutering makes for a calmer dog.

Another positive aspect of neutering your dog is that neutering can result in a calmer, and sometimes cleaner, home. Without the drive to mate, your dog may be quieter and not prone to an incessant need to seek out a mate. The neutered dog no longer feels the need to seek out and serenade females. He no longer has the stress of needing to mark his territory and urinate throughout the house and yard. Neutered pets are also easier to get along with. They tend to more gentle and affectionate. Neutered males tend to roam less and typically are not involved in as many fights with other animals.

Neutering keeps your dog healthier.

A final positive aspect of neutering your dog is that neutered pets tend to have fewer health problems. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. For those people who would like to sterilize their dog but do not wish to alter his appearance, testicular implants are available. 

Neutering – The Negative Side

Neutering changes his appearance.

Your dog will look different because his testicles will no longer be present. If the absence of these organs is a cosmetic problem for you, discuss testicular implants with your veterinarian.

Neutering may cause weight gain. 

Some pets gain weight after neutering. Cutting back on his food or increasing his activity can help reduce the weight gain.


Last year about 17 million dogs and cats were turned over to animal shelters. Only one out of every 10 taken in to the shelters found a home. This means that over 13.5 million had to be destroyed. The tragedy is that this is unnecessary. Much of the problem could be eliminated by simple surgery: Spaying and neutering operations are performed under general anesthesia and are quite painless. By neutering pets, owners can help lower the numbers of unwanted and homeless creatures.

Madison's Dog of the Week

Hutch

This is Hutch. He has been a resident of the Rockin' G since October, 2012. He was confiscated from neglect/abuse in Pryor. When he was brought to the shelter, he had been tied to a tree for God knows how long. The rope was imbedded in his neck and skin ripped when it was removed. He was extremely underweight; ate in a frenzy for several months until he finally figured out every meal would not be his last. His case, for some reason, never went to court. So poor Hutch hung in limbo...couldn't go home (thank God), couldn't be adopted. We tried to give him as much love and affection as time would allow but still, he spent day after day, week after week, month after month, in a 4X6 cell. Finally we noticed that Hutch no longer got excited when we came by his kennel, he was giving up. We worked harder to get him out more and to give him more attention...but with so many dogs and cats, there is only so much time. Finally, his owners were contacted and given the opportunity to come get him with the understanding that they paid the return fees and that he would be checked on to make sure he was not tied up and was being cared for. They declined. We put Hutch on the adoptable dog list and on the internet. We contacted rescues that work with Pitties; no luck because we all know pups like Hutch "are a dime a dozen." Not true! This guy has been through more in his 4 years than ANY animal should have to endure. Still, he loves people (but not cats…and that has hurt his chances), is friendly, loyal, smart, eager to please and appreciates every minute you spend with him. Hutch's time is about to run out. We cannot let him live out his life in a cage...not fair for such a sweet soul. We will ONLY let him go to a home that will love him and treat him the way he should have been all his life. He will make someone a wonderful companion...or he will lose his life. We love Hutch and that's why we are asking that you share his story in hopes of finding that perfect someone to love and care for him. He has been on the "list" twice and each time something came up that gave him a bit more time but time is almost up and we are heartbroken.

Hutch is at the Rockin' G Animal Shelter in Pryor, OK

1365 N. Mill Street, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361
Hours	Mon - Fri: 7:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Phone	918-825-7172, 918-825-1212, 918-373-2928
Email	rockinganimalshelter@yahoo.com,

Madison's Rescue Animal of The Week

Each week I'm going to post another animal from a local rescue in need of a loving forever home. If you are interested in adopting one of the animals shown here, please contact the rescue listed under that animals photo!

Theo

Theo will be a yr old next month and he has been with the rescue since he was 5 weeks old. He has been through basic obedience classes, is in a foster home with 3 smaller dogs. He loves to play with other dogs, has a very happy disposition. He knows how to use a doggy door and is also crate trained.

Theo is with PitEssentials Rescue

Email	pitessentials@yahoo.com
Website	http://www.pitessentialsrescue.org

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Josephine

Josephine is a 6-7 year old sweet, small girl. Her adoption fee is $300. She would do best in a home as an only dog, or with a passive larger male. 

She likes to play but she also likes to sleep. She is not picky on where, give a her comfy pillow or just a the floor. She had no problem in making herself at home with her new foster mom. She has gotten along well with her male bully, however she does show dominance but never aggression. Josephine gets along well with the cats, and pretty much ignores them She does get a little aggressive with her play and they let her know when they are done. She loves to eat, and will help herself to anything that is left from another’s bowl, even the cats food. 

Josephine is currently on thyroid medication and will probably be taking it for the rest of her life. She has a history of ear infections and needs them cleaned out on a regular (weekly) basis. She takes her thyroid medicine well, you just have to add it to her food. She is crated trained, but after a few days with her foster mom she had full range of the house. She has only had a few accidents in the house, and those were when she was left in for a longer time than she is used to. She will even get her foster mom up in the middle of night so she can let her out. 

She likes to talk and has no problem letting everyone know when she wants something, which is usually a cookie. She would do best as a only dog so she can get all the attention that she has missed out on in her life, or with a passive larger male. She has obviously been in a home before due to her manners. She has not bothered with anything in the house that was not hers. She will make a great addition and companion to the right family or person.

If you are interested in adopting Josephine or would like more information, please call 405.464.0036 or email okbulldogrescue@gmail.com. Please fill out an application at www.rescuebulldogs.org.

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Harry

I NEED SOME KIDS TO LOVE ME AND PLAY WITH ME - Meet Harrison - Harry to his friends. Harry is a very loving mix of who knows what - but I would not doubt a little corgi and a little terrier - he is short and stout with a very loving personality. Estimated between three and four years old and weighs about 39 pds so he should not get any bigger. There is a gentleness in his eyes and a distinctive look all his own. He gets along with other dogs; not tested with cats. I am confident he would love children as much as he would love a quiet older home where he is the center of attention - so if you are an older home looking for a quiet pet to sit and watch TV with you he would be thrilled when the grandchildren came to play... Harry was a last minute pull from a gassing shelter - we have no history on him but he has been completely vetted including neutered, rabies, he tested negative for heartworm and ehrlichia and lyme disease, has been wormed and is on heartworm preventative and been treated for fleas and ticks. In other words, Harry is ready to go down the road and move in with his new family.Harry is microchipped. He is looking for a forever home... Is your home the one he is looking for? Harry's adoption fee is $150.00 to an approved home. In order to adopt Harry, you must complete our application process and have a safety check of your fence to ensure that Harry has an appropriate and safe environment.

SafHaven Animal Rescue
http://safhavenanimalrescuesociety.weebly.com/available-for-adoption.html

This Weekends Rescue Events

6/8
Forever Friends Dog Rescue at Moore Petsmart from 11am to 4pm
PitEssentials Rescue at Manns Best Friend from 12pm to 4pm

I'll update if I find anymore!

Kisses and Tail Wags,

Madison

Favorite Spaces and Places -Dog Friendly Places in OKC

1. Barking Dog Bakery
7710 N May Ave. OKC, OK

A fun and healthy dog bakery! Madison loves the Snickerpoodles and the yummy birthday cakes that the owner Sherri makes completely from scratch!

2. Central Park Dog Daycare
70th and May Ave. OKC, OK

A great place for dogs to go and play with their doggy friends while you get some work or errands done!

3. A1 Pet Emporium
Britton and May beside Goodwill store

A fun place to go and play with your four-legged pal, A1 carries a large variety of great food and everyone is so friendly and sweet. Madison always has so much fun there!

4. Paws Around Town
122nd and May in Northpark Mall

A fun boutique for our four-legged friends with lots a fun and cute things to buy for your best friend!

5. The Dog Park!
Near Lake Hefner Parkway and Grand Blvd.

A great place to have some off-leash time with your dog and to allow them to socialize

6. Rescue Events!

There are rescue events all over okc and I'll post them whenever I can!