Humane Society Helps Retired Bomb-Sniffing Dogs

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 Humane Society Helps Retired Bomb-Sniffing Dogs 

by Taylor Malowney

           Pet Heroes
Formed in 1960, the Rancho Coastal Humane Society cares for homeless animals in San Diego County. A non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, RCHS is committed to finding pets forever homes while bringing awareness to the public. 

The shelter has partnered with Pets for Patriots and Purina’s Pet Adoption Program to help those in need. In addition, RCHS has its own Better With a Buddy program, which offers a reduced fee when you adopt two cats or kittens together.

Rancho Coastal Humane Society received a $1,000 grant through Healthy Paws’ Holiday Giving Program, rewarding their outstanding work with homeless pets and their long-lasting impacts in the San Diego community.

“As a 501(c)3 every donation is incredibly important,” said RCHS President and CEO Jim Silveira. “With this donation, we are now able to schedule a surgery on one of our dogs named Cheecha.”

Agar is a retired bomb sniffer who found his forever home, thanks to RCHS!

Image via www.rchumanesociety.com

Rescued from Kuwait, Cheecha is a retired contract working dog (CWD) who worked sniffing out bombs! A lovable German Shepherd, she was diagnosed with a medical luxating patella as well as a thyroid condition. Cheecha’s patella requires surgery, with an excellent prognosis, and her thyroid issues are under control with medication and diet changes. 

Agar and Nero are also former bomb sniffers brought to RCHS! While Cheecha, Agar and Nero have all found their forever homes, there are plenty of pets in need of forever homes at RCHS. Visit them at www.rchumanesociety.com, or like them on Facebook! 

Healthy Paws’ Every Quote Gives Hope program is funded by pet parents like you. With every pet insurance quote we receive, we donate to homeless pets across the nation. 

Winning at Pet Feng Shui: Interior Design With Furry Friends in Mind

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Winning at Pet Feng Shui: Interior Design With Furry Friends in Mind

by Megan Van Vlack

As much as we love our furry companions, they can create some serious clutter. From feeding bowls to litter boxes and chewed-up toys, it’s often difficult to balance keeping your space stylish while still making your pet feel completely at home. Check out these design-focused tips for tackling the five most common challenges to earn some style points:

1. Try Out a Next-Gen Pet Crate

Bulky, plastic pet crates can bring down the glamour of any living space and often get stowed away in a closet where they’re difficult to access. One solution for pet owners are unique pet crates, such as this wired, dome-shaped crate used by Hollywood actress Megan Mullally and this mod-designed crate that can double as a side-table. Both crates are pet-friendly while still being functional.

 Photographer: Miguel Flores-Vianna

 Photo via The Pet Central

2. Put Your Pet In a Designer Bed 

At the end of a long day, both you and your pet need a place to relax, but a mangy dog bed isn’t exactly welcoming. Luckily, there’s an abundance of designers who have created pet-sized furniture to complement a pet owner’s home. This chaise lounge can be put on display in your living room, while this fold-out pet bed is easily tucked away during the day when not in use.

Photo Via Birth New York

 Photo via Murphy's Paw Design

3. Get Creative With Litter Boxes 

Litter box enclosures can go a long way for both concealing the litter box and keeping unpleasant odors to a minimum. For example, the Hidden Litter Box from Good Pet Stuff that solves the problem by camouflaging the litter box as a potted plant. For dogs, the indoor doggy urinal will keep your canine warm and dry while doing their business inside.

Photo via Good Pet Designs

Photo via John Nouanesing

 4. Accessorize Your Feeding Stations

For the true minimalist, a pet feeder station organizes and stores pet bowls, food, and hanging leashes and collars. 

Image via GrandinRoad

5. Rethink Pet Hangout Spots 

Your pet needs a space of their own. While you’d love to dedicate an entire room to your beloved pet, that’s just not an option. However, you can dedicate a space (indoors or outdoors) for a dog house. Fun items like mini-mansions and even repurposed wine barrels can all add a trendy twist to pet ownership. If you need something for the yard, the underground doghouse recreates a natural den for your dog and keeps her warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Image via Miller Pet Products

 Image via Love Thy Beast

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Goodbye Doggy Bags: New Law Allows Pets in Restaurants

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Goodbye Doggy Bags: New Law Allows Pets in Restaurants

by Maeghan Ouime

Forget boxing the leftovers and bringing the doggy bag home. Now your dog can enjoy a meal with you.

California Gov. Jerry Brown recently passed Assembly Bill 1965 to make it easier for pet parents to bring their dogs along when they dine out — or even grab some drinks with friends after work. The dogs must accompany their masters outdoors (on a patio, for example) and the business owner ultimately has final say, but AB 1965 (which takes effect next year) is following a trend many cities around the country have already adopted on their own.

What makes the California law so instrumental though, is that it creates a uniform rule for an entire state. Other states, such as Texas, allow dogs at restaurants in some cities, but not in others — creating confusion for patrons and health inspectors.

 The barking Dog Luncheonette via Yelp

“If you were to poll 50 health inspectors in a particular area on whether pets are allowed, you’d get 20 yeses and 30 noes,” Len Kain, who runs a website that lists dog-friendly establishments, told The Economist.

Here are some restaurants known for their dog-friendly accommodations:

     Barking Dog Luncheonette, New York
As with most trends, the Big Apple is ahead of the game. The Barking Dog — a mini-chain throughout Manhattan — allows pet parents to enjoy the American-food inspired menu in the company of their best animal friends. One patron who reviewed the restaurant shared on BringFido.com that, while waiting for her food, her server brought her dog a bowl of water. Drinks all around!

    Rudy’s BBQ, Austin, Texas
Need gas, groceries and some BBQ? Don’t want to leave your dog at home while you run these errands? Well, Rudy’s is your one-stop-shop. Austin is one of the cities in Texas that opens up most of its restaurants to four-legged friends. Rudy’s also offers free samples on your first visit that will have both you and your pooch begging.

    The Patio on Lamont Street, San Diego
At The Patio you and your dog can be foodies. Upon arrival, each dog receives a homemade dog biscuit and bowl of water. The California-inspired cuisine and meticulously crafted cocktails (some are even half-off if you bring your dog) pair well with the ambiance: a huge outdoor patio space that creates a wonderful dining experience for all.

Want to purchase pet health insurance, but think the cost is to high, explore the cost at ExploreCost.com and get a free quote.

8 Droolworthy Dog Friendly Backyards

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

8 Droolworthy Dog Friendly Backyards

by Taylor Malowney

As spring and summer approach, many pet parents are gearing up for much-needed lawn maintenance. Many problems were probably caused by Fido – digging, jumping, and going potty take their toll on grass yards.

Create a low maintenance backyard fit for a dog with inspiration from these outstanding examples. A dog-friendly backyard is a must-have for any serious dog lover.

 Image via Down to Earth Landscaping, Inc

Complete with fire hydrant, this simple backyard is paradise for any pooch. Down to Earth Landscaping in Bellevue, Washington, designed this canine-friendly creation, making-over an existing yard. Mucky mud was replaced with gravel for better drainage, while cedar chips brighten the area and make for an easy potty area.

Image via Houzz

Add a water feature for aquatic pets! Let Fido go off the deep end with a small jumping area and easy access in and out. Dog pools and ponds can be as crazy as you want; use a cheap play pool as an in-ground pool, or dig out a pond in your yard. 

Image via PetPeek  Fence Window on Amazon

Does your dog love to watch the world go by? Indulge your pet’s habit of spying on the neighbors with the PetPeek Fence Window. Or DIY a clear porthole by inserting a plexiglass bubble or panel in your fence. Being able to see his or her surroundings can reduce pets’ anxiety and prevent destructive behaviors like digging or escaping.

 Image via www.Pooohbusters.blogspot.co.uk

A dog sand box can serve one of two purposes – potty patch or digging heaven. Designating one area for bathroom business protects grass and lets you step easier in your yard. If your pet’s a champion digger, put a small fence around the dog’s sand box to keep dirt and grass separate.

Image via Allen Mandell/Sunset Magazine

Dogs who dig are some of the most destructive. Prevent escape artists and destructive diggers by placing a rock or brick border around fences. Another method involves burying chicken wire in the soil under the fence. River stone and rock gardens are attractive ways to prevent your dog digging under the fence.

 Image via www.diycozyhome.com

This classy log cabin is a must-have for the outdoorsy pet. Although this particular dog house is a custom job, there are plenty of amazing dog houses available online or for custom design. Another option is to design and build your own dog house from scratch! There are tons of DIY dog house blueprints on Pinterest and many books, too.

Image via Humane Society of West Michigan

Perfect for the pet parent with space to spare, a dog obstacle course is at the top of every pet’s wish list. A dog playground doesn't have to be expensive equipment; in the photo above, old tires are used as tunnels and climbing equipment for playful pooches. Use PVC pipes, scrap wood, trash cans and more – after a coat of paint, everyone will be praising your ingenious DIY.

 Image via A Tail of Two Dogs Doggy Daycare

If you have a multi-dog household or have a lot of doggy play dates, build a small dog park in your backyard! Low maintenance bark, a play pool, and shade are what pets need to have a good time with friends. Build your backyard dog run on existing fence, such as a corner, to cut costs. 

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