寵物救助和領養 | Wellness Pet Food HK https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk We Believe in Better Pet Nutrition Fri, 18 Dec 2020 02:46:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.9 Are Dogs Helping Reduce Stress in Uncertain Times? The Answer Is Yes! https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/are-dogs-helping-reduce-stress-in-uncertain-times-the-answer-is-yes/ Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:53:37 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=8403 The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of stress for people across the world. There is no need to explain this any further, as you surely know what we mean. However, all this disruption has had at least one positive consequence: over the past couple of months, the number of pets being adopted has hit […]

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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of stress for people across the world. There is no need to explain this any further, as you surely know what we mean. However, all this disruption has had at least one positive consequence: over the past couple of months, the number of pets being adopted has hit an all-time high. So much so, that some animal shelters have even been left completely empty.

While many of these same animal shelters were worried that the increased number of adoptions will result in increased numbers of surrendered pets shortly after, so far it hasn’t happened. The reason for this is simple: dealing with all of this uncertainty is simply easier with a dog by your side. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Today, we’ll talk about all the ways dogs help us deal with stressful situations that have been proven by many scientific studies.

Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Having A Dog

“With rising healthcare costs, the positive effects of dogs on our overall health and their role in assisting in the work of healthcare professionals continue to be avid areas of scientific study” – Dr Kath Dench – Veterinarian Advisor at The Gentle Dog Trainers.

A summary of research shown listed below by HABRI – Human Animal Bond Research Institute , highlights the many proven health benefits of dog ownership

“Healthy aging is a lifelong process of making healthy decisions and lifestyle choices. Ensuring physical health at every stage of life helps us live longer and reduces risk of illness, disability and death. A significant body of literature has demonstrated the positive relationship between pet ownership and physical health, including increased physical activity and cardiovascular health.” – HABRI

But what exactly does this mean? Well, here are 4 concrete ways in which our canine companions make us better at dealing with tough situations:

1. Dogs Make Us More Resilient To Stressful Situations

Have you ever noticed you feel calmer when you are around your dog? Well, studies have shown it’s more than a subjective feeling. Many studies, for example, have confirmed that just being around a friendly dog helps reduce your blood pressure – which is a common reaction to highly stressful situations. Other studies have shown that simply stroking an animal lowers our heart rate and makes us more calm – and there is no need to mention that dogs enjoy this too! Being around dogs also reduces levels of cortisol, which is another strong indicator of stress.

2. Pets Make Us Better At Social Interaction

Interacting with your dog is, arguably, a form of social interaction. However, this is actually not the only way dogs help us be more social. For example, studies have shown that humans accompanied by pets tend to appear more approachable and trustworthy. Not only this, but having a pet tends to make us feel less lonely, less aggressive, and more empathetic towards other people.

3. Dog Owners Get More Exercise

Although it’s hard to prove this, due to many variables involved in every human’s life, there are strong indications that pet parents have better mental and physical health than those without pets. Go figure! But how is this possible?

Well, there is at least one simple explanation. Dog owners simply tend to get more exercise, on average, than people without pets. During the pandemic, long walks with your dog might not be always an option, but there are still activities you can do together with your pet. Enjoying a game of catch with your dog can be a pleasant and healthy activity for both of you.

4. Dogs Simply Make Us Happier

After reviewing a sea of previous research, the study from Frontiers in Psychology concludes that interaction in dogs must have all of these positive effects because it stimulates the production of oxytocin – the hormone of happiness and love. There are countless reports of dogs helping patients suffering from depression and anxiety. These days, we all might be dealing with this kind of feelings, and having a canine companion definitely helps!

Final Thoughts

In the year 2020, the way we live has changed in ways we could not have imagined, and some speculate it might be changed forever. In any case, we are facing a lot of uncertainty, and having a faithful companion that is always there for us is a real blessing. There is no doubt – dogs help us deal with stressful situations in so many ways. They provide companionship, make us feel less lonely, and help us be in the moment. Not to mention that simply taking care of another living being is an incredibly fulfilling experience.

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How to Safely Foster a Pet During Quarantine https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/how-to-safely-foster-a-pet-during-quarantine/ Tue, 05 May 2020 16:32:54 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=8666 With the impact of the COVID-19 virus came a wave of lockdown orders and voluntary sheltering in place. Staying inside can feel suffocating, especially for those who live alone or suffer from mental health issues/chronic health illnesses, but there is something we can do to bring joy into our daily lives—get a pet!  Pets have […]

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cat in cat carrier

With the impact of the COVID-19 virus came a wave of lockdown orders and voluntary sheltering in place. Staying inside can feel suffocating, especially for those who live alone or suffer from mental health issues/chronic health illnesses, but there is something we can do to bring joy into our daily lives—get a pet! 

Pets have been proven to support their owner’s emotional needs, provide purpose and foster stability. Recently, thousands of people have adopted and fostered furry friends across the nation. Shelters are emptying at high rates because people know that pets equal love and support.

Maybe you aren’t ready to adopt. A great short-term alternative to adopting is becoming a foster pet parent. Fostering a pet follows the same concept as fostering a child. You will work with a shelter to find a good match and bring home your furry friend for a specific amount of time. The length of stay will depend on various factors, so be sure to work with the shelter to understand the maximum amount of time your pet will stay with you.

Fostering is a win-win. Your furry friend gets out of the shelter, and you have a new companion during a stressful and trying time. If you haven’t already and you have the means, consider fostering during this time of need; however, be sure to inquire how long the fostering will last, especially if you know your return to work date. Be open about your time frame and your needs to ensure fostering works well for you.

Starting the Process

When considering fostering during a pandemic where social distancing is the norm, you’ll have to get creative when it comes to the fostering process. Speak to the shelters in your area that offer foster programs and work with them to find the best way to safely foster a pet during this time. The goal is to have the least amount of contact with others as possible which means utilizing technology is key. Work with the staff over the phone, file paperwork through email and even conduct video meetings with staff and furry friends when possible.

While this is an exciting time to acquire a furry friend, remember that we are in a state of emergency. Ensure you and the shelter are doing everything you both can to stay safe and healthy. 

Preparing for Your Pet

While you may be able to bring your pet home with limited social interaction, there are a few other things to keep in mind. If you haven’t previously owned a pet, you’ll need to stock your house with the necessary items. At an essential level, cats will need a litter box with litter and scooper, ample food, and a few toys. For dogs, you will need a leash for walks, food/food bowls and toys for entertainment. If possible, things like pet beds, blankets, and treats are a welcoming nod to new furry roommates, but only seek to acquire these items if you can do so safely.

To obtain your basic pet care package, you have a few options. Often times, shelters have basic care kits which include most or if not all of these essential items. You could ask that these items are put aside and given to you when you pick up your furry friend, and you could pay with your credit card over the phone to ensure limited interaction. 

Bringing Your Pet Home

While becoming a foster pet parent is an exciting milestone, we need to ensure everyone stays safe. When you go to pick up your pet, be sure to follow the correct protocol put in place by your state. Wear a mask, always stay six feet away from others and wash your hands before and after the interaction. Work with your shelter to devise a plan on how they will get your pet and your items to you in a safe way. You could have them load your car, or you could have them place all items outside the shelter where you can drive up and easily place everything in the car yourself.

When you get home, be sure to disinfect all items you bring into your home. Wipe down transport boxes/carriers and all other items purchased from the shelter/stores. You can also give your pet a bath to ensure nothing has been transmitted. When you are finished, be sure to wash your hands and discard/wash your mask. While this placement is only temporary, the loving memories you make will last a lifetime for you and your furry friend.

Fostering a pet at any time is such a monumental moment in a person’s and a pet’s life. Here at Wellness Pet Food we are committed to making the world a better place for pets everywhere. That’s why we started the Wellness Foundation, with a mission that goes beyond nutrition to help pets be #RaisedWithLove. As the Official Pet Food Partner of Best Friends, we are proud to provide natural pet food for the animals they rescue, so they have access to the healthiest nutrition possible. 

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5 Ways You Can Help Animals in Need During COVID-19 https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/5-ways-you-can-help-animals-in-need-during-covid-19/ Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:28:46 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=8625 If you’re like a lot of people currently home and glued to the news during this health crisis, you may feel like there’s not much you can do to help. The good news is that there are things you can do as an animal lover now to help animals in need during this unprecedented time. […]

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If you’re like a lot of people currently home and glued to the news during this health crisis, you may feel like there’s not much you can do to help. The good news is that there are things you can do as an animal lover now to help animals in need during this unprecedented time.

Many animal shelters across the country have had to shut their doors in recent days to protect against the spread of the virus.

First, it is important to know that according to multiple health organizations, animals are not at risk for contracting coronavirus. But they do need our help, now more than ever.

These are 5 things you can do right now to ease the burden on local animal shelters, compiled in part by our partner Best Friends Animal Society:

Best Friend Animal Society

1. Foster:

First and foremost, foster. It’s one of the biggest needs right now. If you can help even for a short time it will make a huge difference. Visit the Best Friends Animal Society network partner webpage to find an organization near you.

foster dog

2. Volunteer:

If you have the capacity to volunteer for local animal welfare organizations – even if from your home – reach out and see what support they need. Take an additional step and post those needs on your social media channels to spread the word.

3. Help Your Neighbor:

If you have neighbors who are self-quarantined or otherwise in need of help, make sure they have enough pet food, offer to walk their dog or to take pets for routine vet visits. (Be sure to follow the CDC’s guidance on interacting with quarantined individuals, make sure that local vet clinics are still open, and abide by their enhanced safety protocols.)

4. Donate:

Of course, animals still need to be fed and cleaning and medical supplies are still needed. If you’re able, donate to your local animal shelter, rescue group or at Best Friends. At Wellness Pet Food, we’re donating food and treats to shelters in need.

5. Adopt:

When Fort Bend County Animal Services saw the decrease in pet adoptions and people coming into the shelter, they quickly displayed some lifesaving ingenuity by kicking off COVID-19 compliant adoption services such as virtual and curbside adoptions in their community.

If you have the resources and desire to adopt an animal during this time, check with your local shelter. Shelters are quickly adapting their pet adoptions to keep people safe while helping clear the shelters. 
Now more than ever, this is our moment to help each other and to work together for the welfare of animals and people. 
 
If you have additional suggestions on how to help pets in need during the COVID-19 outbreak, please share with us by tagging @wellnesspetfood and @bestfriendsanimalsociety

Here at Wellness Pet Food we are committed to making the world a better place for pets everywhere. That’s why we started the Wellness Foundation, with a mission that goes beyond nutrition to help pets be #RaisedWithLove. As the Official Pet Food Partner of Best Friends, we are proud to provide natural pet food for the animals they rescue, so they have access to the healthiest nutrition possible.

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Wellness Global Service Day https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/wellness-global-service-day/ Wed, 09 Oct 2019 14:16:54 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=9924 This past month the entire Wellness organization celebrated Global Service Day! Over 250 Wellies’ spent their time at local shelters and other animal rescue organizations around the world. Teams were spread out all over the U.S , Germany, Japan, Singapore, Australia and Canada. Take a look at some of the photos! We’d like to thank all […]

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day of service

This past month the entire Wellness organization celebrated Global Service Day! Over 250 Wellies’ spent their time at local shelters and other animal rescue organizations around the world. Teams were spread out all over the U.S , Germany, Japan, Singapore, Australia and Canada.

Take a look at some of the photos!

grs

Great Dog Rescue New England – Woburn, MA

meg

Cape Ann Animal Aid – Gloucester, MA

aus

West Australian Dingo Association, Australia

s

Salem Animal Rescue League – Salem, NH

can

Save My Tail, Canada

We’d like to thank all of the organizations who let us spend the day with them. If looking to adopt a new pet, check out the list below.

  • Lowell Humane Society, Lowell, MA
  • Salem Animal Rescue League, Salem, NH
  • Cape Ann Animal Aid, Gloucester, MA
  • MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Methuen, MA
  • Animal Rescue League of NH, Bedford, NH
  • Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem, MA
  • Paws, Wakefield, MA
  • Operation Delta Dog, Hollis, NH
  • Great Dog Rescue of NE, Woburn, MA
  • Albuquerque Best Friends
  • Best Friends LA
  • Burlington Humane Society
  • California Animal Shelter
  • Carver-Scott Humane Society, Minnesota
  • Feline Café of Ottawa
  • Greenville North Carolina Humane Society
  • Humane Society of St. Joseph County, Indiana
  • Hunter T Cronin Cat Room
  • Best Friends, Kanab Utah
  • PAWS, Chicago IL
  • Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary
  • Salt Lake City Best Friends
  • Shamroq Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute
  • Rescue of Queensland, Australia
  • South Bend Animal Rescue
  • The Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Singapore
  • West Australian Dingo Association, Australia

We know that every home is better with a pet, and so we are so happy to have had a chance to spend time working with a Best Friends Animal Society partner shelter that helps homeless pets find a forever home.

To learn more about our Wellness Foundation, watch a video from our CEO Camelle Kent and Join the Movement visit: https://wellnessfoundation.org/
 

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Wellness Foundation Partners With Best Friends Animal Society https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/wellness-foundation-partners-with-best-friends-animal-society/ Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:16:44 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=9931 Here at Wellness Pet Food we are committed to making the world a better place for pets everywhere. That’s why we started the Wellness Foundation, with a mission that goes beyond nutrition to help pets be #RaisedWithLove!                                    As […]

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wellness foundation

Here at Wellness Pet Food we are committed to making the world a better place for pets everywhere. That’s why we started the Wellness Foundation, with a mission that goes beyond nutrition to help pets be #RaisedWithLove!

                                  

As the Official Pet Food Partner of Best Friends, we are proud to provide natural pet food for the animals they rescue, so they have access to the healthiest nutrition possible.

We are also committed to helping the pets at Best Friends find forever homes. And when they do, we want their first meal to be from us, so we send their new families home with FREE Wellness pet food. Because pets deserve nothing less than the most nutrient-dense goodness in every bowl, starting with the first one.

                                       

By adopting a pet from responsible, no-kill animal shelters, you’re giving them room to save another pet from unhealthy environments. Adopting not only saves the life of your new pet, but it also makes a spot available for another pet to be at shelters like these. 

  Are you ready to join the movement?

best friends

       

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Adopt a Cat Month: How You Can Help https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/adopt-a-cat-month-how-you-can-help/ Sat, 01 Jun 2019 01:37:49 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=10505 June is Adopt a Cat Month, which means that every day for the next thirty days is a Caturday. In case you didn’t know, it’s also kitten season according American Humane and is a time when millions of kittens will be born. Many of those kittens will end up in a shelter and will need […]

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June is Adopt a Cat Month, which means that every day for the next thirty days is a Caturday. In case you didn’t know, it’s also kitten season according American Humane and is a time when millions of kittens will be born. Many of those kittens will end up in a shelter and will need to be adopted. If you’ve been thinking of getting a cat or if you’d like to help the millions of cats and kittens needing homes, now is the time to take action.

 

Why You Should Adopt a Cat (or Two )


Cats are smart, affectionate and loyal companions. They are also low-maintenance pets, which make them an excellent choice for busy families who want to be pet owners. Many cats are content to be solo pets, but if you’re a pet owner who travels or often not home, adopting two cats (siblings tend to do well together) not only gives two cats a home, but it also gives your furry friends someone to play with when you aren’t around.

Other reasons to adopt cats include:

  • Cats are entertaining—watching them play or do silly things often puts you in a happy mood. 
  • Cats can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Cat purrs have proven healing powers, which include lowering blood pressure and healing muscles. 

What Goes into Cat Maintenance 


If you’ve never owned or adopted a cat or kitten but are interested, as noted, cats are very low-maintenance. They need food, water, veterinary care and a litter box if they are going to be indoor pets. While you should trim their claws and clean their teeth and ears, cats groom themselves very efficiently. You can brush them to assist with grooming as this is also a great way to bond with your cat.

Other Ways to Support Adopt a Cat Month 


For others, now may not be the time to adopt a cat, or you may already have one (or several) cats. The good news is that you can still help support cats in need during adopt a cat month. There are several ways.

  • Call your local pet shelters and find out what resources they need and make a donation. Shelters need many things ranging from pet food and pet bowls, beds, blankets, spay/neuter costs, to office and cleaning supplies.
  • Create your own virtual ASPCA Adopt a Shelter Cat Month Campaign and help raise money to support shelter cats in need. 
  • Promote Adopt a Cat Month on your social media pages with links to causes you support.
  • Become a foster pet parent. Many people don’t have the ability to be full-time pet owners; foster programs allow you to give love and nurturing to a cat who is waiting to find its forever home.

There are millions of cats out there that need your help. Even if this June isn’t the right time for you to adopt, there are still many ways you can offer your support and make a real difference in hundreds of cats’ lives this month. After all, cats (and their hilarious videos) bring joy to everyone. Take the time to say thanks by being active during Adopt a Cat Month.


Cats are wonderful, fun and friendly pets full of personality and Wellness Pet Food has a recipe for each one!  Did you adopt this month? Show us by tagging @wellnesspetfood on Instagram!
 

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Little Dog, Big Impact: Best Friends Small Dog Adoption Story https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/little-dog-big-impact-best-friends-small-dog-adoption-story/ Thu, 09 May 2019 02:38:44 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=10545 Wellness is teaming up with Best Friends for two of their upcoming Super Adoption events! Read on to see Cashew the Chihuahua’s touching adoption story! When Amy Loch of Los Angeles was ready to add another small dog to her family, she headed to Best Friends Animal Society’s NKLA Pet Adoption Center.  Amy and her […]

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Wellness is teaming up with Best Friends for two of their upcoming Super Adoption events! Read on to see Cashew the Chihuahua’s touching adoption story!

When Amy Loch of Los Angeles was ready to add another small dog to her family, she headed to Best Friends Animal Society’s NKLA Pet Adoption Center

Amy and her husband Daniel had found such joy after adopting Gremlin, a Chihuahua mix, so they were hoping for the magic to happen a second time – which didn’t take long!

“I couldn’t resist that face! With two teeth poking out and one crinkly ear, I instantly fell in love,” Amy said as her husband pointed out the tan Chihuahua. “Plus, his coat looks so similar to Gremlin’s, I thought they’d make for a funny little pair.”

Cashew

Upon meeting, the little dog made a big impact on the Loch’s. 

“I picked him up and he leaned all of his weight into me. I wrapped my arms around him, and we sat there quietly for a few moments. I just knew that he was the dog we’d be taking home,” Amy recalled. 

An hour and half later, they renamed their new dog Cashew and the Loch family trio became a quartet. Almost as quick as Amy and Daniel fell for Cashew, his new brother Gremlin quickly became a fan, too. 

Cashew & gremlin

“They’re like two peas in a pod! It genuinely feels like they’ve grown up together,” Amy said. The pair’s favorite activities are napping together in the backyard as the sun comes out and stealing each other’s beds at various points in the day.

While Amy loves dogs of all sizes, she said small dogs are their own type of special. 

“I love how silly, playful, and smart they are, and being able to hold them both at the same time!”

Csahew & gremlin 2

Bringing Cashew home has made the Lochs’ life fuller, according to Amy, and she recommends adoption to anyone looking to add a pet to their family.

“Adopting a dog means saving a life,” Amy said. “The opportunity to love another being is so rewarding, and knowing that Cashew never has to spend another night alone or scared makes me really happy.”

If you are interested in opening your home to a new family member, please see the pets available for adoption from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. You can also adopt from one of their lifesaving centers in Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta. Visit Best Friends to find one of their 2,600+ network shelters and rescues!

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The Pet Lover’s Guide to Giving Back https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/the-pet-lovers-guide-to-giving-back/ Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:45:28 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=9900 The best gifts are the ones that are shared. This holiday season, one of the ways to share the many gifts you’ve been given is by sharing with animals in need. There are several ways to do this from making donations to shelters, to participating in giving campaigns, to volunteering in your community. Here we […]

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holding paw

The best gifts are the ones that are shared. This holiday season, one of the ways to share the many gifts you’ve been given is by sharing with animals in need. There are several ways to do this from making donations to shelters, to participating in giving campaigns, to volunteering in your community. Here we outline ways to find opportunities for giving back on a national and a local scale.

How to Make a Shelter Donation

Animal shelters benefit from monetary donations as well as donations for resources. Most shelters have opportunities on their website for donations. For example, the International Animal Rescue, which works exclusively on donations, has a space on their website where donors can contribute monetarily. Most communities have a branch of the Animal Rescue Foundation in addition to local, smaller missions. Search your community to find an organization you believe in and find out how you can help.

If you prefer to donate other resources, these can also be found listed on an organization’s website. The Animal Humane Society, a national organization, has an Amazon wish list with items ranging from pet food to beds to bleach and paper towels.

All shelters need resources like these. Before you donate, call to see what the shelter needs the most. Such items include but are not limited to:

  • Pet food
  • Pet beds
  • Food and water dishes
  • Towels and blankets
  • Pet soap
  • Hand soap
  • Bleach
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Office paper and other supplies
  • Storage boxes

When you call, the organization can also tell you when and where to make the donation. Such donations make a big difference for all of the animals who spend their holidays in shelters.giving back

How to Participate in a Giving Campaign

Giving campaigns are events that you organize or participate in where several people contribute and all donations go toward a selected cause. For example, the ASPCA suggests a sweet swap. They have easy-to-follow directions on their website for how you can get a group together to set up a fundraising page, set an event date, invite people to get involved, set donation prices for the sweets made and then donate the fund raised after the event to the cause. You can even set up donations to be given and received electronically.

How to Volunteer in Your Community

person walking dog

Lastly, you can volunteer your time to help pets. Contact organizations in your area to see what services they are looking for. Some such opportunities include:

  • Animal grooming
  • Dog-walking / exercise
  • Assisting with adoptions
  • Cleaning cages
  • Administrative / clerical work

If you have any special skills, you can also volunteer those. Just tell whoever is in charge of volunteers what you do and let them determine if you can help. Such skills include:

  • Writing skills
  • Social media marketing and publicity skills
  • Legal or financial expertise
  • Graphic design skills
  • Photography skills

positive quote coffee cup

Needless to say, any time and effort that you volunteer makes an important difference in the care, health and well-being of displaced animals. By showing those animals love with donations of money, resources or your time and skills, you give love and compassion, which lifts the spirits of those animals in need. Best of all, it is a gift you can give year-round.

This holiday season, consider making a long-term commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals in need. As you can see, there are several ways to make an impact not just during the holidays but year-round. We at Wellness Pet Food are committed to improving the quality of life for all pets not only by making all-natural pet food products but also by being involved in causes that ensure the wellbeing of pets in need. You can learn more about our mission to support pets in need via the WellPet Foundation.

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Caring for a Pet with Special Needs https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/caring-for-a-pet-with-special-needs/ Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:13:57 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=10572 Mick Szydlowski is an author, marketing consultant and animal welfare advocate living in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, plus two young daughters and their “big brother,” Klaus the cat. Although Oskar is no longer around, Mick is patiently awaiting the arrival of his next special-needs shelter cat, which just happens to be another blind tabby! What […]

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Mick Szydlowski is an author, marketing consultant and animal welfare advocate living in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, plus two young daughters and their “big brother,” Klaus the cat. Although Oskar is no longer around, Mick is patiently awaiting the arrival of his next special-needs shelter cat, which just happens to be another blind tabby!

What are some common special needs in pets?

If you’ve browsed social media over the past six or seven years, you have likely come across a number of accounts which feature pets with special needs. Animals with special needs are those that require additional daily care which is often quite specific, although not necessarily a lot of extra work in every case. The broad range of special needs may include varying degrees of blindness, deafness, loss of limbs or use of wheels for mobility, neurological issues, paralysis, behavioral problems, birth defects, plus a range of digestive disorders and chronic diseases that reduce organ function. The truth is that any pet that lives well into its senior years will likely develop a condition that would classify it as an animal with special needs.

klaus

 

How to care for a pet with special needs:

 

Frequently, the thought of caring for a pet with special needs discourages people from adopting the afflicted cat or dog, hence finding homes for these unique animals is a challenging task for shelters.  However, an animal with special needs is not necessarily unhealthy or destined to live in a state of suffering. These assumptions come from unfounded biases and low expectations that society imposes on those with disabilities. With the right environment and daily attention and love, most of these pets can absolutely thrive. The key for those interested in adopting a “less than perfect” animal is to be armed with knowledge about the specific condition and a commitment to care which can include additional time and expenses. The rewards of caring for a special animal are immeasurable; you’ll be inspired daily and the bond of friendship will be something you’ll never forget!

Life with Oskar & Klaus

I am very lucky to have been blessed with two special needs cats in my life. The first cat, named Klaus, was adopted from a no-kill shelter in 2006. Klaus was already an adult cat when I brought him home after meeting numerous cats and kittens with every character trait from timid to wild. There was something special about this cat — the only adult — that was in a room full of kittens. His collapsed right ear, missing teeth and scars were a reminder of his previous life as a famished stray, but his elegant tabby coat, bright eyes and overall confidence were a clear sign that he would make a perfect spoiled indoor companion.  

Klaus, however, came with digestive issues that required a fair amount of trial-and-error to control. He suffered from frequent bouts of colitis, which translated to recurrent diarrhea and responsive vomiting lasting a week or more. The key to eliminating the flareups ultimately came down to feeding him the right ratio of protein and carbs, portion size, mix of kibble and wet food and adding a daily probiotic supplement. With the right formula in place, Klaus’ digestive health is something that I don’t worry about and I certainly don’t miss cleaning up the messes that were part of the daily routine for many, many months!

klaus oskar

The second cat, Oskar, was an outdoor farm kitten discovered in 2011. Oskar was only eight weeks old when I found him, and although I was not actively searching for a second cat, I immediately fell in love with him and brought him home to Klaus.  Oskar was born completely blind with a condition called microphthalmia; he technically had eyes, but they were never fully developed and thus stayed tucked far behind his eyelids.  Instead of navigating his world visually, Oskar mapped out his environment using his senses of hearing, smell and touch and by utilizing detailed special memory.  

Initially, however, I had serious misconceptions about how well he’d do in an indoor space. Would Oskar run into the walls and furniture? Would I have to put down padding along the base of the walls to keep his head safe? Would he be able to find his food or the litter box? Oskar began to prove that my fears were misguided on the first day! As long as I didn’t rearrange the furniture and kept the clutter to a minimum there were zero issues. As a matter of fact, Oskar never made a mess anywhere outside of the litter box and he was the first cat at the food bowl when breakfast was served! Like many blind cats, he was adventurous and quite fearless, plus exceptionally skilled at climbing on top of the tallest object in the room, which Klaus often couldn’t do!

klaus hiking

Should Your Next Pet be a Special Needs animal? 

If you are prepared to offer the extra care and are ready to bring a unique special needs cat or dog into your home then talk to your local shelter about the animals that are in their custody that need that special someone. Shelters will often keep pets with special needs in their foster care program so you may not see them at the facility. Additionally, some shelters, such as Milo’s Sanctuary in California, specialize in caring for pets with special needs, so feel free to extend your search if you have no shelter locally. When you have finally brought home your special needs pet, share your experience on social media with others to inspire them to adopt the “less than perfect” cat or dog that ends up being absolutely extraordinary.

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Wellness Pet Food Employee Completes His First Ever Cat Adoption! https://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/wellness-blog/wellness-pet-food-employee-completes-his-first-ever-cat-adoption/ Wed, 08 Aug 2018 05:59:58 +0000 http://www.wellnesspetfood.com.hk/?p=10672 Hi, I’m Rich, the Customer Marketing Manager for Wellness Pet Food. I consider myself a family man first and a marketer second. I started here a little over a year ago, and for the last few months, I was faced with my daughter’s daily requests to adopt a pet. My coworkers can attest to how […]

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Hi, I’m Rich, the Customer Marketing Manager for Wellness Pet Food. I consider myself a family man first and a marketer second. I started here a little over a year ago, and for the last few months, I was faced with my daughter’s daily requests to adopt a pet.

My coworkers can attest to how hesitant I was about bringing another pet or pets into the family. It’s been a while since my last pet, and since it’s such a big decision, it’s not one that I took lightly. but after talking with my coworkers at Wellness who are all animal lovers, I became compelled to take the plunge again into pet parenthood. And I’m glad I did! 

Pre-Adoption: Chase and Nadia Come Into Our Lives

As my daughter and wife were scanning for cats online, they discovered Chase’s photo. My daughter fell in love with Chase instantly. When they met Chase for the first time they discovered Nadia was Chase’s mom and that the adoption center really didn’t want to break the two apart. Since we were looking for both a male and female cat, one kitten, and one a young adult, it was a match made in heaven! 
 

chase and nadia in the shelter

The first time we met Chase and Nadia at the shelter.

Adoption Day

We adopted Chase and Nadia on July 6. Nadia and Chase are originally from the Jersey Shore. The owners of Cat Tales Rescue in Seabrook, NH, learned of Chase and Nadia through a friend. They believe Nadia to be a Russian blue but since Nadia was discovered with just Chase in early May, they are not sure of her background – if she escaped from a home, or was a stray. Either way, it was time to bring them both home!

 

cat adoption

My daughter with Chase, right before we brought him home!

cat adoption

Welcome home, Chase!

cat adoption

During the first hour Nadia came home, she started exploring.

cat adoption

Chase is a typical young kitty–he started playing almost as soon as he got home!

All Settled In

Over the short time we’ve had them, they’ve quickly become part of the family. Chase and Nadia have already shown us what wonderful cats they are, and we’re so lucky to have them.

cat adoption

Nadia was a little too excited for dinner. Can you spot what she did to the CORE bag?

cat adoption

On day two, Nadia and Chase were fully settled into our home.

So, what does the Wellness Customer Marketing Manager feed his cats?

We spoil our growing kitties with CORE Kitten and CORE Original for dry, and switch up their diet with CORE pâté for kittens, CORE Simply Shreds varieties and CORE pâté. And for treats, we alternate between Kittles flavors. They love their food. They eat it right up! Be sure to try Rich’s favorites next time you’re shopping for your feline friends!

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