Before you adopt a pet...

So one of my girlfriends is thinking about adopting a pooch - specifically, a yorkie. It's been pretty difficult finding a purebred yorkie at the local shelters, considering little dogs are usually the ones that get adopted the fastest (not to mention purebred.)

Anyway, I'm dedicating this post to her (hi Kara!) I found this list of things to consider before adopting a pet. A number of the tips are things I wish people told me before I adopted CeCe! Of course, I don't regret one thing with her.

I just wish someone would have told me earlier how housetraining would make me want to pull my hair out. Thank goodness those days are over!

Vegan pets

Can dogs and cats be vegans?

Is it fair to put pets on a vegan diet?

Those are a couple of issues that's addressed in this ABC News story on vegan diets for pets.

I guess if pets are still getting the nutrients they need out of a vegan diet, and no pet is getting sick from the diet, then it should be OK.

But like the Ohio State professor quoted in the article, I would not do that for my own dog. Dogs are carnivores and I feel I would be depriving CeCe of what canines have been feasting on since the beginning of time.

She loves her chicken, eggs and yogurt - all things that are excluded in a vegan diet. CeCe would probably be very upset if I took that away from her.

Watch your step!

So the CDC has found pets are responsible for more than 86,000 fall injuries every year. Dogs are the biggest culprits.

Check it out here.

It's interesting how the article pointed out that it's not just the elderly who are falling. I, too, have tripped over CeCe (and her toys.) CeCe just loves following me...right on my heels.

Hellooooo...hasn't she heard of the term "personal space?"

(J/k.)

Mutt Strut in Auburn, Ala.

Here's another upcoming event that you and your dog can participate in. It's the same day as the Relay for Dogs in Columbus, but this event is in Auburn, Ala. (for all my Lee County readers!)

The Lee County Humane Society is holding their annual 5-K race Saturday, April 25, at Kiesel Park in Auburn. This is the kick-off to Auburn CityFest.

The race is for humans, but you can bring your dog if he/she is your running partner (as long as the dog is on a leash and has had a rabies shot.)

The race starts at 8 a.m. and you can register that day from 6:30-7:30 a.m. You can download Mutt Strut registration forms at the LCHS Web site.

It's $15 (tax-deductible) to enter. Families can register - $15 for the first member and $10 for each additional member. Everyone gets a prize bag and t-shirt.

All proceeds will go toward the LCHS's general operating fund.

Animal abuse in Columbus

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/breaking_news/story/662085.html

This is outrageous.If this so-called owner couldn't give the dog food and water, why didn't he/she just give them up to the animal shelter? Why did they have to wait until the dog was malnourished and on the brink of death to get help at Animal Emergency Center?

I mean, come on, people.

There's really no excuse for neglecting an animal of something as simple as FOOD and WATER. I don't know the owner's situation, but I really can't think of any excuses for STARVING a poor dog.

Relay for Dogs

Just posted this event on the L-E Web site. This sounds like a really cool local event for the pups! I work on Saturdays, but CeCe and I are going to try to go early and stay for a short while...

1st ANNUAL RELAY FOR DOGS

Local pet owners and their canine companions are invited to the first annual Relay for Dogs in Columbus.

The event will be held Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hardaway High School track. Hardaway High School is located at 2901 College Dr.

There will be a dog wash, pet photographer, calendar contest and food - for both dogs and humans. Pet-related vendors will also be on site.

To register your dog, it's $10 in advance or $15 on site. That includes a bandana and goodie bag. People are free.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

You can pre-register by e-mailing relayfordogs@yahoo.com or calling Mandy at 706-888-4857.

Free puppies in Columbus

Need a puppy? My colleague Sandra Okamoto forwarded me an e-mail from a friend whose dog recently had a HUGE litter of puppies! (Pictured above.) The mama dog is named Lassie and she was rescued off the street. Lassie gave birth to 11 pups, but three died. The remaining eight are now looking to forever homes!

They think Lassie is a beagle/terrier mix and her male mate's breed is unknown. All the puppies have had their first deworming treatment and first round of shots. The vet said they should grow to be no larger than their mom (45 lbs.)

Interested? Contact Cameron Faucette at cameronfaucette@yahoo.com or cfaucette@maloneoffice.com.