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For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
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September, 2005

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Canada's first province-wide pit bull ban took effect this week for the province of Ontario. Here's a link to just one of the many stories in the media.

If you share your life with a pit bull, pit bull mix, or even a dog that "looks" like a pit bull (or could be mistaken for one), please ensure that you know what you need to do to keep your pup safe. Likewise, if you intend to travel into Ontario (or through it) with a pit bull or pit bull look-a-like, make sure you are fully informed of the potential consequences of doing so before you actually travel with your dog. Contact the appropriate authorities in Ontario - any animal control agency or department should be able to at least point you in the right direction.

Play safe. Travel safe. See you next month.
Angela, Editor
+ Rundle, Tonka, Kimo, and Jasper (the furry support staff)

HURRICANE KATRINA - WHAT ABOUT PETS?

Hurricane Katrina has caused devastating damage not just to property, but to families - including pets. One photo you may have seen is a heartbreaking image of a dog clinging to the side of a roof, alone and awaiting rescue, with the floodwaters right beneath him.

Here are a couple of places where you can find out more about organizations that help to rescue pets in disaster situations:

• ASPCA
• Noah's Wish

Should a disaster situation arise, it's always best to take your pets with you rather than leaving them to fend for themselves. Know in advance where your pet will be welcome: relatives, pet-friendly hotels, kennels, veterinarians, etc.

FEATURED PET QUOTES:

"A well-trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it." (Helen Thomson)

"A good dog never dies, he always stays, he walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near, his head within our hand in his old way." (Anonymous)

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED PETS
"Arrow with his 'friend' Tasman up in Algonquin. A great shot of a couple of great dogs!" "Arrow being walked by a dog walker that no dog would argue with... One of Southern Alberta's finest outside of the Milk River Tourist Info building! ;-)" - Jack W. in Toronto, Ontario	"This is Sadie, a very happy Bull Terrier who loves eating treats and going for walks and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba." - Annette C.
	"This is Hannah our Golden Retriever. She is such a friendly dog. On our walks she loves to stop and see everyone. Everyone should have a personality like hers. The world would be a happier place!" - Allan L. in Hamilton, Ontario

Want to show off your pet? Share your cute, funny, or touching photos with our pet-loving crowd. Email your photos in .JPG format, along with a brief caption, your location, and your name, to: newsletter@petfriendly.ca

NOT JUST FOR A PRETTY FACE: REGULAR GROOMING OF YOUR PET

Just For Paws Pet Towels... Only the best for your best friend! These luxuriously-soft, absorbent and lightweight towels are gentle on fur and skin. www.JustForPaws.ca

Grooming your pet isn't just for appearance; regular grooming also promotes bonding between you and your pet; helps to helps to minimize shedding; allows you to find any lumps or other conditions that should be checked by a vet; and helps to keep your pet's skin and coat healthy.

Basic grooming can be done in the home. This can include brushing/combing of the coat, brushing your pet's teeth (yes, really!), trimming nails, and cleaning ears.

Professional pet groomers can assist you with all of the above and more. They can also remove mats (although regular grooming will help to ensure mats don't form at all); clip your pet in a manner that suits his breed; give baths, either regular or medicated; and remove harmful substances (like skunk odor!). When you choose a groomer:

1. Ensure the facility is well-equipped, well-lit, and clean.

2. Watch the groomers: they should be treating all pets with care. How do they handle frightened or uncooperative pets? Do they appear confident and knowledgeable? Make sure you are comfortable leaving your pet in their hands. Ask questions.

3. Dogs and cats should ideally be kenneled in separate areas.

4. How often does the staff monitor the pets in their care?

5. Provide the groomer with information on any health conditions or habits that your pet has that may affect the grooming session. Some pets may be uncooperative at first and will need to be eased into the grooming experience at home before being brought to a professional groomer.

If your pet finds it too stressful to go to an in-store groomer, consider employing the services of a mobile pet groomer.

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We hope you enjoyed your visit to the PET FRIENDLY Canada Newsletter!