Registration open for Club Whiskers camp

From the Dane Co. Humane Society:

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Club Whiskers is a one week spring break day camp! Campers enjoy a fun-filled, animal-filled, and laugh-filled camp! Activities could include an animal-trivia scavenger hunt, “adopting” and caring for a shelter animal for the week, and learning how to “speak” to different types of animals without using your voice. All campers also spend time interacting with our camp animals, learn about their care, and get hands-on experience providing their daily care and socialization. Animals used in the camp program vary daily and are approved by our behavior department.

Sessions
Camp meets 9am-3pm Monday through Friday each week.
March 29 - April 2 (Ages 7-11)
April 5 - April 9 (Ages 7-11)

Fees
$165 - DCHS Members (If you are a current member of DCHS)
$200 - Become a Member (Includes the cost of one $35 year membership, and the discounted member price of camp)
$225 - Non-member (If you are not currently a member, or choose not to become a member)

Registration
Registration for Club Whiskers 2010 began December 1, 2009. Spots are very limited, so register early!
Click here to register.

Questions?
For more information, contact the Shelter Educator at esteinwehe@giveshelter.org.

Pet of the Week: Squirrel

My name is Lianne and I am the pround parent of my fur-baby, Squirrel.

Squirrel is a calico/mixed tabby cat depending on who you're talking to. Squirrel works very hard 7 days a week. The main responsibilities in her line of work are sleeping, eating, and furring people. In her free time she enjoys chasing furry white mice and bathing in the sun.

Congratulations to Lianne N. and Squirrel of Austin, TX! Would you like your pet featured as Pet of the Week? Read entry requirements here.

Motion to dismiss filed in alleged Madison cockfighting case

The jury trial of Jorge Iglesias (charged with illegal cockfighting in Madison) originally scheduled for November 2, 2009 was cancelled. The defense motioned the court to dismiss the case due to “selective and discriminatory prosecution.”

A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for January 20, 2010. It appears that Jorge Iglesias will also be obtaining new counsel before that time.

For a full report of the accusations against Jorge Iglesias, please see:
*Jury Trial scheduled in Madison cockfighting case
*Hearing Scheduled for tomorrow in alleged case of Madison cockfighting

Tell Your Representatives to Pass the HAPPY Act for Pet Care Tax Deductions Now

From Change.org:

Targeting: The U.S. House
Started by: Stephanie Feldstein

To some people, a tax deduction for pet care may not seem very important compared to many of the other issues our federal government is dealing with these days. But for 71.4 million American households that own pets, and for the 3-4 million animals euthanized in shelters each year, it's a question of life and death.

Our struggling economy has seen a spike in animals being relinquished to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Veterinary offices, like most other businesses, have also seen a drop in client visits, which means that many animals may not be getting the care they need. If people knew the money they spent on their pets could be coming back to them at the end of the year, it might help them keep their four-legged family members, and to keep up with their care. A pet care tax deduction could save pets' lives and reduce the societal costs of sheltering homeless animals.

Don't let the HAPPY Act (Humanity and Pets Partnership through the Years) fall off Congress' agenda - write your representative today!

Photo credit: eva101

CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR REPS TO VOTE "YES" ON THE HAPPY ACT!

Season of Suppers Campaign running until 12/31

From the Dane County Humane Society:

It’s time to help our Kibble on Wheels friends!

During these challenging economic times, Independent Living, Inc. wants to assist as many low-income, frail, older and disabled adults and their companion animals as possible. We’ve learned the items listed below are what they most need and want. Our Kibble on Wheels program was begun to reduce food sharing between older adults and their companion animals. Season of Suppers, sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospitals, has allowed us to expand the program and with your help, we can provide a variety of items and supplies to make life happier for older adults and their animal friends.

Our clients have expressed the need for the following items:

*Canned Dog and Cat food
*Cat Litter
*Toys
*Treats
*Rabbit and Gerbil food
*Bird food
 
Items can be dropped off at:

*Either Banfield Pet Hospital (located inside PetSmart) at 2216 E. Springs Drive, Madison WI or 8210
  Plaza Dr, Madison WI
*Independent Living at 815 Forward Drive, Madison WI M-F 8:00am to 4:30pm
 
This is a great activity to get friends, family and other pet lovers together and hold a collection drive. For more details, contact us at (608) 274-7900 or volunteer@indepenliving.com.

Kibble on Wheels is made possible by Independent Living’s partnerships with Mounds Pet Food Warehouse, Dane County Humane Society and Banfield Pet Hospitals.

Independent Living Inc. is a non-profit, multi-service agency that assists people with disabilities and older adults, enabling them to live with dignity and independence while maintaining health and well-being.

Submissions needed for Pet of the Week!

Mad About Pets is happy to announce a new feature: Pet of the Week! Every week I will be selecting and featuring a different pet photo and story submitted by readers. If you would like your pet featured, please email me the following information at pets@mad-about-pets.com :

*A high-quality photo of your pet
*Your name and location (city/state)
*Your pet's name and age
*Your pet's species and primary breed (if known)
*A short blurb about your pet (where you got him/her, any unique tricks or skills, why your pet is special to you, etc.)

On a regular basis, I will be randomly selecting a featured pet from Pet of the Week and their owner will receive a fun gift from the Mad About Pets shop!

So start sending in those pictures ASAP :)

Yummy Recipe for Cockatiel Treats!

Cockatiel Treats

*1/4 cup each:

     - Crushed dried peas

     - Apricots

     - Nuts

     - Crushed bananas (Dried or fresh)

*3 Tbs Seed

*3 Tbs Pellets

*1 egg and shell (best if shell is dried and not damp)

*1/4 cup + 1 Tbs Applesauce ( I use 100% natural)

*3 Tbs crunchy Peanut butter

 

Mix dry ingredients in order. You can add anything else that your bird loves. It should mix very easy. I crushed everything, but you can according to your bird size. Fold in the applesause and peanut butter. It should end up like a paste.

 
Cook in a square pan, (easier to cut later than a circle pan), at 350 F for 30 min. It smells bad when cooking, but the birds love it.
 
Thanks to Debra at BirdsnWays for this recipe!