Lately the Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column has been promoting the many ways that pets benefit our human companions.  The truth is that when a person or family adopts a pet from a shelter they never know how their lives will be impacted – but as shelter pets like me are often aware of being given a second chance at life –we quite usually do what we can to repay the favor.  Let me share a recent such story that strongly exemplifies this point.

Dogs like me have always been considered human’s best friend and now we are being considered one of science’s best subject’s, following an explosion in canine genomic research as a greater potential surfaces for such study to result in the ability to cure many significant human diseases.  Why are dogs, above any other species, including humans, the best subjects for understanding the genetic link to disease?   Well apparently it is because of how humans have played around with our gene pool…

Gambling has always carried a rather sordid reputation throughout the years within various communities and cultures.  But it has proven to be beneficial to the greater good when used properly and for purposeful reasons.  Today I am going to promote a gambling opportunity that was developed for the purpose of supporting Second Chance Humane Society, where I currently call home.

Although the outlook is improving, the recession is still challenging families all across the country as they struggle after losing jobs and homes.  Animal shelters have been feeling the impact for several years with increased relinquished and abandoned pets filling their facilities and adoption rates either dropping or stagnant.  But lately adoptions have been picking up and a more positive outlook is being shared.  And there are heart-warming stories to help remind us of what is important - keeping the family (furry and non-furry) together.

Brrrrr – it is flippin’ cold outside right now!  Thanks goodness for the warm cozy dog rooms at Angel Ridge Ranch because I wouldn’t last one night outside right now.  Because it is such a “hot topic” I am writing today’s Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column about the cold and its challenges.  Jenna, who has since been adopted, wrote about cold safety tips for dogs in early December – but it is still cold out and I wanted to offer some additional tips – so dog parents present and future – please read on!