Mayor Vincent Gray officially proclaims 6th Annual DC Week for the Animals May 24-June 1, 2014!

(Washington, DC) Animal World USA is pleased to announce that Mayor Vincent Gray has officially proclaimed 6th Annual D.C. Week for the Animals May 24-June 1, 2014. The week will underscore community spirit throughout the Washington, DC Metro area as people come together on behalf of the amazing animals. 

To further add to the excitement, George Washington University Law School will once again host a very exciting Animal Law Night event, featuring a panel of leading attorneys and advocates addressing current issues, that will be transformative to all in attendance. Ft. Myer Caisson Horses and Walter Reed Hospital animal-assisted therapy events will also be spotlighted all during the week!

The D.C. Week for the Animals will be bringing together humane organizations, shelters, sanctuaries, businesses, students, advocates, community leaders, decision makers and caring citizens in an action-packed, compassionate week of fun-filled activities for the animals! 

A multitude of tail-wagging & fun-loving feline pet adoption events, an exciting art opening at Zenith Art Gallery, Memorial Day festivals, blessing of the animals, ways to help and adopt retired military K-9's, free and low cost spay/neuter opportunities, microchipping, Memorial Day events featuring animals, activities to help the horses, celebrations, vaccinations, wildlife activities, pet food/supply donations, veggie get-togethers, volunteer opportunities, a salute to the military and so much more! 

The Washington, D.C. Week for the Animals series of events will build new relationships for the animals, strengthen communities and save precious lives. Visit the official website for complete contact and event information at http://www.dcanimals.org/

Earth Day 2012: Planting Joy in the Community

Animal World USA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, John Buckman Club, celebrated  Earth Day with a fun-filled festival  on Thursday afternoon, April 19th featuring the loving West Tennessee Therapy Dogs, a healthy eating booth with Memphis Food Awareness, live music from Richard Lewis and delicious fruit and beverages. 

On that beautiful perfect spring day we planted flowers, veggies, a Japanese Maple tree and hung a colorful red bird feeder.  It was fun, and we learned a lot about what it takes to use a tiller and to plant according to where each of the plants need the sun most. The birds really enjoy their bird feeder!

Richard Lewis, former school teacher and very talented professional musician, who plays  at festivals taught the youth how to play the guitar and sing songs. He is an amazing teacher and talent. He made us laugh and was a highlight of the day.

Our gift bags included  Eco Squad workbooks, educational animal books, Warner Brothers 'To the Arctic 3D' IMAX movie posters and 'The Lucky One' shirts, and very cool writing pads. We also shared tips for helping our pets be happy & healthy. 

West Tennessee Therapy Dogs Tiva and Kicker showed their special love and brought smiles the entire afternoon. They really helped us to realize how important it is to have our unconditionally loving animals around us in whatever we are doing. Their love brought us closer together in realizing that Earth Day includes cherishing and protecting all of the wondrous creation of our amazing planet. 

 

Thanks to the Boys  & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis youth and directors Tyronne Drakeford and Stephen Davis! We love you all and are so grateful to you for your friendship and inspiration. You bring such happiness to our lives and to the community.

Special thanks to Amerispan Tents, Bartlett Nursery, Superlo Foods, Wild Birds Unlimited,  Warner Brothers Movies and to all those who contributed to make this a day never to be forgotten! We are forever grateful to you.

Tornado Relief for Pets in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Tornado Relief for Pets in Chattanooga

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Donations for Humane Educational Society(City Shelter)
HES is accepting pet food donations to help provide food for local animals that have lost their homes during the current storms. Dog and cat food can be dropped off at HES from 8am to 4pm. If you would like to donate but cannot make it during our hours of operation, you can leave the food in the breezeway up against the building and therefore out of the elements. Even a small bag of food will help a family. Please give if you can.

Volunteers Needed to Transport Food!
Let us know if you can help transport food to those in need!
Email Jeanine at hesvolunteer@comcast.net

Humane Educational Society
212 N. Highland Park Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404
423-624-5302
www.HESChatt.com

Chattanooga Times Free Press story
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/03/tornado-outbreak-chattanooga-area-damages-homes-an/

Peaceful Protest Against Inhumane Treatment of Memphis Shelter Animals

February 20, 2012 UPDATE:
Peaceful protest took place on Sunday, February 19th. Please read about it and watch video with interviews.
http://www.wmctv.com/story/16970698/protesters-express-outrage-with-memphis-animal-shelter

Also note that a special meeting will take place tonight in midtown Memphis. Scroll down for details on location. All who can attend are asked to do so for the animals.

February 17, 2012
This past week in Memphis Tennessee, the news outlets reported horrific problems surfacing once again at the Memphis Animal Shelter. One: A city official ordered Memphis Animal Services staff to kill all Pit Bulls and anything that looked like a Pit Bull. Also, the inhumane practice of the mistreatment of animals continues. A peaceful protest has been planned.

Protest is at Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Corner of 3468 Poplar Avenue & Highland St. in Memphis, TN 38111. There is a Petco and Spin Street Music store at the corner. This is a central location. Media is expected to cover the event.

See the three links below for the MAS abuse stories week which aired between February 14-17, 2012:

http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story/THE-TRUTH-High-Ranking-Memphis-City-Leader-Says/VuEqpZrj0Ue92h8zbCy6Qg.cspx

http://www.abc24.com/content/thetruth/story/THE-TRUTH-New-Allegations-Of-Starving-Animals-At/9jQBaZ4mBk2C-cJ_TG0YAA.cspx

http://www.abc24.com/content/thetruth/story/Memphis-Leaders-Told-About-Starving-Dogs-Weeks-Ago/Mwb8UNjSxk64b73hmIJTVA.cspx

Please share!(Thank You Beverly King for the above update.)

MEETING
All are asked to attend: Emergency SOS Memphis meeting
Monday evening, February 20, 6:30 pm
The DeNeuville Learning Center in Mid-Town, at 190 S. Cooper next to Ike’s (Union and Cooper)Mphs 38104
Visit www.SOSMemphis.com

Is Your Cat in Good Health?

By Sally Endaer

In general, cats are healthy animals. They do not get sick often at all. However, once they are sick, it can be hard to tell. Cats often do not show symptoms of being sick until they are quite ill. However, if you train yourself to look for changes in behavior, and other, subtle differences, then you will be able to tell much earlier that your cat is sick.

Please remember that although most health issues in cats can be easily prevented through the use of good, high quality cat food, as well as regular veterinary appointments, sometimes, your cat will simply get sick-no matter how well you take care of it. The best thing you can do if the cat is sick is to take them to the vet for help.

Before I go into the different signs of a sick cat, I just want to briefly say that it can be difficult to diagnose at home, because many of these signs can be normal as well. You just need to know your cat well and be able to tell that there is something wrong. However, if you do see one of these symptoms and you aren't sure, bring your cat to the vet just in case.

1. Vomiting/Diarrhea - Most cats have this at some point simply because they ate something bad and their body is reacting to it. However, if this occurs for an extended period of time, or they are getting dehydrated from it, then it may be a sign of sickness.

2. Sneezing/coughing - Sneezing usually means that your cat has a cold, although sometimes this means other illnesses as well. If your cat is sneezing or coughing, you should bring it to the vet.

3. Inappropriate elimination - Basically, this means going outside of the litter box. Although this can be a behavioral problem, often it is an issue like a urinary tract infection and must be taken care of quickly.

4. Increased Vocalization - If your cat is meowing a lot more than usual, then this may be a sign that they are in pain or unhappy.

5. Increased/Decreased drinking/eating - Any drastic change in eating or drinking behavior can be a sign of an ill cat.

6. Decreased Grooming - When a cat is sick, they may stock grooming themselves as often as they usually do. If your cat's coat begins to look ragged, he may be sick.
These are the most common signs of a sick cat. You know your cat best, if it seems to be changing behavior, or anything seems out of place, then you should take them to the vet. Every cat displays illness differently.

Sally write about cats and kittens on her website, Kitten Advice.

1st Annual Merry Memphis Christmas Celebration Brings True Joy to the Community

A Collaboration of Compassion in the Community!

The Boys & Girls Clubs 1st Annual Merry Memphis Christmas held on December 8, 2011 was an outstanding success! Boys and Girls Club executive director Tyronne Drakeford happily stated, "We had over 200 kids and parents come out to enjoy the festivities. This event not only brought the community closer together, but it also showed our kids the type of promise and fortitude that they have when they put their minds to it."

Some of the evenings highlights included the children visiting the different fun-filled booths of West Tennessee Therapy Dogs, Amro Music, Nike, Girl Scouts and Animal World. Activities included trimming the tree, being able to play and learn about musical instruments, sports giveaways from the University of Memphis Athletic program, youth creating holiday ornaments, calendar and book gifts, animal posters to take home, and the opportunity to play and interact with the loving, beautiful therapy dogs, "Sammie" and "L.E."

Also included were opportunities to become involved with the Girls Scouts and their respected community work. Another highlight was Mr. Drakeford announced that the 'Clothes Nook' would be initiated. This is where clothes and items that the B & G youth can benefit from will be made available at the club. And it is very exciting that it began with the Merry Memphis Christmas event. Furniture donated to the youth room was another reason to celebrate. And last but not least, the variety of refreshments were tasty and the festive holiday music was appreciated by all!

Mr Drakeford continues, "This is just the beginning of many great things to come from the Boys & Girls Buckman Family Club. We look forward to all of your continued support as we collectively help these youth achieve their goals and become productive citizens in society."

Animal World is honored to have joyfully partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis to start this annual tradition. Animal World president Michelle Buckalew states, "Tradition makes life meaningful and what a wonderful tradition to start with Boys and Girls Clubs. This special celebration sets the stage for more collaboration between our community strengthening organizations not only during the holidays but throughout the year."

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis and Animal World USA who have partnered together for this amazing event would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following people and businesses who made this evening possible:

West TN Therapy Dogs, Amro Music, Nike and the Girl Scouts and for their joyful presence at the event.

Special thanks are also in order to the following donations:

-University of Memphis for cool giveaways for the youth
-Tommy & Brenda Carpenter: Beautiful 9-foot Christmas tree
-Debra Jacobson Sparks for the clothings/items to start the B & G Clothes Nook
-Discount Fabrics for the beautiful fabric which adorned the club
-Starbucks for their delicious coffee
-Costco for all the yummy pastries and food
-Kroger for the great variety of cold beverages
-Ashley Buckalew for the holiday crafts and decorations
-Spin Street Records for the wonderful donated holiday CD's
-Memphis Art Supply for their continuing support
-Commercial Appeal for helping to inform the community of this life-changing event

It is the B & G youth indeed that touched our hearts in ways that tranformed our lives forever. The smiles, laughter and joy that they brought to all of that evening will last thoughout our entire lives. The support that they know they have will surely plant seeds in the community that will positively affect generations to come.

If you would like to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, contact executive director Tyronne Drakeford at 901-527-7994.

Thank you from the bottom of our joyful hearts...We love you all!

by Michelle Buckalew, Animal World USA president

Tips for Keeping a Senior Cat Feeling Young

Wendy Diamond's Tips for Keeping a Senior Cat Feeling Young

Watching our pets grow old is never easy, but Today pet lifestyle contributor and Animal Fair editor-in-chief Wendy Diamond knows how to make your pet's twilight years golden rather than grim. Cats are considered seniors at the ripe age of 11, but that doesn't mean they have to lose their spark!

1. Assess Your Cat's Age
Wendy has partnered with Hill's Science Diet to find out how old cats really feel with the launch of the new Science Diet CatAge Quiz. By answering a handful of few simple questions you can determine your cat's real age and pick up some tips to help your feline friend retain their youthful vigor. You can take the quiz by visiting HillsPet.com/DefyAge. And once you have assessed your cat's true age, you can start focusing on how to work against the clock and keep your cat feeling young and healthy as they turn 11+!

2. A healthy body is nothing without a healthy mind to match!
Aging sooner or later always affects the mind, regardless of species. Older cats may become bored or disinterested in activity and thus it is imperative to keep their minds active and engaged in order to stave off the trappings of old age like senility, or depression. Incorporating exploration and problem solving into your cat's daily routine will keep your cats intellect as sharp as their claws! Use Hagen's Cat Design Senses Food Maze. This incredible product makes your cat have to sharpen its mind as much as its claws as it figures out how to retrieve tasty morsels from this ever changing contraption. The food maze is affixed atop a food bowl like a tower with multiple chambers and openings that all spin and rotate for your cat to explore.

3. Skin Care is Essential
As any organism ages, the functions of life begin to slow down, which is why you need to stimulate your cat's skin to keep them feeling like a kitten and to release their natural oils. These oils promote healthy skin and fur and are essential to your cats comfort. These natural oils benefit skin elasticity, which is a quality of youthful skin that depletes with age. By keeping your cat's skin youthful you build their protection against the cuts and scratches that can plague dry, brittle skin. The Cat Spa and Cat-Comb products are two excellent ways to encourage your cat to get the natural oils flowing on their own.

4. You Are What You Eat
The saying "You are what you eat" applies to animals just as much as it does to humans! That's why it's so important to be mindful of what is going into your cat's stomach. Older cats have delicate digestive systems, and their ability to extract nutrition from their food begins to diminish. Pet parents need to make sure that the food that their aging feline consumes is composed of quality ingredients, bursting with nutrition. Feed your senior cat Hill's Science Diet Senior 11+ Age Defying Cat Food. Their breakthrough formula of antioxidants and omega 6 fatty acids, alongside wholesome ingredients that address the four signs of aging, help senior cats feel younger in just 30 days. The special formula includes fish oil for healthy brain function, small, easily chewed and digested, kibble, L-Carnitine to increase lean muscle development and agility, Phosphorus for bladder health, and Amino Acids to maintain healthy organs.

5. Visit Your Vet
This may seem like obvious advice but frequent trips to the veterinarian's office can keep your cat feeling young and vibrant, and could possibly save their lives. Many people attribute behavioral changes in older cats exclusively to the aging process, and while some elderly cats will naturally slow down, this isn't always the case. Always consult a medical professional when your cat acts odd and never assume that new, altered, or strange behavior is something that a pet parent can turn a blind eye towards. By staying on top of your cat's health you are infinitely more likely to catch a potential problem before your cat has the worst of it!

6. Increase Agility
Consider how you can rearrange your home to suit your cats needs. Place ramps leading to your cat's favorite places and treat your cat to a daily massage (it will make for excellent quality time anyway) to stimulate healthy musculature without putting to much pressure on their paws! This gentle approach to feline fitness will leave your cat agile and amiable.