“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” – Woodrow Wilson
| In This Issue |
| In This Issue: Power of Companions; National Love Your Pet Day; Walk the Dog Day; VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital Brings Cutting-Edge Pet Cancer Treatment to Orange County with New Radiation Oncology Department; Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week and National Justice for Animals Week; Upcoming PuppyUp Walks. |
To ring in the Chinese New Year, The Puppy Up Foundation is announcing its first project of the Year of the Dog: The Power of Companions, a monument to honor the powerful bond between pets and people.
The inspiration for this project came from the Founder of Puppy Up, Luke Robinson, who, after losing his dog Malcolm to cancer, walked over 4,000 miles to increase awareness about canine cancer and its similarities to human cancer. Along his travels, Robinson met many pet parents who had lost their companions to cancer and, like him, they were inspired to do great things in memory of their beloved pets.
“The Year of the Dog is the perfect time to recognize those we honor by building a monument,” states Robinson.
The Puppy Up Foundation will be working with the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis for the forging of the monument. Since Robinson was born under the Year of the Dog, and the Metal Museum is located in the same city as the Foundation’s headquarters, he feels that this is a partnership that was destined to be.
Starting February 16th, the Puppy Up Foundation is calling for artists to submit concepts for the monument. “It should be a massive monument to the beauty and spirit of companionship – both in life and loss” said Robinson. Submissions will end on March 15th, after which there will be a selection process to choose the finalists, and then the public will be asked to vote for their favorite design.
For more information and contest guidelines, please click on this link.
This contest is open to everyone.
You might also like to watch Luke and Hudson’s Year of the Dog video on Facebook.
Happy #YearoftheDog
February 20 National Love Your Pet Day
On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. (OK, honestly? We observe this day every day. But why not have a holiday for it too?) This holiday is a day set aside to give even more extra attention to our pets. It’s a good day to focus on the special relationships that we have with our pets.
Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet? While there are more cats than dogs in the United States, more households have dogs than cats. And pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories. There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish or rats. Whoever your pet companion is, we’re sure you’ll be happy for an excuse to enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day.
How You Can Observe this Special Day
Take your dog out for a walk – or take an extra-long walk and visit new places. Dogs read the world through their sense of smell. Imagine the happiness your dog will feel if s/he gets to smell new things. And a new or longer walk allows both of you to get plenty of exercise. Be sure to know the leash laws on your new adventure before heading out. Some places — like beaches — prohibit dogs from running loose, while a dog friendly and enclosed area always welcomes them to run free. And don’t forget to take your phone with the WoofTrax app turned on. You’ll be amazed at the miles you put on and the patterns you make while you’re walking! (And don’t forget those poop bags.)
Make them new toys. Dogs love socks. Take one old sock, roll it up and stuff it into another old sock. Tie off the end and – bingo! A new toy! Or put a tennis ball in a sock and tie it off. Great for lobbing into the air for a good chase. (And it’s a great way to get rid of all those lost, unmatched socks.)
Road trip! If your dog enjoys road trips, go for a ride in the car, visit a new place, and while you’re at it, swing through Dairy Queen and buy your dog a Pup Cup. Sonic also offers a cup of vanilla ice cream for your pup. (Many ice cream parlors will have small servings of vanilla ice cream for your dog. Just ask.)
Snuggle time. If you don’t already do this, let your pet sleep alongside you. Whether it’s your bed, on the couch, in your chair, or on the floor, your pet will appreciate the company.
Fix them a home-cooked meal. Even if you’re not the world’s best cook, a home-cooked hamburger, steak, scrambled egg, or piece of chicken is always appreciated by your pup. A little scoop of cottage cheese or some plain yogurt (check the contents — avoid artificial sweetners) can be a special treat. Veggies are good too. Just be sure to check which vegetables are good for your dog. If your dog’s not used to anything but kibble, though, don’t overdo. Just a small, special treat to begin with will show how much you care. Then gradually add more real food to their diet. Just like with people, real, fresh foods are the best for a healthy life.
Have a wonderful day enjoying National Love Your Pet Day with your favorite companion!
February 22 Is Walk The Dog Day!
February 22 is Walk The Dog Day!
Support the Puppy Up Foundation simply by walking your dog! Use the WoofTrax app each time you grab for the leash. It’s a simple way to help support The Puppy Up Foundation and get out and enjoy some quality time with your pups.
How does it work? After you download the Wooftrax app onto your smartphone, take the phone with you when you walk your dog(s). Simply press the “Start Walking for …” button and the app will keep track of your walk. When your walk is stopped it is credited to The Puppy Up Foundation. The more people walking for us, the more WoofTrax can donate, so please spread the word.
To download the app, go to the WoofTrax homepage and follow the directions.
We hope you’ll use the app wherever you are – whether walking your dog, doing chores around the house, hiking through Walmart, Target, or Costco, running to catch a flight at the airport, chasing after your kids – well, you get it.
When you’re done walking for that time, you can even check the app to not only see how much you’ve walked, but what pattern you’ve walked. It’s not only helping us, but the app is really a lot of fun.
National Justice for Animals Week and Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week — February 18 – 24
Because dogs deserve better!
The organization Dogs Deserve Better is a national group that advocates for and rescues chained dogs. Their goal is to stop the constant chaining of dogs. They work towards this end all year long.
During February, and especially around Valentine’s Day, they send Valentines to continuously chained dogs. Each Valentine includes a brochure that explains why keeping a dog chained up all the time is a form of abuse and also a coupon for dog food or dog treats. Their goal is to educate people (rather than to accuse them of wrongdoing) so that they will either consider bringing their dog into the house or finding a better home for the dog.
Some communities have legislation that prohibits chaining dogs constantly by setting limits on the amount of time or the situations in which dogs can be tethered. (For more information about such anti-tethering legislation, check out Alyce Miller’s article, Breaking the Chain, which appeared in The Bark.)
National Justice for Animals Week
February 25 through March 3 this year is National Justice for Animals Week. The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s National Justice for Animals Week is an annual event dedicated to raising public awareness about animal abuse, how to report it, and how to work within your community to create stronger laws and ensure tough enforcement.
It can be disturbing-and heartbreaking-to witness an act of animal cruelty. Whether it be an acute act of violence or chronic neglect, find out what you can do when you witness animal cruelty.
Here are actions you can take.
Be prepared. Know what to do when you witness animal cruelty.
Familiarize yourself with your state or provincial animal protection laws.
Sign up for Action Alerts so you can take action on national and local animal issues.
Sign the Animal Bill of Rights
Don’t just read the news — make it! Write a letter to the editor about an issue involving animals in your area.
Connect with the Animal Legal Defense Fund on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital Brings Cutting-Edge Pet Cancer Treatment to Orange County with New Radiation Oncology Department
From Business Wire
Ribbon cutting event for the new Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator with RapidArc® Technology will feature special guests
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif.—(Business Wire)—VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital is celebrating the opening of their new Radiation Oncology department by inviting the public to join the “We CANcer-vive” ribbon cutting event on Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located off the I-405 at 18300 Euclid Street in Fountain Valley, Orange County’s most technologically advanced animal medical center has been treating pets since its opening in fall 2016.
The free celebratory event will feature NFL players – including Michael Davis from the Los Angeles Chargers – for photos and signings. In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new radiation oncology department, there will be food trucks and giveaways for attendees. Corporate partners include Be The Match and Puppy Up, along with Boehringer Ingelheim, Aratana, and Diamondback Drugs who have stepped up as generous corporate sponsors to celebrate the opening of this new resource for pets in the community.
“The new Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator with RapidArc® Technology system will provide our patients with the latest in treatment options for cancer,” said J. Michael Walters, DVM, MS, DACVECC, VCA West Coast co-medical director. “With the addition of our new radiation oncology department, VCA West Coast is one of a few in the country to offer cutting-edge stereotactic radiation therapy to treat tumors in dogs and cats.”
VCA West Coast radiation oncologist Dr. Beatrix Jenei, DVM, MS, explains, “RapidArc ® is a technology used in the Trilogy ® linear accelerator system to deliver intensity-modulated radiation therapy with speed and precision. This innovation dramatically cuts down treatment times and decreases the time a pet is under anesthesia.
VCA West Coast hospital offers specialized care, diagnostics and treatment, including internal medicine, surgery, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, neurology, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, critical care, and 24/7 emergency care for dogs and cats.
In addition to the Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator with RapidArc® Technology, VCA West Coast also features the most advanced technology for the benefit of every pet’s diagnosis and treatment, including:
· 64-slice CT scanner that allows for improved image quality and speed. It’s quicker, clearer and helps veterinarians provide more precise treatments.
· 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the powerful MRI being used for veterinary patients. High-field MRI produces clearer images in less time to provide more accurate diagnosis with less need for anesthesia.
For more information on VCA West Coast, please visit vcawestcoast.com.
PuppyUp Walks
PuppyUp Couch Potato Walkless Walk
This winter, keep up with those spandex-wearing, 5k-running, cause-supporting friends of yours without ever leaving your couch. With no pride whatsoever The Puppy Up Foundation announces the 2018 Couch Potato Walkless PuppyUp Walk.
Now that you are recovering from all the festivities involved with celebrating the Eve of the Year of the Dog (that was Thursday, 2/15 in case you slept through it), we have a relaxing event that should be right up your alley.
Our PuppyUp Couch Potato Walkless Walk started Saturday, February 17, 2018, (did you miss that too?). Take a break from watching the Winter Olympics and join us at the virtual finish line (AKA your couch), and feel free to bring a dog and snacks for both of you. Be sure to take selfies, snuggle your pup, and fight cancers in pets and people. Post your photos on our Facebook page and tag your friends so they’ll see your commitment to our cause.
We are extending the “walk” to be more of a month long stroll. The time frame will run from February 17 to March 16. So if any stragglers are out there, they’ll have plenty of time to join the party!
All participants get bragging rights and will earn a well-deserved nap. Registration is $25 and includes a PuppyUp backpack and a bandana. Raise $100 and you will receive a PuppyUp tee shirt!
What an easy way to pitch in and fundraise for cancer research to benefit both pets and people.
Register here. (May require moving fingers.)
Come Walk With Us
In Huntsville, Alabama
Saturday, April 7, 2018
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Providence Elementary School
10 NW Chalkstone Street
Huntsville, AL 35806
Registration: 12:00 pm
PuppyUp Walk: 1:00 pm
Pre-Registration until 4/5: $20
Registration 4/6 and at event: $25
Youth (under 14): Free
No Initial Fee*
*must raise $20 to walk
For more information and to register, please follow this link.
In Spring, Texas
Due to weather conditions, the Walk in Spring, Texas had to be rescheduled to April 21st.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Rob Fleming Park & Lodge
6055 Creekside Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77389
9:00 AM: Check-in & registration
10:00 AM: Walk Begins
12:45 PM: Closing ceremony
1:00 PM: Vendor Fair Closes
Pre-registration until 4/19/18: $20
Registration 4/20/18 & at event: $30
Youth Registration (under 14): FREE
Fundraiser: No Initial Fee*
*must raise $20 to walk
For more information and to register, please follow this link.
Many have provided support, sponsorship, participation and the ultimate act of kindness in teaming with us to raise awareness, funds, and continue education in the study of comparative oncology, and the links between canine and human cancer. And for this, we are eternally grateful.
Don’t Forget to tune in to Puppy Up Studios. Check the web here for new videos and program times.
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Disclaimer
The Puppy Up Foundation does not endorse nor recommend any particular product, service, or treatment. We offer information strictly for educational and/or informational purposes. We believe it is the pet owner’s responsibility to do the research and draw his or her own conclusions.
We can always use your help. If you’re interested, send me an mail at ginger@puppyup.org.
Sincerely,
Ginger Morgan, Executive Director
The Puppy Up Foundation
