June July 2014

Bluff City Bark

JUNE/JULY 2014

Meet Featured Rescue

mEWTOPIA Cat REscue Bluff City Bark Magazine

Shelley Orman and her two BarKwitness Reporters www.bluffcitybark.com

contents June/July 2014

features 8 Dog Park Etiquette It sounds like a simple enough concept: large, fenced area for dogs to party their tails off with one another. However, responsible pet owners must place much more thought into whether or not a dog park is right for their pet.

14

14 Meet Shelley Orman and Barkwitness Reporters

departments

27 Toxic Plants to Cats

4 7 32 33 31 36

Spring is here and so are the beautiful plants and flowers we love so much.

But not so fast! Did you know that there are many common plants and flowers growing in our own yards that can be harmful to our pet pals?

30 20 Ways to Get Happy With Your Pet

My Letter Pet Holiday’s Ask A Vet Maude’s News Recipes Pet Events

interests

24 Mewtopia Cat Rescue 17 Safe Meds for Dogs Featured Rescue 12 Event Photos

26 15 Reasons to Adopt a Cat

“like” us on facebook @Bluff City Bark

follow us on twitter @BluffCityBark

Bluff City Bark Magazine

follow us on instagram @BluffCityBark

follow us on pinterest @BluffCityBark

www.bluffcitybark.com

On our site

Bluff City Bark Creator

Katey McCabe

Contributing Writer Tiffany Warmbrod Brian McCabe

Copywriter Elise Starling

HOW TO CONTACT US

Info@bluffcitybark.com Website: bluffcitybark.com SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Do you have a pet related event coming up? Email us at info@ bluffcitybark.com and submit your event. We want to share any pet related event in the Bluff City area.

DON’T MISS OUT Never miss an issue sign up for our newsletter and get the latest Bark News.

Bluff City Bark is very excited to be Memphis, TN’s first pet magazine. We are very dedicated to publishing helpful and educational information to our community.

We welcome submissions from writers and photographers anytime. Please email to bluffcitybark@gmail.com with questions and creative ideas for articles.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

My Letter

Thank you!

I am so touched by the sweet words and support coming from the Memphis community. This has been such an exciting time starting Bluff City Bark!

This issue is dedicated to all the cats in my life. My husband is a huge cat lover and working at a rescue for the past 8 years, we have acquired some of the funniest and quirkiest cats imaginable. Down the list we have (my husband named them) Shasta McNasty, Myrtle McNasty, Pancake Face, Hornswoggle McNasty, and Randolph McNasty. I love going to the vet and having them call for “Shasta McNasty, you can come back now.”

We hope you like this issue and continue to read Bluff City Bark.

We have many new things to come, so we hope you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter to keep your paw in the gang.

“like” us on facebook @Bluff City Bark

follow us on twitter @BluffCityBark

Bluff City Bark Magazine

follow us on instagram @BluffCityBark

follow us on pinterest @BluffCityBark

www.bluffcitybark.com

h Pancakes

ling wit Myrtle cudd

Myrtle

makin

g Sha

sta m

ad

Hornswoggles

e Face

Pancak

Bluff City Bark Magazine

Randolph relaxing www.bluffcitybark.com

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Pet Holidays

Pet Holidays June

Adopt-a-Cat Month®. From the American Humane Association.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. From the ASPCA. June 4, 2014: Hug Your Cat Day. Second week in June. Pet Appreciation Week.

June 10, 2014: World Pet Memorial Day. June 20, 2014: Take Your Dog to Work Day.

July

Dog House Repair Month.

July 4: Independence Day. This US holiday is no holiday for dogs; the sounds of fireworks causes many dogs to panic and run, resulting in many lost dogs every year.

July 15, 2014: National Pet Fire Safety Day. Sponsored by the The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), ADT Security Services and the American Kennel Club® (AKC).

July 21, 2014: National Craft for your Local Shelters Day July 31, 2014: National Mutt’s Day.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Dog Park Etiquette It sounds like a simple enough concept: large, fenced area for dogs to party their tails off with one another. However, responsible pet owners must place much more thought into whether or not a dog park is right for their pet. Sure, Fido is a happy-go-lucky, fantastically well behaved canine at home, but what about outside the home? Here are a few things to consider, before making the leap into Dog Park Oblivion.

Written byTiffany Warmbrod Photo by Katey McCabe

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

1. You should always bring a leash to the dog park with you. After

a fun filled day romping around with their buddies, you shouldn’t be surprised when your pup probably has a harder time listening to your commands to leave for the day. Leashes are great for slowly introducing your otherwise hesitant pet to the dog park. You should be able to tell quickly if your dog is comfortable enough with the idea of the park to try it out. If not, don’t force it. Pack it up, and take him on a long walk when you get home. He’ll be glad you did!

2. Don’t take your new puppy to a dog park. Not only are

puppies more susceptible to possible illnesses because they haven’t completed ALL of their shots yet, but your puppy probably hasn’t yet comprehended why you keep calling him ‘Spot’. Your puppy most likely also does not respond to your voice commands, or at the very least, not well. Unless you plan on spending an hour at the end of the day trying to wrangle up your pup, I suggest you park a lawn chair on your back patio and have a ‘stay-cation’ in the backyard.

3. Not only should puppies be up to date on vaccinations, ALL

dogs should be up to date. This is a no-brainer, folks. While it isn’t only important for their own health and safety, it’s also important to anyone/anything your dog may come in to contact with in public. This also applies to our four legged friends’ reproductive organs. If you haven’t had your pet spayed or neutered yet (we 31% of household can recommend SEVERAL excellent veterinarians for you!), sit’s best have two cats to forego the trip to the dog park. It only takes a moment before you’re picking out grand-pup names.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

4. Pay attention to your pet when taking them to the dog park.

PUT THE PHONE DOWN. Nothing annoys us more than someone who is constantly on their phone, everywhere they go; and this applies to anywhere in public, not just the dog park. Dogs are like children, they require your undivided attention and supervision.

Just like children, it is imperative to observe the behavior of your dog around others, people and animals alike. Beware of any bad behavior that could potentially escalate quickly. Be proactive, and remove your dog from the dog park immediately. A close eye on your pet will squash any chances of an upset owner coming to you asking you to clean up after your pet, too. Make sure to bring a few waste bags with you, as it’s inevitable your dog will feel the need to use the rest room at LEAST once throughout your visit.

Having your dog in public is really all about common sense and common courtesy for those around. Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your pet. By paying attention to your dog’s mood and behavior as well as those cohabitating the park, you’re much more likely to have an enjoyable experience and become a frequent dog park patron.

Stay safe and happy, furry friends!

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Event Photos

Dog-A-Roo! There was so much to dooooo!

Photos from Shelby Farms Dog- A- Room May 23rd, 2014

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Event Photos

Photos from HSMSC Bark After Dark May 23rd, 2014

Visit our website for more photos

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

t e e M Photo by: Katey McCabe Written by: Tiffany Warmbrod Taken at the Johnson House Manor

Bluff City Bark Magazine

Shelley Orman and her Barkwitness Reporters www.bluffcitybark.com

Cover Story

Houston High School graduate Shelley Orman is a face recognizable to many Mid-Southerners. Since April of 2011, Shelly has graced our homes by way of Local 24 News and CW30 News.

But there is more than meets the eye than the hard hitting journalistic style we see each week; Shelley is also an avid pet lover.

Raised in East Memphis, Shelley always had dogs growing up. “The first one I remember being technically ‘ours’ was a cocker spaniel named Scamp,” she recalls. It should come as no surprise that Shelley would continue to fill her home with four legged friends long down the road.

In 2013, one of the most gut wrenching situations for any animal activist was brought to light in a hoarding case. In the muck and completely unsatisfactory conditions, were a litter of bichon puppies.

Shelley was immediately interested, and soon fell in love with a brother and sister that would later become her beloved Piper and Brady. “I never planned to have two puppies at once, but can’t imagine not having them both.” She shares, “They love being together.”

Shelley loves that Memphis is such a pet loving city and enjoys taking Piper and Brady for walks around town. When they aren’t busy exploring all of the city’s offerings, Piper and Brady enjoy playing hide and seek and snuggling with their mom. “They can spend hours chasing each other and playing by themselves,” she says. It seems as long as these two have each other, the possibilities are endless.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Cover Story

When I asked Shelley what advice she had for anyone contemplating adopting a pet, she replied with a very enthusiastic “Do it!”

She was also very up front elaborating that “I’ve always felt like a house just feels ‘empty’ without a pet. I waited to adopt until I found the right pets, and I had a plan in mind, making sure I had the time and money to care for them.” Amen, Shelley! There is nothing more awesome than a pet lover/owner than a responsible one!

We look forward to seeing more of these two precious siblings in the future around town. Who knows, they may even give Shelley a run for her money and become Memphis’ first Barkwitness Reporters!

To see more photos of Shelley and her pups click here Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Helpful List of First Aid Medications for Dogs Dogs, just like people, can succumb to allergies and other minor aches and ailments at certain times of the year. Let’s face it; prescription medication for humans and dogs alike can get to be quite costly, depending on the condition in need of treating. Here is a list of some common household over the counter medications you may have, that if used properly, can help your pet over the hump of recovery from a multitude of common illnesses.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

•

Benadryl – Benadryl is probably one of the most common go-to allergy

related medications for each of us. Being an antihistamine, Benadryl is great for and swelling or itchiness one might develop due to a type of allergic reaction.

These reactions can range from being caused by a food ingested, to contact with grass or another plant, or even due to an insect bite. Various vets indicated that the proper dosage for Benadryl for a canine is 1mg per pound of body weight (i.e. a 25lb dog would require 25mg of Benadryl). Just like with humans, Benadryl should kick in within 30 minutes of administering the drug.

•

Mineral Oil – Mineral oil has been a natural remedy for constipation for

years and years. If your pup is having trouble going to the bathroom despite their best efforts, mix one teaspoon of mineral oil for every 10lbs of body weight with your dog’s food. Obviously, this is only a temporary relief. If your dog is persistently constipated, contact your vet as there may be another underlying issue.

•

Pepto Bismol – All the common “human” symptoms carry over to dogs

here, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, and even gas. It’s important to note that this should not be used as a solution to your dog’s gas…..we all have gas, dogs just have a more difficult time controlling theirs. However, if you notice your dog has some particularly bad gas, a dosage of .5-1ml for each pound of body weight should help relieve some of the uncomfortable tummy issues your pup may be having. Pepto Bismol can be given to dogs every 6 to 8 hours. **NOTE: Pepto Bismol is TOXIC to cats!!** •

Glucosamine – This is considered a long term treatment for treating joint

pain or arthritis. Man pet foods are now incorporating Glucosamine into their formulas, or you can buy a chewable tablet to “treat” your dog with.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

•

Hydrogen Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting if you

believe your dog may have ingested something harmful to him/her. First, call your vet!! Administering .5-1 teaspoon for every 10lbs of body weight may help induce vomiting, but be sure to give the peroxide 15-20 minutes to take affect. If you think your dog has ingested something sharp, do NOT use this technique as the sharp object may cause more damage to internal organs if your dog is able to throw up.

•

Baby Aspirin – Aspirin can relieve inflammation and pain in dogs. Baby aspirin

is best as it is coated and is easier on the stomach. 5mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours should do the trick, but remember this is a short-term fix. Always give aspirin with food to counter any effect it may have on an empty stomach. DO NOT CONFUSE Aspirin with Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen – these should never be given to dogs. Also note Aspirin should NEVER be given to cats!!

•

Tagamet/Pepcid AC – Pepcid is used predominately for acid reflux. They do so

by reducing stomach acid. These are commonly used to prevent ulcers in dogs taking other/multiple medications. Contact your vet for the best dosage for your pet.

•

Hydrocortisone – A topical hydrocortisone cream can be a saving grace for

itchy or irritated skin. Works great for hives, hot spots, and insect bites. Just use a small amount of the affected spot up to twice daily.

Again, as with anything not pet specific, if you feel at all uncomfortable administering these medications to your pet, PLEASE call you veterinarian first!!

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Featured Rescue

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Featured Rescue

How/ When did Mewtopia start?

Ann Illsley and a few others started Mewtopia in the spring of 2000 and operated primarily out of our volunteers’ homes. In August 2002, we opened our first location at 734 Mt. Moriah. We rented at that location until July 2013 when we lost our lease rather unexpectedly. We remained closed for almost eight months waiting on the sale of our new building to close. We took possession in January and opened our new facility at 1010 S. Yates on April 5th.

Is there a board?

There are currently three board members: Ann Illsley, Kathy Bonney, and Tara Horton How many people work and/or volunteer there?

Mewtopia is ran by volunteers. We have no paid employees. Currently we have about 50 volunteers.

How many cats has Mewtopia rescued and adopted out since its start?

Since our inception, close to 2500 to 3000 would probably be fairly accurate.

From 2003-2007, we were adopting roughly 350 cats/year; but when the economy turned, that number was practically cut in half. We were beginning to see a gradual increase in adoptions when we lost our lease.

Do you ever go to the shelter and rescue from there? Where do most of the cats that you have for adoption come to you from?

Our cats come from all over. Many are owner-relinquished for various reasons‌.allergies, divorce, relocation, behavioral issues, etc. Many come from the streets, and yes, many are pulled from local high-kill shelters.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Featured Rescue

What made the founder want to start a cat rescue? Did they see a need for another cat rescue?

Ann had volunteered at several other shelters and realized the need existed for additional rescue havens.

What are the future plans for Mewtopia?

At the moment, we are focusing on getting the word out that we are open again. We’d love to get our adoptions back up to pre-recession levels, and we hope to start a low cost spay/neuter program in the near future.

Our grand opening will be June 8th from 4 until 6:30 at 1010 S. Yates.

How is Mewtopia funded?

We are funded through donations, adoption fees, and sales of merchandise from our retail shop.

Do you have a wish list?

We always need paper towels, garbage bags, Lysol wipes, copy paper, hand sanitizer and Fresh-Step non-clumping litter.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Featured Rescue

Princess My name is Princess, and it fits me to a tea. I am a beautiful girl with a very regal demeanor. Click on my name or photo to learn more about me....same goes for my other friends here

Coco Hi! My name is Coco! So happy to meet you. I was left on the door step of Mewtopia when my momma couldn’t take care of me anymore. I love catnip, catnaps, and all cat toys. I do great with other cats and would love a loving lap to spend my days on.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Featured Rescue

Smokey My name is Smokey, and I’ve been at Mewtopia since I was a baby. I am four years old now, and it’s time for me to find a home of my own. I’m a little timid; but once I get to know you, I’ll be fine. I would probably do best with a companion kitty.

Want to Help?

Shop, Volunteer, or Donate!

To learn more about Mewtopia visit there website, mewtopiacatrescue.org.

Don’t forget to enroll in Kroger Community Rewards Just make Mewtopia your charity of choice when you enroll by entering our # in 81430.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

Mewtopia Cat Rescue 1010 S Yates Memphis, TN 38119 Phone: 901-503-9328 Email: mewtopia1@yahoo.com Website: Mewtopia Cat Rescue Facebook: Mewtopia Cat Rescue www.bluffcitybark.com

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Top 15 Reasons Why Owning a Cat is the Best 1. Cats don’t need to be walked.

2. A warm kitty is like a small, furry space heater on a cold day.

3. Little paws poking under the bathroom door….Very cute and

entertaining.

4. The smile on your face when you find an assortment of cat toys

under the couch, as if your friend has left you a surprise.

5. Your cat will not judge you for having entire conversations that

consist only of ‘meow’.

6. If you have a lap, you will never watch TV alone ever again.

7. They Bathe Themselves 8. Great at lowering blood pressure 9. Cats are independent creatures 10. Cats do well in apartments.

11. Your cat will always love you, no

matter what.

12. Feeding and caring for pet

encourages childhood responsibility.

13. Cuddling a pet reduces stress,

loneliness and anxiety.

14. “Crazy cat person” is a title you should be honored to have.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Catastrophic Plants Memphis is in full bloom with the beautiful plants and flowers we love so much. But not so fast! Did you know that there are many common plants and flowers growing in our own yards that can be harmful to our pet pals? According to the ASPCA, there are close to four hundred toxic plants for cats. The entire list can be found on the ASPCA website, but we have compiled a quick reference of some of the most common plants for our community. Many of these toxic plants listed below are also toxic to dogs. Cross check our “Toxic Plants for Dogs� list if you have a canine and feline friendly household. These plants may have detrimental effects on our pets and if you even suspect ingestion, contact your veterinarian or poison control.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

s t n a l P c i x o T for

Daffodil

y t t i K s t a C

Hibiscus

Carnation Daisy Tulip Chrysanthemum Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

15 Ways to Get Happy This Summer With Your Pet 1.

Take a hike at Shelby Farms with your pup

2.

Take funny pics with your pet

3.

Frame funny pics and keep on desk at work

4.

Take a joy ride with your pup over to Shelby Farms General Store

5.

Enjoy a nice drink on the patio at Celtic Crossing, Slider Inn, or any

other pet friendly patio

6.

Make some treats for your pup (see our recipe page for some great

ideas!)

7.

Visit a new dog park and let your pup meet new friends (see list of

dog parks in our April/May issue)

8.

Brush your pet. If your dog has an under coat they will be very

happy!

9.

Hug your pet

10. Tell your pet you love them 11. Stop by a pet store and let your pup pick their treats out. Maude

and Heffalump love doing this

12. Give or make them a soft new bed. (follow us on Pinterest for some

great homemade bed ideas)

13. Celebrate your pets’ birthday! They celebrate yours, don’t forget to celebrate their happy day!

14. Update their tags if needed. A happy pet is a safe at home pet!

15. Get a kitty pool and fill with cool warm for your pet to splash around

in this hot summer

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Recipes

Pupcakes

Here’s how to make these delicious doggie “pupcakes.”

Ingredients- (Makes 6 cakes) 1/2 cup organic whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/3 cup canola oil 1/2 cup apple sauce 1 egg 1/2 container of greek yogurt 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter

Frosting 2 ounces of cream cheese 4 tablespoons canned pumpkin 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons of greek yogurt 1 tbsp of flour (just to thicken it)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Mix all the ingredients into a bowl Scoop batter evenly into cupcake pan Bake for about 35-40 minutes Take out and let cool, spread frosting over (recipe below) Mix all of the ingredients together until smooth and spread evenly onto “pupcakes” Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Ask A Vet

Ask A Vet

by Quincy Kahn, D.V.M.

Q Is cat scratch fever a real thing?

A

Yes it is. Cat scratch fever/cat scratch disease is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. This bacteria is actually spread to cats by fleas. If a cat has fleas and scratches you after scratching at their fleas, they can pass the bacteria on to you. The best way to prevent this disease is to keep your cat on flea prevention.

Q Should a pregnant women not own cats?

A

The biggest concern that people have in terms of pregnant women owning cats is a parasite called toxoplasmosis. Generally speaking, pregnant women should have someone else clean the litter box twice daily. There are other sources of toxoplasmosis including raw meat, raw milk and dirt. Pregnant women should consult with both their doctor and their veterinarian to determine what precautions they should take, but pregnant women do NOT need to get rid of their cats.

Q Should a kitten be given milk to drink?

A

Generally speaking, cats do not tolerate milk (goat, cow, etc) very well. It will often give them diarrhea because of the lactose. If it is a very young, orphaned kitten that does not have access to its mother’s milk, then you can purchase kitten milk replacer that is nutritionally balanced for kittens.

Q My cat is not covering her poop. Does this mean anything?

A There are some theories that say there may be a genetic predisposition regarding

whether or not cats cover their poop or it may be a behavior learned by watching their mother or litter mates. It is unlikely that this is an indication of any type of problem.

Q What are some common behaviors of a sick cat or kitten?

A

Cats are actually very good at hiding illness. Often owners do not realize their cat is sick until the cat is very ill. That is why yearly examinations by your veterinarian and twice yearly examinations in senior cats can help find diseases early and keep your cat healthy longer. Things that can indicate illness include, but are not limited to: sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, decreased appetite, decreased energy, etc.

If you have a question, funny or strange, email us at info@bluffcitybark.com and your question might be featured in our Ask a Vet section.

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Maude’s News

News From Maude

Check out dogeweather.com for paws down the cutest, funniest way to get your weather updates!

Follow Maude on Instagram #bcbmaude

BCB Poll Do you have an emergency plan in place for your pets?

Cast your vote at bluffcitybark.com Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Maude’s News

App Find: Red Cross Pet First Aid App

Taking care of your pets in those quick decisions moments has just got easier!

The American Red Cross has developed an app that give veterinary advice for everyday emergencies at the palm of your hand. This app is great from quick first-aid advice and more. Click here to download from the Itunes

Your Pet Can Talk?.....

Bring photos of your pet to life with My Talking Pet! Download here from Itunes

Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Upcoming Events

June

Pet Cadet Summer Camp Pet Cadets Summer Camp will offer kids aged 7-12 activities from crafts, games, hands-on time with the animals, plus education from special Humane Society guests, like the animal trainer! Kids will make enrichment toys and games for the animals, they’ll play educational games of their own, and they’ll get a behind-thescenes look at life at the Humane Society.

Each child will “graduate” as an official Pet Cadet at the end of the week of camp. The cost for camp is $200 per camper.

Location : HSMSC; 935 Farm Road, Memphis, TN 38134 Contact : Debbie Newsom; 901-937-3917; dnewsom@memphishumane.org

6th

Mewtopia Grand Opening!

Come out and help Mewtopia celebrate the grand opening of their new building.

Time” 4-6pm Location: 1010 S Yates. Memphis, TN Bluff City Bark Magazine

7th

The Walk to Cure Arthritis raises funds and awareness to

fight the nation’s leading cause of disability. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs.

Let’s raise funds to find a cure for arthritis, then come together to support each other and walk! Dog lovers will bring their dogs to walk as well. There will be a best costume contest for the dogs and Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets get to be the judges!

Saturday June 7 at Shelby Farms

12th

Doggin’ It 5K

The Doggin’ It 5K will be hosted by the Southern Festival of Dogs organizers.

Location : Overton Park 9AM www.bluffcitybark.com

Upcoming Events

June

June

19th Cooper-Young Pup Crawl

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County will benefit from the Cooper-Young Pup Crawl, presented by Memphis Animal Clinic, on Thursday, June 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. Ten Cooper-Young restaurants will offer special canine-themed drinks for the evening, which will be available from 6 to 9 p.m. during the Pup Crawl.

12th Join SOS (Save Our Shelter) Memphis for an educational forum that deals with the prevention of animal cruelty in our community. Scheduled speakers will include Cindy Sanders and Jackie Johns from Community Action for Animals, Sherry Rout from the ASPCA Southern Region, and Shelby County Judge Larry Potter. This event is free but seating is limited so arrive early.

21st

Spaghetti Warehouse Make sure to visit our Dinner & Silent Auction calender for more Come join Hearts of Gold for a special evening of dinner and a silent auction to benefit Kol, a dog recently rescued by Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue.

Location: Spaghetti Warehouse Memphis, TN Time: 5-7pm

Bluff City Bark Magazine

events and more info on these events

bluffcitybark.com/calendar Have a pet event that you would like to bark about? Email info@bluffcitybark.com with information and we will add to our events page. www.bluffcitybark.com

Community Support Needed for Chance to Win $100,000 Grand Prize and Save More Lives

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County was recently accepted as a contestant in the 2014 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.

HSMSC is competing with 50 other shelters nationwide for a chance at more than $600,000 in grant funding, including a grand prize of $100,000. The 2014 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a nationwide competition for animal shelters (and their communities) aimed at getting more animals adopted or returned to their owners than ever before. The contest period is June 1 through August 31, and in order to qualify, each shelter must adopt out 300 more animals in the three-month period than in the previous year.

“The ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge really gives us an opportunity to engage the Memphis community in helping us save lives,” said Alexis Amorose, HSMSC executive director. “We have a major challenge ahead of us—completing almost double the number of adoptions we did in 2013—and we absolutely cannot do it without the community’s support.”

HSMSC will host a community brainstorm on Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at the 935 Farm Road facility. The brainstorm is open to the public; supporters are asked to bring ideas and strategies for increasing adoptions during this three-month time period and beyond.

The ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a groundbreaking contest that challenges animal shelters across the country to come up with innovative ways to engage their communities and get more homeless cats and dogs into loving homes. For more information about the 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, please visit www.aspca.org/100K. Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com

Thank you for supporting Bluff City Bark and your local animal rescues and shelters.

August/ September Issue will feature:

• • • • • • •

Your Pet and Kids in School Your Meds and Pets Unsafe Pet Emergency What to Do Deadly Foods For Pets Building a Pet Bond Hiking at Shelby Farms World Rabies Day September 28

Visit our site for more articles and a directory of Memphis area pet services. www.BluffCityBark.com Bluff City Bark Magazine

www.bluffcitybark.com