Starting an animal rescue is a much bigger endeavor than most people think. Some groups lack the resources to make it through the first year of service. This is why, when a small, tight-knit group of people unite to not only create a functional rescue, but also demonstrate a willingness to tackle big problems, you know you have something special. In a very real sense, this month’s featured grant recipient calls to mind Margaret Mead’s famous quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Lucy the beagle definitely knows her way around the kitchen.

Would you be surprised to learn that 50% of the dogs and cats in America are overweight? Worse, these percentages, not to mention waist-sizes, are only going up.

My Dear Friends,

This month’s featured grant recipient is Companion Animal Rescue & Medical Assistance Inc. (CARMA), a non-profit organization doing its utmost to alter the destiny of dogs and cats abandoned in New Mexico.

Along with the majority of our customers and Field Reps, I consider companion animals as family members. I believe that their diets should be as healthy and delicious as our own, which is why I have dedicated my life to researching the best foods and products for our pet kids. Although there are significant differences in nutritional requirements and taste preferences between dogs and humans, new compelling research published this year suggests that canine diets, and subsequent genetic profiles, evolved in order to cohabitate with humans.

Some people just have a knack for attracting the affections of cats. Others, not so much. If you’re in the latter category, you should definitely watch this short episode of Pet Talk, where Dr. Sarah reveals the secrets to ‘cat whispering’. Joined by Alvis, her feline guest-host, our staff veterinarian presents an excellent tutorial for those interested in learning the proper way to pet a cat. Great for children or anyone with limited experience with felines.

Even though the U.S. has seen a dramatic reduction in the annual number of dogs and cats euthanized – rates are one-quarter to one-fifth of those in decades past – an estimated 2.7 million still fail to be adopted every year. Given that 25-40% of rescue dogs are purebred, the need for specific-breed advocacy is vital. Championing the merits of a particular breed not only helps the breed in question, it also boosts the perception of all breeds. This month’s featured grant recipient has made significant inroads towards fighting canine homelessness through their tireless advocacy on behalf of Golden Retrievers.

For those of you who enjoy taking your pup to parks or on trails where no leashes are required, off-leash training is an absolute must.