JANUARY 21, 2015
Fourth Annual “Rock N’ Roll Rescue” fundraiser to benefit Foothills Animal Rescue
Desert Mountain event to feature dinner, live entertainment,
auction and pet adoptions
WHAT: A four-hour event to raise much-needed funds for Scottsdale-based animal shelter. Tickets are $125 each (tables of 10 are $1,250) and include dinner, a live auction and dancing to music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s performed by the Roadrunners. Select small dogs will be available for adoption. Veteran touring and studio musicians, the Roadrunners include band founders Kip Phillips and Michael Engelmann, Desert Mountain members who have played with hundreds of musicians ranging from Kenny Rogers to the Allman Brothers.
WHO: Foothills Animal Rescue, a Scottsdale-based cage-free shelter that saves lives by the care and adoption of homeless cats and dogs rescued from Maricopa County public intake facilities.
WHERE: Cochise/Geronimo Clubhouse, Desert Mountain, 37700 Desert Mountain Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 24 from 6 – 10 p.m.
TICKETS: Tickets and tables can be purchased at Foothills Animal Rescue (23030 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 85255), by contacting Laura Jones 480.266.9862 or [email protected]. They are also available through their website, www.foothillsanimal.org.
WHY: All net proceeds from the “Rock N’ Roll Rescue” fundraiser will go to the care of the shelter dogs and cats.
Established in 1995, Foothills Animal Rescue has found families for more than 1,200 homeless dogs and cats through adoption events, foster homes and directly from the shelter since 2011. Foothills Animal Rescue depends on the support of local volunteers and businesses to raise the funds needed to keep the shelter running.
NOTE: Although Desert Mountain is a private community, the Cochise/Geronimo Clubhouse will be open to the general public for the “Rock N’ Roll Rescue” fundraiser.
JANUARY 21, 2015
A Walk in the Park
Although the cold, winter weather may suggest otherwise, January is National Walk your Pet Month. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or want to improve on old Fido’s walking habits, here are some tips to make walking your dog ‘a walk in the park.’
“The absolute best length of leash is not 100% established, but the key is to not have the leash be so long so that you are unable to control your pet when they are on the leash,” said Dr. James Barr, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Dogs, like their owners, have all sorts of different personalities and activity levels. While Fido may become anxious for his daily walk as soon as the sun comes up, Fluffy might rather just curl up by your side all afternoon. For those dogs that don’t necessarily look forward to going on walks, a little motivation can be helpful.
“Whether or not your dog needs rewards for walking depends on their intrinsic motivation,” said Dr. Barr. “If they do not want to go on a walk, then a reward system will help them be motivated to do so. However, most dogs don’t need motivations; they love it.”
Walks are also great training opportunities, so bringing their favorite treats along to practice obedience while you’re out on your stroll can be beneficial. This will not only convince them that going on walks can be fun, but also helps with their training.
The length of the walk is entirely dependent on your dog. Young, active dogs will likely respond positively to longer walks, whereas older dogs may not be able to handle the longer durations.
“The weather conditions at the time can also really effect how the pet does on a walk,” said Dr. Barr, “especially when it is extremely hot and humid.”
It is important to keep your dog’s health in mind, as well as the weather and terrain, before dragging Fido along on too rough of a walk that may do more harm than good.
When on a walk, you should have your pets on leash at all times, especially if they show signs of aggression toward other pets. “Most municipalities have rules about having animals leashed,” said Dr. Barr. “The main thing is to avoid a situation that may cause aggression in the first place, and having them on leash usually mitigates this.”
Having your pooch on a leash and in your control can also help prevent them from running off if distracted or startled by something. Even the most well trained dogs can unexpectedly dart off after or away from something, and it may be difficult retrieving them.
Keep in mind that your pets just want to spend time with you, no matter what you’re doing. Going on walks is a great way to get some fresh air and a little exercise, and if done correctly, can be a daily routine that you both eagerly anticipate.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.
