Happy 250th Birthday America!

What were dogs like in 1776?

In 1776, dogs were valued primarily for their working abilities—like hunting, herding, and guarding—but were increasingly kept as loyal pets and camp companions. Founders like George Washington and John Adams were noted dog owners, with Washington famously keeping dozens of hounds and spaniels at his Mount Vernon estate. Overall dogs in the 18th century played very specific roles in daily life and even in the Revolutionary War period:

• In the Military: Soldiers on both the British and American sides adopted stray dogs to boost morale and keep them company. Dogs were also utilized to carry packs and messages;
• Famous Compassion: During the 1777 Battle of Germantown, Washington’s troops found a lost terrier belonging to British General William Howe. Instead of keeping it as a trophy, Washington cared for the dog and returned it across enemy lines under a flag of truce;
• Pets of the Founders: John Adams owned a mixed-breed dog named Satan, and his wife Abigail had a spaniel named Juno. George Washington's pups included a mischievous French hound named Vulcan, notorious for stealing a whole ham straight from the Mount Vernon kitchen;
• Shifting Culture: The 18th-century Enlightenment sparked new scientific and philosophical interest in animals. In 1776, clergyman Humphrey Primatt published a book on animal kindness, arguing that animals have feelings and deserve compassion.

~~July Dog Observances:

Specific May Dog Holidays

• July 1: ID Your Pet Day
• July 11: All American Pet Photo Day
• July 15: National Pet Fire Safely Day
• July 21: National Craft For Your Shelters Day
• July 26: National Dog Photography Day
• July 31: National Designer Dog Daym (Mixed Breed Pups)

Month-Long Observances

• National Lost Pet Prevention Month
• National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
• National Dog House Cleaning & Repair Month

Happy 4th of July!



Surviving Thunderstorm Anxiety

Thunderstorm and hurricane season has arrived, and many pets suffer from anxiety from storms. During thunderstorms the air becomes saturated with static electricity, causing pet fur to act as a natural collector of these electronic charges. This static build-up creates uncomfortable tingling sensations and minor shocks (zaps), which is a leading cause of thunderstorm anxiety in many pets.

Why Static Build-up In Pet Hair:

As a storm builds, negative charges in the clouds and positive charges on the ground create an intense electrical field in the air. Pet fur is a conductor. Their fur, combined with their insulating paw pads, allows them to consume a large electrical charge. When they move around or brush up against surfaces the build-up static rapidly discharges and can give them a tiny zap.

How To Relieve Static Discomfort:

The symptoms that pets usually display showing their discomfort are pacing around the house, hiding, shaking and/or panting. My Amber pants and paces during thunderstorms. Also, in my personal experience anxiety symptoms seem to appear as my pets got older, younger pets may not be bothered by static. The following ideas that can help to alleviate their anxiety are:

• Anti-static wipes - gently rubbing your pet with unscented dryer sheets can remove the static from their fur (this helps Amber);
• Grounding out - many pets instinctively hide in the bathtub or tile floors, these materials help to dissipate the electrical charge from their coat;
• Specialized vests that feature a metal lining shields your pet from the charge build-up and grounds them;
• Leave-in conditioners and grooming sprays formulated for pets help to keep the coat hydrated, which naturally minimizes static.

Having a plan and products on-hand can help to eliminate many sleepless nights!

Orville & Prescott

Orville Prescott was an American literary critic renowned for his influential roll as a daily book reviewer for the New York Times. In addition to being a critic he was a dog lover. Our Orville and Prescott are a bonded pair of boys renowned for their daily ability to influence the lives of everyone at the shelter. These two fun loving boys bring joy and laughter to everyone they meet. Orville and Prescott are super playful, very sweet and friendly, and get along well with other dogs. They enjoy affection, playing with toys and exploring the yard.

 Orville (black and white) and Prescott (white and apricot), are both Shih Tzus and about 4 years old. Orville is about 10 pounds and Prescott is about 14 pounds. They are looking for a new family who will give them a lot of affection and playtime. Orville and Prescott will bring double the joy and double the fun into a new family's life - why not yours?

If you believe you are a great match for this awesome bonded pair, put in an application today. Please click on their picture to watch the video of Orville and Prescott running and playing in the yard, enjoying their surroundings, and becoming happier and more relaxed each day!



- Does your dog need advice about human behavior that only a trained dog advisor can answer? Ask Amber!.

Amber is one of the editor's dogs who, of course, is a Shih Tzu Rescue Alumni

• Dear Amber,

Do fireworks and sparklers create static electricity and cause anxiety like thunderstorms do?

~~Nervous

• Dear Nervous,

No, fireworks do not create static electricity like thunderstorms do. However, the loud booming sounds and flashes of lights created by fireworks can trigger a different type of fear and noise anxiety. We dogs do not understand sudden loud noises and flashing lights, they are scary and can create severe panic in us that may cause us to desperately try to escape and/or chew on furniture. This type of anxiety is much harder to alleviate. Ideas to give to your humans include:

• Creating A Safe Den - have your human close curtains and lower shades to block off flashing lights. Also using a fan or television set to muffle sounds can help;
• Tell Your Human To Act Normally - we take cues from their owners, so if our humans remain calm it will send a signal that the loud noises are not a threat;
• Seek Veterinary Help - for sever cases of anxiety vets can prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

Most Important:

 Tell your humans to never leave the house on the Forth of July and to keep the doors closed! The biggest danger to pets on this day is if they get out of the house and run, terrible things could happen!

~~With pearls of wisdom & a perfectly fluffed tail, Amber

Send us your fun dog questions for Amber and we will feature them here!