Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee

FEATURED PET!

Event Calendar - July 2009 S M T W T F S       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 PetSmart Adoption Event (Parkside) 1 pm - 4 pm 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Mast General Store Adoption Event (Gay St.) 1 pm - 3 pm 19 Quarterly Meeting 20 21 22 23 24 25 Karns Community Fair 10 am - 3 pm 26 27 28 29 30 31

Donations needed:   The support of local veterinarians is vital to any rescue group, and we are very fortunate to work with two clinics that offer us a discount on services; however, veterinary care for our foster dogs is still extremely expensive. Rarely does the adoption fee for a dog cover the expenses that have been incurred. If you are considering making a financial contribution to SBRET, any amount is welcome, or you might wish to make a specific donation to cover any of the following expenses:

$140 - Spay/neuter, inoculations, microchip, heartworm and fecal check for one dog

$50 - Gas card to defray a small part of the transportation expenses: rescuing dogs from surrounding counties, transporting dogs to the vets, home visits, or transporting dogs to other rescue groups

$75 - Dental cleaning for one dog

$15 - Heartworm and flea preventative for one dog for one month

$5 - New collar and leash for one dog

$30 - Worming one dog with appropriate medication

$30 - Grooming (usually total shave down) for one dog who comes to us severely matted.

•  Click here for life-saving information - Pet First Aid classes! 
• DogAge Pet Tip of the Week -- Fabulous Fur from the Inside Out
• Foster Homes Desperately Needed !
• Travel Tips for Pets!
• PetRescue.com has great advice for finding a lost pet!
• SBRET Mission Statement and Donation Information

Knoxville American Red Cross Pet First Aid Classes

Keeping your pet indoors and under your control outdoors is the best way to protect against most accidents. Be prepared for the unfortunate accidents with skills learned at the Pet First Aid classes at the Knoxville American Red Cross. The $25 investment could save your pet's life! The American Red Cross pet first aid class gives cat and dog owners the skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies and to monitor their animals' health. The class allows pet owners to provide care until they can get their pet to a veterinarian. Check their website for registration information.

Find great pet care tips at dogage.com also. This week's tip is:

Fabulous Fur from the Inside Out

If Lady's fur is getting hair-raising looks despite your dogged attempts at grooming, she may need more of these important nutrients: essential fatty acids (EFAs).

For healthy skin and hair, dogs should have sufficient amounts of EFAs, like omega-6 and omega-3 fats. And because the body can't produce the stuff, dogs need to get it through diet. Most pet foods should contain enough EFAs to keep the coat in good shape, but if your pup's is dull, dry, or scaly -- or if you see hair loss or sores caused by excessive scratching -- she may need some extra.

EFAs are found in vegetable oils, such as sunflower, as well as in both fish and flaxseed oils. And you can boost the amount in your dog's diet with supplements, either in liquid or capsule form. But before doing this, your vet needs to check out your pup's coat to assess its condition.

And if it turns out that your dog does have a skin or hair problem, you should ask your vet to suggest the best supplement (and proper dosage) to give to your canine pal.

Besides their fur-boosting benefits, EFAs may ease arthritis and allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation.

SBRET is in DESPERATE need of foster homes! We have been inundated with requests to take in WONDERFUL dogs, but we cannot take many of them in, simply because of a lack of foster homes! Won't you please considering fostering a dog? It's a short-term commitment with long-term results - you end up knowing that a simple action on your part has saved a life. Yes, the actions of one person CAN make a difference, as anyone who has read "The Starfish Story" can tell you. And we'll make it as easy as we can for you. We provide all needed medical care, and even loan you a crate if needed - all you must provide is a safe place to live, food and water, and lots of love! So if you're interested in fostering, PLEASE contact SBRET or complete our online Foster Application!

For some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the family can't come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.
3. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
5. What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
6. Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects.
8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side.
9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.