Did you know that the ARL rescues horses as well as small animals?  We currently have 2 thoroughbred horses, Jazzy and Breezy, at our barn who were in terrible condition when we rescued them.  They are now at a healthy weight and ready to be adopted!  Take a look at their pictures.

I would like to extend a great big thanks to Christy Sheidy from Another Chance for Horses for appearing on the ARL's monthly BCTV show this week.  She did a wonderful job of telling stories of rescued horses - both the happy endings and of course a sad ending.  Please support this worthy organization by donating, adopting and volunteering.  Another Chance for Horses can be reached at http://www.ac4h.com/ or by calling 610-621-5290.

Next week is jammed-packed with great events to benefit the ARL!  Many thanks to the Bell Tower Spa and Salon for sponsoring the following activities:

July 21 - Choose from $25 Manicures, Haircuts, 30 minute Rejuvenating Massages or 30 minute Hydrating Facials.  Entire service amount will be donated to ARL.

July 22 - Let your pets get in on the fun by receiving a mini-grooming service or relaxing with a Reiki treatment.  Reiki is great for pooches who have anxiety, arthritis or digestive disorders.  After he relaxes, have your dog groomed by The Total Dog and The Little Cat Groomer Jon Bannon from Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It.”

July 23 - Treat your pet to a professional picture by Matthew J. Photography.  Cost is $20 per picture.  To schedule an appointment, call 610 372 6379 ext 224 or email robin@belltowersalonspa.com.  Matthew J. Photography will also be offering Pet Pics at the Animal Rescue League on July 24 from 12pm-7pm.

July 24 - Give your pooch a pampering head-to-toe grooming treatment provided by Diamonds in the Ruff Mobile Grooming and Cool Dog Grooming.  Prices start at $50 and vary according to breed. 

July 25 - the Haute Dog Gala!!! This fun-filled evening will take place at the Sheraton Reading.  Admission is $50 and includes a buffet, cocktails, and live entertainment as well as live and Chinese auctions.  Reservations must be made by July 18. Call Robin at the Bell Tower to make your reservation (610 372 6379 ext 224).

The Reading Eagle ran a newspaper article this week about the explosion of the cat population at the Animal Rescue League.  It's a very sad situation that's not just happening here, but in shelters all around our country.  The article has generated comments from animal lovers in the area who were unaware that so many cats are euthanized.  The staff at the ARL suffers from compassion fatigue as a result of the neverending numbers of strays and feral cats coming through the door.

The situation could be helped if people spayed and neutered their pets.  Even if you are feeding a stray cat, find a way to trap it and get it fixed, then release it back.  Most people don't realize that cats reproduce very easily - a mother cat who is nursing 3-4 week-old kittens can get pregnant again.  Cats can have several litters per year.  The Humane Society of the U.S. estimates that a pair of breeding cats and their offspring can exponentially produce over 400,000 cats in 7 years.  That's just one pair of cats! 

This is everyone's problem and we can all help to fix it.  Spread the word to spay and neuter.

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=97829

Summertime is here and that’s when we enjoy being outside, many of us with our dogs.  And even if you don’t take your dogs with you, there are still some things to consider when you own a dog - for your dog’s safety.  Pennsylvania has created laws for dog owners just for that reason.

Dog Licenses

All dog owners must purchase a license every January for their dogs.  Many people disregard this law for various reasons: cost, inconvenience, don’t know where to get one or simply not wanting to bother.  But a dog license is so important for your dog’s safety.  If your dog runs away from you and is picked up as a stray, the very best way to retrieve the dog is through the dog license.  The animal shelter can quickly run a search to determine the dog’s owner and your dog can be safely returned to you.

Rabies/Distemper/Parvovirus

It is a law in Pennsylvania that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies, for the dog’s protection and for the prevention of the spread of rabies.  Puppies must be vaccinated by the time they are 3 months old.  Another serious virus which infects puppies is distemper. Puppies between 3 and 6 months old are highly susceptible, as well as unvaccinated adult dogs.  Parvovirus also is a very contagious disease mostly affecting young puppies.  Symptoms are weakness and lethargy leading to vomiting and loss of appetite.  As the virus progresses, bloody diarrhea and a high fever develop and sudden death often occurs.  Sadly, young puppies only show the first stage, lethargy, and then die suddenly.  Many puppies from pet stores succumb to this illness. 

Leash Laws

While it may look really cool to be able to have your dog walk by your side without a leash, it is a dangerous practice for your dog.  All dogs, no matter how well-trained they are, have the potential to be distracted by a person or another animal, and may run away from you.  The biggest risk is your dog getting hit by a car.  So for safety’s sake, please walk your dog with a collar and leash.

Puppies Under Seven Weeks

Many people don’t realize that it is illegal to sell, auction or give away puppies who are less than seven weeks old. 

Finally, although it is not a law, the Animal Rescue League encourages everyone to spay and neuter their dogs.  So many dogs (and cats!) need homes.  Why bring more into an already crowded world?  And if you want to get a dog, please visit the Animal Rescue League or any other animal shelter or rescue group.  Lots of happy, fun animals are waiting for you!