San Diego Humane Society Featured Pet

Check out one of the latest Pets of the Month at the San Diego Humane Society!  This guy, Unger, has a special story and is an employee pick.

Rebecca S., an Adoptions Counselor at the San Diego Humane Society Central Campus, simply adores Unger and his goofy & lovable personality. She was first drawn to the 2-year old Pit Bull Terrier when she saw his remarkably good spirits during his recovery from a leg amputation surgery. His spunk and sweetness was an inspiration. “Unger only has 3 legs, but he never lets it hold him back!” shares Rebecca. In addition to his happy-go-lucky nature and zest for life, this playful pooch loves to cuddle; offering yet another reason that Rebecca thinks Unger is simply the best. As Rebecca puts it, “Unger is a 60 lb., 3-legged lapdog who is ALWAYS willing to cuddle. What could be more awesome than that?!”

Doing his happy wiggle dance, enjoying a toy, and playing fetch are all beloved activities of Unger’s… But even greater is his love for people. Now, all he wants is to find some people of his very own who would let him be a part of their family and share his abundance of love with them daily!

If you are interested in meeting this happy guy, come on down to the San Diego Humane Society Gaines Campus for an introduction! Or, please feel free to call Customer Service at (619) 299-7012 if you’d like some more information.

Let’s work together to get Unger a new forever home!

Preparing Your Home For The Holidays

Everyone wants a nice clean and odor free home for the holidays.  Clear the Air would like to share some helpful holiday ready home tips with our fans.

Remember to take advantage of our Odor Eliminator products to get your home smelling it’s best!

To get your home ready for entertaining, some simple tweaks to your furniture arrangement and home furnishings can do wonders. It takes just a little to make your space more guest-friendly and attractive. Some tips you might want to consider for a holiday or dinner party:

Make Room: Open up your floor space by arranging furniture to allow guests to move around freely. Remove furniture pieces you will not be needing to a temporary holding place. This might even be a good time to consider whether you need these at all.

Introduce Order: Take a look around to make sure that your room looks comfortable and does not present a haphazard look, no matter how casual you want it to be. Mixing too many sizes, scales, colors or textures can make a space seem confusing and even uninviting.

Formal vs. Informal: Decide beforehand whether you want a formal or informal look. For a more formal arrangement you need more symmetry in how you arrange your furniture and accessories. Go with more muted or deeper colors, and stick to just very few. For a more casual look, you can go for more of an informal balance or asymmetry. You can be more playful with your colors and textures and themes.

Express a Theme: Having a theme helps you unify your decor, and could add to a more festive atmosphere. Continue your party’s theme from room to room to give an uninterrupted flow to the ambiance.

Nature: Bring nature indoors with arrangements of leaves, branches, twigs, or other natural elements that emphasize the season or your theme.

Take Advantage of your Walls: Hang artwork or mirrors to dress up your walls. Wall hangings or artwork that go with the season or occasion can continue the theme of your party, and make your space more festive. For holiday entertaining, strings of lights, ornaments, and removable wall decals can be also be used.

Lighting: Lighting is crucial in setting up the ambiance of a room. Make sure you use it to create the effect you want. Multi-layered lighting lets you adjust the amount of light you need at different points in your evening. Candles can add tremendously to your decor, and your fireplace is also a source of light.

Focus: Have a focal point in the room to anchor the space, and decorate around your favorite item or feature giving it the place of honor.

No Crowding: Remember to have enough room at the table without crowding your guests. Either use a table with leaves or set up another table. You can extend the one you have by adding another table instead of crowding people around it. If none of these options are available, consider doing away with a sit down dinner or have fewer guests.

Personalize It: Above all, don’t hesitate to give your space your own personal touch. Everything does not have to match, and unusual furnishings will make your place more interesting, and personal. Just remember to arrange it in a way that makes sense instead of chaos. In the end, do what feels right to you, because it is your home.

Tips To A Happier Dog

There are several ways you can help to ensure that your dog is feeling happy and staying active while you and your family are away during the day.

A good idea is to do some fun activities with your dog before you leave the house.

Try making some time in your routine for a walk together before you leave for work or the kids go to school. That way both dog and humans will be getting exercise and you’ll be spending some quality time together.

If there isn’t enough time to go on a walk in the morning, try having a play session before you leave the house. You can give your dog some exercise and tire her out so she’ll spend at least part of the rest of the day relaxing until you return.

The following are some tips to help enhance your dog’s home environment:

Introduce a new toy. A new toy can add some excitement during the day while your dog is home alone. A tough chew toy that can’t be torn apart while you’re gone is best, just in case your dog likes to gobble things up. Also rotate toys: After a day or two, put one toy away so it’s out of sight and mind, and bring out another to replace it. This will keep all of your dog’s toys fresh and exciting.

Fill up a treat-dispensing toy. Coaxing a toy to dispense treats may be a fun “alone time” activity for your dog. The treat toy will help entice your dog to stay active and the rewards will enforce good behavior during your absence. Even the laziest dog may not be able to resist a toy that gives out yummy treats when you play with it.

Add a fountain. Making sure your dog has enough water for the day while no one is home is very important, and a dog fountain can provide a constant supply of clean fresh water while also piquing your dog’s interest. Many dogs love water and the running water of a fountain can create a diversion for your dog. Be sure to have the regular bowl of water out just in case your dog does not take to the fountain while you’re away.

Use sound and video media. Pleasant sounds and video images in the home help your dog from feeling like he or she is alone when no one else is around. On some days, you can play a soothing classical CD. On other days, you can leave the TV on and put in a “for dogs only” video that will let your dog enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without having to leave the doggy bed.

Create a comfortable napping place. It’s inevitable that your dog will want to snooze part of the day away while you’re gone, so set up a comfortable place for your dog to relax. A soft bed in a darkened room is always calming. If your dog has been crate-trained, you can leave the crate door open and put a bed inside the crate, making it the perfect doggy den for napping.

Use a dog pheromone. If you sense that being alone causes anxiety in your dog, try using a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser, spray, or collar. The pheromone released by these products is similar to one that a lactating mother would emit to calm her newborn puppies. This pheromone will be familiar to your dog and create a sense of relaxation. You can place the diffuser in a room that is usually occupied by your dog, apply the spray to a dog bed, or have your dog wear the collar.

Install a dog door. If you have an enclosed yard in which your dog is safe to roam around while you’re gone, consider installing a dog door. The door will allow your dog to leave and re-enter the house at will, and to enjoy the sensory delights that your neighborhood has to offer.

Hire dog caretakers. This is a good option for dogs who are going through training or who suffer from separation anxiety. You can take your dog to a day care facility where your companion will be under constant supervision, or you can have a dog sitter or dog walker come to your home and make sure that your dog is getting the attention and exercise he or she needs while you’re out. Your dog may greatly appreciate the mid-day exercise and visit.

Consider a second dog. Deciding whether to get another dog—and integrating a new dog into the household—are major undertakings that are beyond the scope of this article. But if Resident Dog and New Dog get along, each may benefit greatly from having company during parts of the day that would otherwise be spent alone.

Cat Owner Tips

Tips for cat owners.

If you have a cat as a pet, check out these helpful tips provided by Clear the Air to ensure your cat is properly taken care of.

Collars:  All collars on cats are dangerous unless the collar has an elastic insert or is the “breakaway” style.  Cats can strangle if the collar gets caught on something, or injure themselves trying to get the collar off.  If you put a collar on a kitten, please be sure to check that it does not become too tight as the kitten grows! If your cat goes outside, prevent the cat from killing birds by adding a small bell to the collar.

Feeding: Do not feed your cat food made for dogs or use any dog care products on cats.  Dog food and “human” table food lack essential vitamins and minerals cats need such as taurine – an essential amino acid for cats.  Lack of taurine in the diet causes blindness, serious heart problems (dilated cardiomyopathy), and may promote urinary tract problems as well.  Feed only well-balanced cat food, appropriate to the age and activity level of your cat.  Avoid dairy products!  Dog flea preparations often kill cats.  Likewise, medications, shampoos and other products made for dogs (or humans) can be toxic to cats. Never give aspirin to a cat!

Surgical Claw Removal or Declawing: This is an extreme measure in which the entire last part of the ten front toes are amputated.  A graphic comparison in human terms would be cutting off a person’s finger at the last joint.  General anesthesia is used for this surgery, which always has a risk of disability or death associated with it.  Because declawing provides no medical benefit to cats, even slight risk can be considered unacceptable.  In addition, the recovery from declawing can be painful and lengthy and may involve postoperative complications such as infections, hemorrhage, and nail regrowth.  The latter may subject the cat to additional surgery.  Declawing not only robs a cat of an integral means of movement and defense, but it can also cause cats to undergo a profound personality change, in which they may become extremely timid or unusually aggressive.  Other options include the use of scratching posts, adhesive plastic nail caps, regularly trimming the cat’s nails, and discouragement of unwanted behavior. Methods of discouragement include placing a sheet over the target furniture or using aluminum foil or double-sided tape on the object.  It is also possible to discourage scratching by using a scent which cats generally do not like, such as the fresh smell of citrus.

Indoor cat: It is important to consider making your cat a strictly indoor pet.  The list of risks to outdoor cats include poison (like antifreeze), injury (falls, cars, attacks by other animals or humans, or broken glass), parasites (fleas, ticks, or worms), disease (feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis, upper respiratory viruses, etc.), and theft. Believe it or not, pets are regularly stolen by unscrupulous individuals for sale to the animal research industry, for cult use, or as food for snakes. Keep your cat indoors, and you will have a healthier, more socialized, and content family companion.

Keep your pet entertained: Provide your indoor cat with toys and a tall, sturdy scratching post made of a rough material such as sisal (hemp-like rope) or a strong woven material (carpeting is rarely a good material for a post), regular claw-clipping (we do not recommend de-clawing!!!), nutritious food, fresh water, and lots of love and companionship.  You will both enjoy it!

Is Your Cat Sick? Signs To Look For

We all want the best for our beloved pets and keeping an eye on changes in your cat can help detect any changes in health early enough before they become fatal or an expensive trip to the vet.

Check out the following signs your cat may not be feeling his best:

The Fur – Cats are extremely clean creatures with very good personal hygiene habits; they will almost always take care of their own grooming. A healthy cat’s fur should be soft, clean and have a slightly glossy appearance. If you see any visible changes in the condition of your cat’s coat, the fur becomes dry, matted, dull or almost greasy, this could be a sign your cat is not well. A cat that suddenly stops preening is almost certainly not well. On the other hand, a cat who ‘over grooms’ so that the skin looks sore and red and missing patches of fur could be a sign of stress, a flea infestation, allergy or a skin condition.

Changes To The Cat’s Eyes – Cat’s eyes are extremely striking to look at and they all vary from cat to cat. They can have small, vertically slit pupils, the spindle-shaped cat’s eye or naturally dilated looking pupils. A cat may have different colored eyes. If a cat is unwell, the eyes will show it. If your cat’s pupils seem to change size, either both of them or just in one eye this can spell out trouble in the cat’s nervous system. Pupils with a milky or even filmy look may indicate vision problems.

Ears – Like the coat, a cat will do a good job at maintaining the cleanliness of his ears. With the exception of a bit of ear wax, the ears should usually be fairly clean. If on inspection of your cat’s ears you notice any redness, swelling or a bluish or yellow tinge inside the ears, contact your vet. Same goes for excessively itchy ears, if your cat can not stop scratching his ears it may be ear mites. A cat’s ears are particularly sensitive in extreme temperatures, due to lack of blood flow in the area, your cat could get frostbite on the tips of its ears so keep a close watch on your cat’s ears in winter.

Appetite – Keeping a close eye on your cat’s eating habits can determine its overall health. If your cat has always been a vicarious eater and suddenly shows no interest in food or eats very half heatedly he may not be 100%. But if your cat stops eating all together or struggles to keep food down, this is a serious sign and should be investigated by a vet.

Mouth, Teeth And Gums – If you’ve ever tried to open your cat’s mouth you’ll know it can be somewhat of a challenge, but your cat’s mouth and gums are very strong indicators of illness. The color of the skin inside the mouth should have a pink tinge off of it, skin that is white or yellow toned could be a sign of anemia or liver damage. Skin that shows a slight blue tinge is a cause of concern as this could show poisoning or a respiratory problem. However, some changes to the mouth and gums are normal, the cat’s mouth may take on the same color as its coat this is generally normal as the cat gets older but should be checked out by a vet. Teeth should be inspected from time to time, tartar build up can not only cause bad breath but can cause infections that can enter the cat’s bloodstream and end up infecting his organs.

Featured Pet at San Diego Humane Society

Check out Abigail!  She is an employee pick at The San Diego Humane Society and is ready for her forever home!

Check out the bio about Abigail and why she is so special:

Our Director of Operations for the Central Campus, Morgan H., is happy to select Abigail as her employee pick.  She describes Abigail as adorable, sweet, and silly at times but her outgoing and friendly personality is what attracted Morgan the most, who as a cat lover herself, considers those traits to be perfect for any family who is ready to adopt her.

Morgan says that every time she passes by, Abigail is ready to say hi and draw a smile for her. Her bright yellow eyes in her cute little black face can tell you instantly how she feels and will have you hypnotized with love.  When she plays, she tends to go for interactive games and her favorite toys are wands and anything with feathers.

Abigail is just adorable in every way – when she plays, when she roams, and even when she sleeps. If you think Abigail would make a great addition to your family, visit our Airport Road Campus to meet her in person or call customer service at 619-299-7012.

Would you like to adopt Abigail into your home?  Call the San Diego Humane Society at 619-299-7012.

Eliminating Cat Litter Box Odor

It is cat month during the month of September! Get rid of smelly litter box odors.

If you have a cat you have probably noticed the litter box aroma once in a while.  Not only do you not want to smell the sand box, but your cat doesn’t want to have to either.  Clear the Air can make the litter box easy on everyone with their Cat Urine Odor Eliminator product.

Remove cat urine odors in carpets, concrete, wood floors, tile, furniture, and litter boxes with out chemicals or fragrances. This unique form of Earth Care Products Mineral can also be sprinkled on top of your cats litter box to completely eliminate odors.

Clear the Air does not have to come into contact with the odor producer; it will pull the odors from the carpet pad, and sub-floor.  It draws in odors like a powerful magnet. The odors are then adsorbed, and neutralized without any fragrances.

Clear The Air does not cover up odors; it literally “clears the air” leaving the air fresh and clean.

Next time you go to clean out your cat’s litter box, sprinkle some Clear the Air in the litter box and your cat will thank you…so will your nose!

Clear The Air is made from an all natural mineral, is non toxic and biodegradable and safe for Planet Earth. It is also safe around children and pets even if eaten.

Hidden Gem from San Diego Humane Society

As a huge supporter of the San Diego Humane Society and finding animals a forever home, Clear the Air would like to share a Hidden Gem in need of a home.

Cindercol is Simply Irresistible!

Cindercol is a beautiful, 2-year old female feline, whose personality size is only exceeded by the size of her heart. This pretty kitty is sure to keep you endlessly entertained with her playfulness and enthusiasm for life, and her sweet sassiness is a bit contagious. One can’t help but imagine the letters of Cindercol’s name lighting up some margue on Broadway, such is the charisma and vibrance of this cat’s personality! And boy-oh-boy, does this kitty love attention! Whether it’s a well-earned  chin scratch, some rousing playtime with a toy, or engaging in a leisurely conversation about your day, Cindercol is happy as long as she’s with you!

During our Pick Your Purrfect Price promotion YOU can determine Cindercol’s fee, which includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista!

For more information about this lovable gem of a kitty, or if you’d like to meet her, please contact Customer Service at (619) 299-7012 or stop by our Gaines Campus.

Odor Eliminator Testimonials

Clear the Air testimonials from happy customers.

Here at Clear the Air we love hearing success stories from our products where odors which otherwise could not be removed were finally eliminated with our products.  Check out what they had to say:

Good Afternoon Bill, I hope all is well with you.  I just wanted to reach out and let you know how impressed I am with your products.  You were absolutely correct, the dog urine smell in our living room is gone thanks to you.  I will certainly recommend your products to anyone who is in need.  Have a wonderful afternoon.

– Greg V.

Greetings, My name is Mark Myers.  I am an outside sales rep. for Forshaw Distribution.  I have been asked to kick off the Kentucky 3 day Pest Control Short Course held annually in Lexington Kentucky by lecturing on new products in the pest control industry.  Awhile back you sent me a case of the odor eliminator bags to “show and Tell” to my customers which I did and thereby resulted in several sells.  To show my gratitude for the samples you sent me I have decided to showcase your product before 500+ attendees at the seminar.  I will relay my first person true story how I tested one of them in my dog’s “potty pen”;  It can become rather offensive if I have to be gone all day and can’t clean it till I get back. Your product has always removed the odor and never let us down. Thanks for the samples.

Sincerely, Mark M

Another Hidden Gem From The San Diego Humane Society

We do a lot of fundraising with the San Diego Humane Society and always love sharing special animals with our followers.

We’d like to share another hidden gem from the San Diego Humane Society, Benji.

Been looking for love? Meet Benji…

Benji is a sweet, one-year old Pit Bull/Lab Retriever mix who is as lovable as he is cute! Still an exuberant pup, Benji approaches life with enthusiasm and plenty of curiosity. Although he had a tough start in life that has left him a bit shy, he is becoming more and more social daily, and Benji’s current foster mom reports that he is doing very well, having fun, and wagging that tail of his more than ever!

This sweet guy will need some extra time and patience from the lucky family who adopts him. The world around him can seem very new and scary, so Benji appreciates slow introductions and lots of love to help him overcome some of his fears. In addition to playing with tennis balls and being his energetic and goofy self, Benji also knows how to relax with the best of ’em and enjoys spending plenty of quality time snuggling on the couch.

Benji’s adoption fee of $75 includes his neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, and a certificate for a free veterinary exam! This very special hidden gem of ours is currently in foster care. If you are interested in meeting him or getting more information, please contact San Diego Humane Society‘s Customer Service at (619) 299-7012.