A Happy Dog Adopted From The SD Humane Society

We love stories with a happy ending!

Especially when it involves animals! Check out this great happy ending story from the San Diego Humane Society about a dog, Milo, who was adopted by a sweet and loving family…he even has his own Facebook Page!

“He is my inspiration and gives me more joy then anyone could ever imagine!”

We adopted Milo a pug/ Chow Chow mix  in 2008 from SD (Gaines Street) location and he has been the smartest most loving dog we have ever had.

He loves to go with us everywhere we go including our office. He goes to work every day.Milo even has his own tie for the office, but usually wears a simple bandana for a more casual look!

He enjoys just sitting in the car, thinks he is a pug and will try to climb on your lap. He has learned many tricks but his best trick is just the fact he loves to cuddle!

He was a groomsman in my sons wedding last year and even danced with guests at the reception. He is “The boss” like all the staff at the office like to call him and he loves every minute of it.

One of the artists at Kess Inhouse in Oceanside (Where Milo Works ) even created an Art piece of him and now others can enjoy his sweet face because you can buy it on home goods on Kess inhouse website and even direct from Amazon.

He is my inspiration and gives me more joy then anyone could ever imagine!

Here is Milo’s facebook page
facebook.com/MILODOGPAGE

The Gupta Family
October 2013

How To Get Your Cat To Use The Litter Box

It is natural for a cat to want to use its litter box.

Sometimes, however, kitties have accidents and they don’t always use the litter box when they should. Most of the time it is something you, as their owner, can change for them and make their litter box more accessible.

Here are some tips for creating a pleasant environment for your kitty’s sandbox:

• Keep the litter box in a safe and quiet location. Make sure it is not in a corner with no escape – like the end of the laundry room with one entry/exit.
• Keep litter box clean….no one likes a dirty outhouse!
• Keep litter box and the cat’s feeding area in separate places.
• Don’t place litter box on carpet…often the feel of carpet is more attractive than the litter.
• Don’t move the box around and if you have to change the location of it, do it gradually (a few inches a day)
• The bigger the box, the better.
• Add Earth Care’s Clear The Air Odor Eliminator to the box every time you scoop or clean the box.

If your kitty misses the sandbox or has an accident somewhere else he/she isn’t supposed to, clean up the spot and sprinkle Earth Care on the soiled area. Cat urine is a very strong odor and unfortunately it stays in the carpet if you do not have the proper way to get rid of it. That is why Earth Care works great for cat urine odor. Earth Care draws in odors like a powerful magnet. The odors are adsorbed and neutralized.

Mutt Monday’s Pet Of The Week

Check Out April!

April is available for adoption and is one of the San Diego Humane Society’s employee picks. Find out why:

Pat R., one of our wonderful Central Campus Canine Companions, adores the 10-year old Border Collie/Spaniel Mix, April, and has chosen her as her pick:

What do you like best about your pick’s personality? “She’s ADORABLE! Lots of spunk for an ol’ dog! April loves to run around and play.”

What first drew you to your pick? “I love Border Collies!”

Is there something special about the way
your pick looks? “Her cute ‘old soul’ mug and fluffy ‘always-wagging’ tail!”

What is your pick’s coolest/silliest/most fun trait? “She insists on taking her toy from the agility yard back to her crate! I wish I had a video of it!”

Anything else? “Look at that face! What’s not to love?!”

April’s intake number is 131412. She is looking for her forever home…come check her out!

5 Tips to Make Cleaning Fun

If your sense of shame outweighs your desire to entertain, it might be time to step up the housework.

Piles of stuff, a smelly fridge, an oven that needs cleaning, toothpaste on the bathroom sink—if this describes the way your home looks most of the time, finding a few cleaning shortcuts will definitely help you out.

It’s not necessary to spend every day engaged in heavy housework if you know and practice the cleaning tweaks recommended by the pros.

Soaker Method

Spray it down and let the cleaner do the work for you. Often, allowing a cleaner five minutes to soak into a surface will save you 20 minutes of strong elbow grease. The same goes for toilet bowl cleaner when you treat the bowl before bed and swish it in the morning. For odors that just don’t want to leave, Clear the Air products will get your house smelling fresh and clean. Placing a bag or sprinkling granules around the house will completely eliminate those stubborn smells.

Make an Appointment With Yourself

If it’s clutter that has you firmly in its overwhelming grasp, make an appointment with yourself several times a week. Even 15-minute intervals provide enough time to whittle down the piles of mail, toys and dislocated items that belong in other rooms or out of your life altogether. Pencil yourself in on your desk calendar, just like you would a doctor or dental appointment. This way you’ll be more apt to honor the commitment you’ve made to a more organized home.

Make Cleaning Convenient

Imagine how difficult it would be for your mechanic to fix your car without the proper tools. Mechanics have implements that make their jobs easier, such as specialty wrenches, extension arms and more. If you approach cleaning with the same mentality—that it takes tools to get the job done right—the task will take on a whole new energetic feel. Find the products that work best for you and make those little household jobs easier:

• Antibacterial wipes
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Specially shaped mop heads
• Over-size buckets
• Handy cleaning caddy

The items mentioned above shouldn’t cost much, but you should also invest in a a high-output, low-weight vacuum, like the ones made by Dyson and sold at department stores.

Hampers in Every Room

If even one person in your family is guilty of leaving a trail of discarded clothes in their wake, keeping a laundry hamper in every room will make life much easier. Those little piles of socks and leggings that were pulled off and tossed in the corner go far in giving your home a disorganized feel. Keep the clothes off the floor and neatly tucked away in hampers.

An Ounce of Prevention

It’s the little things that matter—like one doormat that sits just outside every entrance and a second one that lays just inside. It’s the double whammy of dirt prevention. Removing shoes at the door, Keeping a cleaning tablet dissolving inside your toilet tank and adding a few drops of olive oil to your floor rinse to help prolong the shine on your wood floors are all excellent preventative measures you can take to help cut down on the workload throughout the week.

Marshmallow Needs A Furr’Ever Home!

Marshmallow – A  suuuper SWEET treat!

Check out Marshmallow from the San Diego Humane Society! She needs a forever home and is as sweet as can be!

Behold, the marshmallow!! T’was ever there a sweeter treat? And, true to her name, Marshmallow, the 11-month old kitty, is just as sweet as can be. Now, as is the case for any marshmallow, this adorable red tabby can require a little bit of time and care in order to warm up and soften. You see, she had a rough start and was forced to fend for herself during a time when she should have been pampered. As is such, she can be a bit wary of new people and environments.

But this sweet girl has made remarkable progress in the short time that she has been with us, and we just know that when she finds the right home, she is certain to show how very beautiful she is both inside and out. In addition to being sweet and having an adorable face, Marshmallow’s favorite pastimes include looking out the window and watching the world around her, playing with her feather toy, and rolling over for a good belly rub.

We simply can’t wait for this wonderful kitty to find a loving home, where she can feel safe and loved and let her inner sweetness shine!

If you are interested in meeting Marshmallow, please come by our Central Campus on Gaines street to meet her, or call us at (619) 299-7012.

Animal ID 134588

Why You Should NOT Declaw Your Cat!

Declawing your cat is not the answer!

If you are thinking of declawing a cat, or a veterinarian suggests declawing at the same time as neutering, before you make a decision for non-reversible surgery, please consider these reasons NOT to declaw.

Your cat will live his remaining years with the result of your decision, one way or another.

First it is important to know scratching is normal. Cats scratch for several reasons. First, it feels good. It also “files” their nails and helps make room for newer growth.

Declawing can trigger behavioral problems. Although veterinary research has not turned up evidence that declawing alters a cat’s personality, the simple mechanical changes the procedure brings can eventually result in behavioral changes. Declawed cats may be more likely to bite, for example, since their first line of defense is gone.

Declawing your cat rids him of his chief weapon of defense. A typical counter-argument is, “My cat is indoors-only.” Even indoor cats sometimes manage to escape. A declawed cat does not stand a chance against a large dog, a bigger cat, or a predator. Although he still has teeth, by the time he gets in close enough to bite, it may be too late.

A declawed cat will lead to other problems such as resistance to using the sandbox. Declawed cats often associate the pain when digging in litter with the litter box itself, and will avoid it, choosing softer carpeting instead.

When cats lose their ability to give a quick warning scratch, they will often resort to their second line of defense: a good, hard bite. The cat’s owner may sometimes find himself the victim, just when he thinks his cat is enjoying a petting session.

Cats need the exercise that their claws and toes provide. Watch a cat stretch, whether horizontally on a carpet or vertically with a tall scratching post. He will grab the carpet or sisal with his claws, using the resistance to pull and stretch his muscles. Cats’ claws actually play a large and positive role in their amazing muscle tone and agility.

Instead of declawing your cat, consider other options. Trimming your cat’s claws frequently and buying a scratching post to sub in for that treasured armchair (sprinkling catnip on it may help get him interested).

Check Out Juniper, Looking For Her Forever Home!

Meet Juniper!

Juniper is a hidden gem at the San Diego Humane Society and is looking for HER forever home! Check out why she is so special:

Ever met a dog who’s a leaner? Y’know, the type who sooo enjoys being pet that they start leaning into you? It’s like they are trying to get as close to you as possible. Um yah, it’s pretty much the cutest thing ever, just sayin’.  …Well on that note, I’d like to introduce you to Juniper, an adorable 1-year old Chow/ Golden Retriever mix, and a total leaner. And she might even roll over and grant you the honor of giving her a belly rub while you’re at it!

While it’s true that Juniper can be a little shy at first – that’s only at first. Once she gets to know you, her abundance of charm and her sweet personality comes shining through! And what’s more, Juniper loves being friends with people and doggies alike. In fact, this special girl would love to have a dog buddy at home, to whom she promises that she’ll be a most loyal and devoted play pal! ‘Cause Juniper certainly does love to play! Fetching tennis balls is one of her favorite activities, but Juniper also enjoys simply romping around with her doggie buds. And, of course, throwing a toy into the mix is always encouraged. But with all her playfulness, this sweet girl still knows how to sit back and enjoy life, especially if cuddling on the sofa is involved!

Juniper is currently living in a foster home where she has almost completely mastered potty training, and where she is also learning some very cool skills like “touch,” “shake,” and “come.” Not too shabby, eh? Her foster family has also been working to help Juniper feel more comfortable with the big scary world that’s all around her, and they tell us that she is making lots of progress. Of course, some things – like the vacuum cleaner – still make her very nervous. Her foster family says that Juniper’s ideal home would be one that’s adult-only (as the kiddies tend to make her really nervous), that’s not too loud or chaotic, and that has a high fence and another dog in the home, or at least lots of doggie play dates for her!

Juniper’s adoption fee of $95 includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, a bag of food from Hill’s Science Diet and a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista! As we said, this very special hidden gem is currently in foster care, so please contact us at (619) 299-7012 to set up an introduction or get more information!

Check out more on Juniper at the San Diego Humane Society‘s Hidden Gem list on their website!

Go Green And Keep Pests Out Of Your Home

No one wants pests in their home.

Unfortunately many solutions to getting rid of pesky pests involve harmful pesticides which are poisonous to you, your children and your pets.

As a green product itself, Clear the Air likes to find green solutions to keeping pests out of your home.  We would like to share some helpful tips on keeping your home pest free, naturally!

Before spreading poison throughout your living environment, which you, your children, and pets will breathe in, try these all-natural alternatives:

Prune Shrubs – To control pests inside the house, a lot of work needs to be done outside the house. Insects often find their way into the house by climbing on shrubs and trees that are touching the outside walls of your house. Trim everything back so there is a foot clearance between plants and exterior walls.

Rake – Likewise, many insects that live in leaf and lawn debris are going to find easy access indoors if they are hanging out near the foundation of your house. Rake this area well. Pull weeds and only keep plants and shrubs that are well cared for near your foundation. Anything that is dead or dying will attract insects.

Clean the Kitchen – Ants often infest a kitchen faster than you can put the cap on the soda bottle. To prevent an all you can eat ant buffet, keep your kitchen clean. Washing dishes after each meal and putting all food away in the refrigerator will go a long way towards keeping the ant pests out of your house.

Relax – Most insects won’t kill you, but the poison you spray on them might. So, if your insect problem is minor, then don’t worry about it too much. Take some preventative measures and let it go.

How To Move With Pets

Moving with your pets?

Whether you are buying a new home or moving into a new rental, if you have pets it is important to make sure the move is as uneventful as possible.

If you plan to move in the near future, check out our helpful tips to make sure your pets stay as calm as possible during the move:

• Stick to your routine – If you have certain times you feed, play and walk your pet, stick to them even during the move. On the day of your move, feed in the morning as you usually would and take your dog out on a walk before your move.
• Bring your pets’ toys – Bring along your dog and cat’s favorite bed, toys, treats and food and water dishes. When arranging their items in your new home, place them in places similar to where they were in your old home.
• Keep things calm – If you feel your pet will benefit being near you during the move, plan on that. If your cat would rather be away from all the hustle and bustle, keep him in a crate away from the madness until it is safe to let him or her out in your new home.
• Keep your pets confined – During the move and while you are packing and unpacking, it may be likely doors and windows will be left open. Avoid having your pet hide or run away and keep him confined to one room you know will not be bothered. It is also a very good idea to keep your pet’s identification and your contact info on your pet. Keep vet records with you as well.
• Be patient and provide plenty of love and reinforcement – It may take a while for your pet to get used to their new surroundings. Let your dog and cat explore and come out when they’re ready. Make sure your cat’s litter box is easily accessible and in the same room you let him out in. Give them lots of attention, more than usual. Change is difficult for your pets; let them know everything will be alright by paying extra attention to them!

How To Eliminate Cat Litter Odor

Does your cat’s litter box smell?

Clear The Air’s Cat Odor Eliminating Products are specially formulated to eliminate cat urine odor.

If you have a cat you know that cat urine odor is incredibly strong and can be almost impossible to get rid of. However, our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator works wonders at keeping this odor away.

Check out our helpful tips to ensuring your cat’s litter box goes unnoticed to your nose:

Scooping – The number one rule, and the only thing that will keep litter box odor at bay, is constant cleaning. That means scooping the box out at least twice a day, removing the solids and liquid clumps if you use clumping litter.  If you don’t use clumping litter, you can use a large solid metal spoon to lift out the most urine-soaked areas each time you clean and add litter as needed to replace what is removed.

Washing Your Litter Box – You should also get in the habit of washing the litter box at least every other week if not more.  Use a mild unscented dish detergent and rinse clean.  Remember to clean your scooper too.  When the box is dry, sprinkle a thin layer of our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator in the box first.  Then add two to three inches of litter.  Cats do not like a deep tray of litter and this allows you to add litter as you scoop.

Type of Litter – Some have perfumes and others have additives to only cover the smell.  To a cat, these smells can be overwhelming and make the box unwelcoming.  It is usually a good idea to get unscented litter and sprinkle our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator in the box to eliminate the odor, not cover it up.

Type of Litter Box – Using the largest box your home can accommodate is the best idea.  A good rule of thumb is to get a box that is at least twice as long as your adult cat and wide as the cat is long.  Even though a covered box is nicer to look at, most cats don’t like them and they also trap odors inside making it unpleasant for your pet to enter.

Location – Lastly, location of your cats litter box is very important to keep your pet happy to relieve himself in the correct areas.  The rule is one litter box per cat plus one.  It is important to have the boxes in different locations.  Also make sure the box is in a low traffic area, away from his or her food and in a place that your cat can easily get in and out of.

These suggestions may take a lot of effort but not only with your cat be happier but you will as well, not having to put up with cat urine odors.    Remember to pick up Clear the Air’s Cat Urine Odor Eliminator available at all Petco stores or online.