Meet Tuffy, An Available Dog At The SD Humane Society

Tuffy is one of the Employee Picks at the San Diego Humane Society.

Clear The Air loves featuring pets from the San Diego Humane Society who are in need of a home.

Here is who we chose today and why the employees at the SD Humane Society things she’s a gem!

Amie, one of the certified teachers on at the San Diego Humane Society‘s staff who does educational outreach, simply adores the sweet senior doggie named Tuffy. Here’s Amie’s explanation for the bond she feels with this special gal:

“The first time I saw Tuffy, I was drawn in by her big beautiful eyes and sorrowful expression. This girl wears her heart on her sleeve! From the minute you meet this sweet girl you know she is longing for a forever-family of her own. She takes her time when she meets a new person, but once you gain her trust (and having some peanut butter doesn’t hurt!) she blossoms into a love-bug. Tuffy embodies what I love most about the animals I see come through SDHS, an amazing resilience and capacity to love and trust no matter what circumstances that brought them in our door.”

Come to our Central Campus to meet sweet-souled Tuffy today!

Meet Nelson From SD Humane Society

Meet Nelson, available for adoption!

Check out why he is an employee pick at the San Diego Humane Society:

Yes, it’s true. Nelson has MANY admirers around here. And one person on whom he has left a most indellible paw print is Adoptions Counselor, Rebecca. (Sharing a smooch with the special pooch, to the right.)

Mutt Monday’s Dog Of The Week

Check out Duke from the San Diego Humane Society.

Duke (#124538), is an American Pit Bull Terrier/Great Dane. He is 4 years and 6 months old and his Adoption Fee is only $95.00. Check him out:

Why I’d make a great companion: To know me is to love me or so I’ve been told! My name is Duke and I am an independent thinker who enjoys a bit of adventure. I am also devoted, loving and mellow as well. In short, I have a multifaceted personality that I believe that as you get to know me you will come to adore. I am well-mannered on walks and I take everything in stride, including passing dogs, skateboarders, bikes, cars and other distractions. Prepare yourself, as I am generally the center of attention when I am out and about because of and I quote ” stellar good looks and gangly long legs.” Although, I enjoy a moderate activity level, I am perfectly content with the occasional lounge session at the feet of my beloved pet parent where I can enjoy a chewing session with my tennis ball. I absolutely enjoy a good rub down and I L-O-V-E the sensation of ‘collapsing’ tennis balls in my mouth. But what I would really enjoy, is a family to call my own. I have been waiting to give my heart completely to my forever family and if that is you, than you can expect to rewarded a hundred-fold.

Type of home I’m looking for: I will do best in a house with teenaged children and without cats.

Other things you should know about me: My adoption fee includes my spay / neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, a gift from Hill’s Science Diet, a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista, and limited veterinary medical coverage from VCA Hospitals up to $250!!

During the adoption process a San Diego Humane Society Trainer will be present to answer any questions and share how to best care for me and tips for continued training in the future.

San Diego Humane Society’s Hidden Gem

Rudy – one of the San Diego Humane Society’s hidden gems.

Hidden Gems are wonderful companion animals that are not “on display” in the San Diego Humane Society’s public adoption gallery because they do best in a calm and quiet environment outside of the public adoption area.

These animals are readily available for adoption – check out Rudy:

Rudy. Rudy Pa-tudy. The Rudster. Poody Rudy. What does this special 2-year old Miniature Pinscher have even more of than nicknames?? PERSONALITY! …and BRAINS!…and ENERGY!!

It’s true, the only thing that’s remotely small about this doggie, is his size! In addition to his enormous amount of spirit, zest & zeal, he has one huuuuge brain. And that is very fitting you see, because he also possesses a ginormous heart with an abundance of love that he is ready to share.

This adorable boy is currently in a foster home where he has been making tremendous progress toward becoming the very best family member he can be. In addition to working on his manners and training, he is also having a blast with his foster siblings (as you can see from the photo to the right). But he would LOVE to have a home of his own in which his new family could continue to help him practice good behavior and keep that remarkable mind of his challenged. He will also need lots of physical activity as well. And when these two things are present – physical & mental stimulation – our cutie pa-tudy Rudy is at his very best & promises to be an unbelievably wonderful member of the family.

Check out more on Rudy here.

How To Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween Season

Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults, but it can also be scary for animals if you’re not careful.

Any holiday brings an increased risk of harm and health problems for animals when candy and decorations are involved, but Halloween can be especially risky for a number of reasons. We encourage everyone to have a safe and fun holiday, but please keep the safety and well-being of your pets in mind!

Here are some tips to keeping your pet safe during the Halloween season:

• Never leave your dog outside unattended – this is a generally safe rule to follow, but it is particularly important on Halloween. It is a sad truth that disturbed individuals have been known to injure and even kill pets on Halloween. No matter how safe your neighborhood may be, Halloween often brings out the pranksters and vandals, so don’t take any chances and keep your dog inside with you where you know he is safe.
• Most people will agree that there is nothing cuter than a dog in costume.  However, as appealing as your dolled-up pup may be, it is important to always keep your dog’s happiness, safety and comfort in mind.
• Everyone knows the best part of Halloween is the candy, but unfortunately this is one of the main reasons that vets see an increase of sick animals around this holiday. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and will likely notice the increase of sweets in the house. Keep all types of candy away from your dog!
• If you put up Halloween decorations, be sure to keep them well out of your dog’s reach. Dogs gravitate towards things that are shiny, small and/or inedible – all of which can cause serious health problems! Candles, lights and cords are a huge safety hazard for all pets.
• Make sure your dog is in a safe, secure place when the trick-or-treaters come knocking at your door. The continuous knocking or ringing of a doorbell combined with the constant opening and closing of the door will offer plenty of opportunities for your pet to dart out and run away.
• No matter what your friends said in college, a drunk dog is NOT a happy dog. Never ever give any amount of alcohol to any animal. If you think it would be funny to see your dog intoxicated, think again. Alcohol is essentially poison to dogs and can cause symptoms including but not limited to: vomiting, disorientation, seizures, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and death.

5 Reasons To Adopt A Pet

Why adopting is better than purchasing a pet.

Thinking about getting a new pet? Before you go to your local pet store or contact a breeder, please consider adopting a pet.

The following are 5 reasons to adopt your pet:

1. Healthy Pet – Animal shelters across the United States are filled with happy and health animals begging for a forever home. Shelters provide exams and vaccinations when the pets arrive and also spay and neuter pets before they go out to be adopted. Most animals are given to shelters because of people reasons like divorce, moving, or financial constraints, not because of anything they’ve done wrong.
2. Save A Life – Did you know about 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in the US because too many people give up their pets and too few go to a shelter to adopt? Unfortunately there is limited space at shelters and they must make the difficult decision to euthanize an animal who hasn’t been able to get adopted.
3. Save Money – Adopting an animal in itself is much less expensive than buying from a breeder or pet store. The fees you pay at a shelter barely cover the cost of spay or neuter and vaccinations.
4. Feel Better – Knowing you provided an animal a forever home that would otherwise not have one is a fulfilling feeling. Plus, animals give you unconditional love along with their psychological, emotional and physical benefits. Caring for a companion animal provides a sense of purpose and lessens feeling of loneliness and isolation for any age.
5. Stop Supporting Pet Overpopulation – Puppy mills have poor conditions with improper medical care for both puppies and adults. By adopting you are helping to give a pet a second chance at having a loving and forever home.

Please consider adopting if you are looking for a new fuzzy family member.

7 Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe On The Fourth Of July

Pet safety for the Fourth of July.

The Fourth of July is a lot of fun but to your pets it can be a very scary time. This is the biggest time of the year that pets go missing and it is usually because of the loud noise of fireworks that scares them off.

Please keep these helpful tips in mind to keep your pets safe this holiday:

1. Keep your pets indoors at all times. Even if your pet is used to being outside, the loud noises from fireworks may make them break free from their restraint or jump the fence if they are trying to find safety from the noise.
2. Don’t let your pet drink alcohol. Pets can become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma or even die from respiratory failure.
3. Leave your pet at home if going to watch fireworks. The combination of too many people and loud fireworks will cause your pet to freak out and do anything they can to seek shelter. Do not lock them in the car either!
4. Ensure your pet is properly identified. If your pet does manage to get loose, an ID tag with your name and phone number on it will help your dog find his way back home. You also want to make sure your pet is micro-chipped.
5. Never use fireworks around your pet. Lit fireworks will not only scare your pet but they can cause severe burns, trauma to the face or paws and even death. They also contain toxic substances even when unused.
6. Avoid giving your pet table food while you are barbequing or enjoying a backyard party. Onions, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and more are all hazardous to your pets.
7. Oils, citronella candles, insect coils and other insect repellant products are toxic to your pet. Inhaling these toxins can result in respiratory illness such as pneumonia and indigestion which can harm your pet’s nervous system.

Do you have any tips to keeping your pets safe on the Fourth of July? Please comment on our blog!

Featured Pet At San Diego Humane Society

Bubbas – the Purrrrfect Choice!

Check out Bubbas’ bio:

This handsome boy is not only an absolute lovebug, but also has an adorable personality that is sure to capture your heart. Bubbas is 7-year old Domestic Longhair who is apt to be mistaken for a motor boat whenever he’s being pet, as he loves to purr! In fact, he has a tendency to enjoy such exchanges (petting for purring, and the like) so much that he might even drool a little! Despite how it might sound, I assure you, it’s adorable. This sweet guy takes just a bit of time to come out of his shell, but once he does – anyone who meets him is quick to fall in love. Bubbas is great about using his scratching post, and has a particular affinity for cat nip if one sees fit to offer him a treat for being so very awesome.

Bubbas would do well in a variety of homes, but doesn’t prefer to share the spotlight with another kitty and would therefore love to be the only cat in your life. But we’re certain that won’t be a problem with the abundance of personality and love this guy has to share.

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

Animal ID 99289

Outside Cat vs. Indoor Cat

Many cat parents feel bad their cat can not experience life outdoors and out of guilt will start to let their cat out. Unfortunately awful things can happen to your cats when they go outside — they can be hit by cars, attacked by predators, infected with diseases or just disappear.

But many people still let their cats outdoors — often with misplaced good intentions. We would like to share Petfinder.com’s most common reasons people let their cats outside, along with safer, indoor alternatives.

Myth 1: Indoor cats get bored.

Fact: The truth is, indoor cats can and do get bored, but letting them outside is not a good solution.

Instead, make your home more interesting: Set up perches where he can watch birds from the safety of inside, build a DIY cat playhouse, hide his food or modify his feeder so he has to “hunt” for it. Finally, if your cat is amenable to it, you might consider adopting a second cat as a playmate.

Myth 2: Indoor cats are overweight.

Fact: If your cat is overweight, the safest way to help her trim down is by combining portion control and a daily exercise and play routine.

Stop free-feeding your cat, or at least be mindful only to feed a healthy amount per day. Yes, cats do overeat. You can consult your vet about how many calories your cat should be eating in a day.

Have a cat who won’t stand for an empty food dish? Keep him distracted with the activities mentioned above — the feeder toy would be perfect for him. If you feed wet food, try stuffing a smaller dog’s toy (like a Kong) with the food so your cat will have to work to get the food out.

Cats love a schedule. Try feeding him at the same times each day and he’ll get used to the routine quickly. Just remember to consult your veterinarian before starting any new feeding or weight-loss routines.

Myth 3: Indoor cats are destructive.

Fact: Destructive behavior is often a sign that something else is going on. Is your cat sick? Bored? A talk with your vet or a behaviorist may be in order.

Myth 4: My cat’s always been allowed outside, so he can’t be indoor-only.

Fact: Many cats have successfully gone from outdoor-only or indoor/outdoor to indoor-only. The key, again, is making sure the indoor environment is just as interesting as outside — and being vigilant about preventing escape attempts.

Myth 5: My cat is safe when he goes outside because he stays close to my home.

Fact: A study of 10 house cats and seven farm cats published in the European ecology journal Ecography found that on average, the house cats covered more ground than the farm cats — at night, the house cats moved within an average area of nearly 20 acres, compared to just over 6 acres for the farm cats.

A lot can happen even within a small radius of your home, so if you really want to let your cat outside, consider harness training him or creating a screened-in enclosure for him.

Myth 6: I need to let my cat out of the house because I’m allergic to her.

Fact: You may well be allergic to your cat, but it’s possible you’re really allergic to something she’s bringing in: Indoor/outdoor cats pick up fleas, ticks, pollen and other allergens from the environment.

If you really are allergic to your cat (an allergy test will tell you for sure), there are some easy ways you can reduce the allergens in your home — even when your cat is indoor-only. Find out more about living with cat allergies here.

To read entire article from Petfinder, click here.

New Year’s Eve Pet Safety

Keeping Your Pets Safe On New Year’s Eve

When you are welcoming in the New Year tonight, keep in mind your pets and other animals may not be so enthusiastic about the noise.

Pet’s ears tend to suffer from the noise made by firecrackers blasts, causing them to tremble, bark excessively, refuse to eat food, hide or run away and sometimes even lose bowel control. Besides the noise, fireworks also produce plumes of smoke that may harm animal’s respiratory systems.

Follow these helpful tips from PETA on how to keep pets and other animals safe during New Year festivities:

• Keep cats and dogs indoors in a room where they feel safe during fireworks displays and, if possible, stay with them.
• Act happy and calm around scared animals in order to reinforce the idea that they don’t have a reason to be afraid.
• Leave your animals at home during the celebrations – never take them with you to watch firecracker displays.
• Never leave animals tethered or chained outside.
• Close your windows and curtains. Turn on a radio that’s tuned to a classical music station, or turn on the TV to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
• Watch for stray animals who may be distressed. If you see an animal injured by fireworks, call your local Humane Society.