It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary

Valentines Day!

2011-02-09T19:28:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day Promotion: When you click this link and make a purchase for Valentines Day, they will donate $10.00 to It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue. We truly appreciate your support. http://www.causes.com/valentines/134608?m=b8472ba0 Please feel free to crosspost.

Fundraiser for Shadow

2010-04-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

We are having a fundraiser for Shadow. He needs his tooth pulled, causing him a lot of pain, to the point of not eating. Please go to www.itsmeowornever.etsy.com and purchase a delicious item for your bath or your tummy and 100% of the proceeds will go to Shadow.

Please help find this missing girl!

2010-04-23T00:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Renton-woman-missing-police-seek-publics-help-91860269.html

Whole Foods Fundraiser!

2010-03-04T23:29:00.000-08:00

Whole Foods in Redmond, Washington is having a fundraiser for us. If you bring your own bags, they give you the option of getting .10 cents back or giving it to charity. Please do your shopping at this wonderful store and help our animals at the same time. The address is: 17991 Redmond Way, Redmond, WA 98052 USA

My name is T.C.

2010-01-03T12:14:00.001-08:00

I need a new home and my adoption fee has been waived. I am a Persian kitty, declawed, and will love you forever.

End of Year!

2009-12-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

Please make your end of year donations by going to www.itsmeowornever.org by December 31, 2009. We are a tax deductible organization so please stop by and help us save more animals and let us mail you a receipt for tax time.

Oh no

2009-11-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

Oh boy our Thanksgiving Room is so red! Does anyone have a wet wipe? What a mess. Layla, time to take Sammy home, please LOL Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_table.asp and donate for our animals to have a treat on Thanksgiving.

Adopt a Pet :: Buddy Kittenstein - Woodinville, WA - Maine Coon

2009-11-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Adopt a Pet :: Buddy Kittenstein - Woodinville, WA - Maine Coon

I see a red room!!!

2009-11-15T23:27:00.001-08:00

I don't think you understand something. Now Sammy is going to all red, from head to toe! Someone warn his mother. Please help our animals by donating for another Unturkey. With all these new pets in our Thanksgiving Room, we need more goodies. http://www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thankgiving_table.asp

Who is eating all the stuffing?

2009-11-13T21:57:00.001-08:00

Look who is eating all the stuffing in our room www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_table.asp

A new addition!!!

2009-11-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

You MUST go see our room now! Someone is hogging the camera it seems. -Someone very beautiful, and new to our family and going to be very large when it grows up. Please go to our room and donate so our rescued animals can all have a special treat on Thanksgiving. www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_table.asp

We need you for our dinner.

2009-11-11T22:30:00.001-08:00

Our Thanksgiving Room is waiting for you. Please visit us very soon before Penelope dives into the food at www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_table.asp

Kira needs a new home now.

2009-11-08T22:49:00.000-08:00

Kira is a sweet, loving, and communicative kitty. She is a Calico, and appears to have been abandoned since she's very trusting now of people and not at all skiddish like she used to be. She's always purring, always down for a petting. She's box trained, and doesn't scratch up anything in the house (except for her favorite chair, but that's because we haven't gotten her a scratcher). She is very mellow and knows her new name now. She's as obedient as cats go, and very, very gentle. Adoption fee waived. Her child's name is Sammie.

Sammie needs you!

2009-11-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Sammie was born feral and we've done a lot to make sure she's adoptable. She is still very shy but very gentle, like her mama, Kira. Because she has spent most of her young life running away from people, her first instinct is to hide from you, but once she gets comfortable, she is very sweet, and will let you pet her and even occasionally purr. She is for someone who is willing to give her her independence and space (for the time being). She is playful, curious, and about 8-12 weeks old. She loves to sleep and lie around on her fuzzy blanket and plays with our dog's little tennis ball. She is ADORABLE and soft with medium length hair. She is healthy, playful, and is box trained. Adoption fee waived.

http://www.adoptapet.com/pet3105185.html

Yeah!

2009-11-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

http://2Hands4Paws.org have decided to add our movie to their site!!!

Help us build a new shelter

2009-11-06T12:43:00.001-08:00

Please vote for us right now. It doesn't cost you a penny :) If we win, I will build a new shelter so we can help more animals in dire need. http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/71770?refer=24476.06.1257539973.506272

We are lonely today.

2009-11-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

No donations in our Thanksgiving room today :( Our kitties and dogs needs treats and they are starting to frown. Please put a smile on one of their faces by going to http://www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_table.asp and donating for the table.

Thank you.

Come in everyone!

2009-11-04T19:59:00.001-08:00

Come join in the fun! Our holiday room is waiting for your arrival!!! http://www.itsmeowornever.org/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_table.asp

Halloween Safety

2009-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween is right around the corner and with it comes tales of black cats, costumes and candy seekers. It also represents a potentially dangerous time for your pets.

Noise and Strangers

The stress of excited children ringing the doorbell and the strange looking costumes they're wearing may frighten your pet. This can cause aggressive behavior in even the most calm animals so it's a good idea to keep your pets in a quiet area of your home until the excitement is over.

Pet Costumes

If a pet wears a costume, make sure it is not constricting, causing your pet to trip, or blocking its vision. Do not force a pet to wear a costume if it demonstrates discomfort.

Candy & Chocolate

Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic for animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death. Ask kids not to share candy with pets and make sure that Halloween candy is put safely out of reach.

Cruel Intentions

Don't leave pets outside on Halloween. Many animals disappear as pranksters and those with darker intentions tease, abduct, torture, or even kill pets.

Be especially watchful of black cats, which are frequent targets of cruel activities on Halloween. Try to keep black cats inside for the week of Halloween. Many animal shelters make black cats unavailable for adoption the week before Halloween because of black cat abuse.

Someone is responsible!

2009-10-16T11:37:00.001-07:00

Someone said to me the other day "I am a man, if I had to go and fight overseas I would". Not to minimize fighting overseas, because that's really rough, but I think of all the pets in animal control and high kill shelters. They sit there day after day, waiting for their next adventure, some know what is ahead of them, certain death. They are truly heroes. Some are killed before they reach one year of age. Before you take your pet that has trusted and loved you, to a high kill shelter, reach out to a rescue or Craiglist, the classifieds in the newspaper, etc.. Ask them for help. Don't take no for an answer. I post cats and dogs on our websites and I have a list of people wanting to adopt certain dogs or cats. Ask rescues to do the same if they don't already. For EVERY DEATH of an animal, there is SOMEONE responsible for that death.

We need kitty food!

2009-10-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you can find it in your heart to donate for kitty food, we would really appreciate it. Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org to donate. One bag costs us $15.00.

All of our sanctuary kitties love you! but they are starting to freeze, it's getting cold!!! LOL

Splash, our deaf and blind rescued kitty, says Happy Hallowweeeeeennnnnnnn

2009-10-11T21:52:00.001-07:00

Splash is waiting for his Halloween Bowl to be filled up with goodies! Please go to http://itsmeowornever.org/halloween/index.asp and be entered to win one of our wonderful prizes this Halloween.

We can win $50,000

2009-10-08T21:09:00.001-07:00

It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is in America's Giving Challenge—Let's win $50,000!

Hi everyone,

Our cause just entered in America's Giving Challenge, which gives us a chance to win $50,000!

Please donate today: http://www.causes.com/donations/select_donation_method?cause_id=134608

To win, between now and November 7th we have to get the most donations to our cause (every person can donate once per day and have it count as a unique donation). We can also win daily awards of $1,000 and $500 if we can get the most people to donate in any 24-hour period. The great thing about this Challenge is that it doesn't matter how much you give, but instead how much you do to encourage friends and family to get involved in our cause. We all need to come together and start promoting the cause if we want to win.

Each of us has tons of friends on Facebook who we can ask to donate to our cause. But let's think big too—can you put our cause in your email signature, can you throw a party and get people to donate through the cause when they enter, can you organize other people to go out and fundraise from all of their friends? As you reach out to your friends be sure to tell them why this cause matters to you. The possibilities are endless so let's talk about what we can do to win on the Wall of the cause or by replying to this bulletin.

I think we can do it! But it's going to take all of us. Check out the Giving Challenge ( www.causes.com ), then visit our cause to see how we're doing so far and get involved.

Donate right now by going to http://www.causes.com/donations/select_donation_method?cause_id=134608

Let's win $50,000 for our animals!

OMG how cute

2009-09-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

http://cuteoverload.com/2009/09/14/winston-just-got-schooled/

We are having a sale!!

2009-09-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

We are having a sale at It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue!! Donate for four Kitty Kickers and receive a one oz. bag of the same catnip that goes into the Kitty Kickers...very potent and organic! The price for four Kitty Kickers is $24.00 and yo...u also get the satisfaction of helping so many rescued animals here. Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org to donate for these wonderful toys.

We need your help!

2009-09-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Sponsor a kitty and receive a free handmade Kitty Kicker and a sample of our potpourri dried herbs and flowers. Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org and choose a kitty or dog to sponsor. Even sponsoring for one month will help our animals with vet care, food and litter. The animals need your help.

Pink Eye!

2009-08-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

We have pink eye in our cat area and I need to purchase medication for each kitty. I treated a few but then the next day a few more had it, treated them, of course, a few more the next day again had it. So I need to purchase all the meds so we can get rid of this terrible eye illness. Each tube cost $14.50 and I can get it locally. Please consider donating for our kitties to get well at www.itsmeowornever.org.

Shadow, our precious little man!

2009-08-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

We still need help for our kitty, Shadow. He is not doing well at all. Please donate for him or purchase something from our store located at www.itsmeowornever.etsy.com or www.bumblebeesknee.etsy.com and help our little man get well. 10% percent off any purchase, storewide!!!

Kitty Kicker sale for Shadow!

2009-08-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Donate for two Kitty Kickers at the low price of $10.00 and help a kitty in dire need! We have collected $52.00 so far for Shadow but that's not enough yet. Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org to help Shadow. (tax deductible)

Shadow

2009-08-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

If you can donate for Shadow, he needs you now. He isn't eating very much, not drinking, he can't stand very well. It could be an infection, blockage, injury, I don't know what it is but I have no more personal funds. Please help him, he is very precious and he needs the vet tomorrow. :(

Shadow needs you!

2009-08-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

We need very strong prayers for Shadow, our kitty that is 15 years old. He isn't walking very well. :(

Thank you for praying for him.

Kitty Kickers!

2009-08-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

I have accomplished making a ton of Kitty Kickers so if you would like one, I will put the donation towards Kaye's vet bill.

If anyone would like to volunteer to make them, please let me know. We need help desperately.

Kaye, our little model kitty, needs you today.

2009-08-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Kaye has a terrible upper respiratory as well as pink eye. Looks terrible. Please consider donating for her as we are seriously tapped out right now. She needs to be seen today, her eye is so bad.

Kaye would hug you (when she feels better) if she could.

Her appt today will be approx. $100.00. Please help her, she needs you.

Kaye

2009-08-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

We need prayers for Kaye. She has a terrible eye infection. If you can donate for her vet visit, we would really appreciate it. Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org to donate.

Thank you.

Bumble Bees Knees

2009-08-07T13:18:00.001-07:00

We have started a new store at www.bumblebeesknee.etsy.com for the animals. We will have herbs, spices, stamps, oils, you name it, we will have it! Please come by and visit soon, we are still setting it up so please keep checking back with us.

Peanut

2009-07-28T23:49:00.001-07:00

I am in a trance!

Gorgeous Rod

2009-07-28T23:47:00.002-07:00

I am a bit snippy. :(

Kitty

2009-07-28T23:47:00.001-07:00

Not sure who this is playing!

Rod

2009-07-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

Kaye

2009-07-28T23:45:00.002-07:00

Wild Boy

2009-07-28T23:45:00.001-07:00

Dusty

2009-07-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

Sweetie, Alien, Kaye, Gray Girl

2009-07-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Crowded Catwalk

2009-07-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

Sweetie, Alien, Kaye, Gray Girl

Bird Feeder

2009-07-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

I really love this feeder....

Bird Feeder!

2009-07-28T23:40:00.002-07:00

Kitties Galore!

2009-07-28T23:40:00.001-07:00

George, Sweetie and Rod

2009-07-28T23:38:00.002-07:00

Rod

2009-07-28T23:38:00.001-07:00

I am really ready for adoption!

Cat Parts!

2009-07-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

Gray Girl

2009-07-28T23:36:00.002-07:00

Velvet coat!

Gray Girl

2009-07-28T23:36:00.001-07:00

I am approx. 15 years old!

Peanut and Hairy

2009-07-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

We are both up for adoption.

Kaye

2009-07-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

Little Baby Boy

2009-07-28T23:33:00.002-07:00

I am ready to be adopted!

Alien and Little Baby Boy

2009-07-28T23:33:00.001-07:00

Shadow

2009-07-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

Um, why is the trampoline upside down?

Kaye

2009-07-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

Our model cat!

George

2009-07-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

So pooped!

George

2009-07-28T23:29:00.002-07:00

Ohhh, it's so hot here!

Baby Love

2009-07-28T23:29:00.001-07:00

Baby Love

2009-07-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Smelling the grass!

George

2009-07-28T23:26:00.002-07:00

Beautiful coloring.
'

Alien

2009-07-28T23:26:00.001-07:00

George and Alien

2009-07-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

George

2009-07-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Kill this bag of catnip, kill, kill!

Wild Boy

2009-07-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Morgan

2009-07-28T23:22:00.002-07:00

I had my teeth pulled, thank you!

Sweetie

2009-07-28T23:22:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Sweetie

2009-07-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Linda, my wonderful sponsor! All your sponsorship donations goes to my belly as you can see! :)

Wild Boy

2009-07-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Remember me? I had surgery last year for my urinary problems. Now I am huge but happy and ready to be adopted!

Sweetie

2009-07-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

Ah, my belly is too large for this small board!

Shadow Man

2009-07-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Another Shadow

2009-07-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

Hmm, I must let my master cut my nails!

Shadow

2009-07-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Sweetie and Gray Girl

2009-07-28T23:12:00.001-07:00

They really love their enclosure!

Shadow and George

2009-07-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the outdoors!

Guess Who!

2009-07-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Splash, Kaye and William.

Picture time!

2009-07-28T23:06:00.001-07:00

Little Baby Boy enjoying the outdoor enclosure!

This little furbaby is up for adoption too

2009-06-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

This baby just started meowing in our yard and walked up to me. It's about 5 weeks old and I think it's mother is a black cat that was meowing and looking for something in the bushes. I wish she would come back and claim her baby. But in the meantime, this baby is so cute and adorable. How about a name? Anyone?

Rod, our little kitty from the streets

2009-06-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

He is available for adoption! Just gorgeous!

Pickles, the most feral cat in the world

2009-06-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here is Pickles, very feral! :(

Pancake, KFC kitty you helped save!

2009-06-27T21:20:00.001-07:00

This is Pancake. What a beautiful girl, too bad she is feral, but I am working with her every day.

Lizzy, our KFC mother kitty

2009-06-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone that helped her when she needed you. I have no doubt she would not be alive today if you didn't donate for her care. She was adopted but returned, just a little too feral. :(

I love her smirk.

Ten Reasons to Foster an Animal from It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary

2009-06-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

1. Companionship without a lifetime commitment.

2. Animals that have endured hardship can benefit greatly from a loving home.

3. Fostering provides a great lesson in compassion to children and it’s a wonderful, life-affirming experience.

4. If you have one or more dogs or cats, one more won’t make a difference to you, but it sure will make a difference to the foster animal who otherwise might not have a second chance at life.

5. Fostering increases the likelihood of adoption. When the dog/cat you’ve fostered is loved and accepted in its forever home it is because of the love you’ve given them!

6. Increased "human interaction" greatly helps foster animals who often come from neglectful or abusive situations, and lets not forget what "pet interaction" can do for you by lowering your blood pressure, reducing stress, and giving you a real sense of self-worth.

7. You undoubtedly will get attached but when you meet the new family that's ready to provide a permanent home for the dog/cat you’ve fostered you’ll feel more than satisfied to see him/her move on to a new life.

8. Its fun!

9. You’re able to share with your foster animal what a life filled with love should be.

10. More foster homes means more animals’ lives will be spared from pounds and kill shelters. Only a small fraction of animals impounded every year are rescued from the terrible fate of euthanasia. FOSTERING IS A REAL WAY TO SAVE A LIFE!

Ten "Do's" for Your Dog

2009-05-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our information on choosing a dog trainer.
Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact us or your veterinarian for advice.

Silencing the Problem Barker

2009-05-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Barking is generally considered a normal behavior that most dogs display. Some breeds tend to bark more than others, and domesticated dogs seem to bark more frequently and for different reasons than wild dogs. Barking is, after all, a method by which dogs communicate with one another and with their human companions.

However, dogs that bark in excess can become annoying or downright disruptive to the general peace. Some cities have ordinances to govern the barking of dogs and assess fines or other penalties to people who own dogs that bark excessively. Barking has even been known to cause neighborhood disputes and subsequent court battles.

It is prudent, therefore, to learn how to control your dog's barking. To do so, it is important to understand the reasons that dog bark.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

We've identified seven general reasons for barking. Each generates a different kind of bark with a unique sound.

1. Barking to induce play.
This bark is generally muffled, with accompanying tail wagging and the characteristic crouching with head lowered to the ground, hindquarters raised. Dogs will stop barking as the play proceeds. If you do not play with the dog, the animal will eventually give up and stop barking.

2. Barking to discipline young.
This sound usually involves a snap and a sharp bark, uttered when puppies or younger dogs do something that irritates an older dog. The bark itself generally does not persist, as one or two warnings usually stop younger animals in their tracks.

3. Barking to warn of danger.
This is a deep, repeated bark. The dog's tail will be motionless or lowered to the ground and the dog's forelimbs will be widely spaced on the ground. The barking will generally persist until the source of danger is removed or until the dog is able to retreat to a position of safety.

4. Barking to threaten intruders.
This bark may include an angry growl. The dog may raise its hackles and the hair on its back and tail. The dog will plant all four feet squarely and assume a fighting stance. As the dog barks, the teeth and gums will be readily visible. To stop such a bark, you must either remove the intruder or remove the dog from the situation. Sometimes, stepping to the dog's side and assuring it that all is well will cause it to stop barking.

5. Curiosity barking.
In general, this bark is displayed when there is some activity near a dog, but in such a place where the animal cannot have a good look. It is as if the dog is saying, "Hey, what's up?" The dog will display excitement and tend to pace erratically with a slightly wagging tail. To stop the barking, all you have to do is let the dog see what it is curious about.

6. Barking for companionship.
This is an incessant, repetitive bark, accompanied by a relatively motionless tail and concentration toward the area most associated with the dog's owners. The solution to this type of bark is to spend more time with the dog and to allow the dog access to the area where humans spend their time. This bark is often displayed by dogs that are ignored, tied out by themselves or locked up alone.

7. Barking for reward.
Finally, dogs can be inadvertently trained to bark and will persist with remarkable resistance. Barking can become associated with almost any activity that leads to reward. For instance, a dog that barks at garbage trucks because they intrude within its territory will learn that persistent barking leads to the disappearance of the trucks. This rewards the barking behavior, and a cycle is begun that is difficult to break. Persistent barking can then generalize to other objects-school buses, neighbors walking by, children on the way to school, the paper boy, mailman, milkman and so on. To break the cycle, it is necessary to interrupt the natural system of reward.

Solutions to Barking

The first five reasons for barking are rarely the cause of "excessive" or "annoying" barking. They are usually specific to certain situations and short-lived. The sixth and seventh reasons are those most likely to be considered problem barking, and they are not unrelated.

Barking for companionship can turn into barking for reward: The dog barks to get its owner's attention, the owner comes to the dog to tell it to be quiet, perhaps petting it or playing with it, and goes away again. The dog is quiet while the owner is there, but has learned that barking will bring the owner back. Thus the system of barking and reward is established. A solution, again, is to spend more time with your dog and have it near you rather than tied up somewhere separate from you. However, if your dog is separated from you and it begins to bark to get your attention, do not immediately go to the dog. It must learn that barking will not guarantee your presence. By spending more time with the dog at regular intervals not instigated by barking, your dog will feel more assured that it will get sufficient attention from you and will not have as much inclination to bark for companionship.

How do you teach a barking dog to distinguish between friends and strangers? The solution is to show the dog that certain individuals (garbage collectors, mailmen, milkmen) are, indeed, friends. To accomplish this, the dog has to be introduced to these people and given an opportunity to get to know them. While this is not always practical, it is nonetheless a potential solution. As you restrain your dog, stop delivery people and have a short conversation with them, letting them meet the dog for a brief period. Repeat and lengthen the process over the next few weeks. Eventually, your dog should accept these individuals and all will be well until your regular mailman is sick and another takes his place.

What do you do with a dog that barks at guests in your house? One solution is to take the dog to another room and give it something to do. Or, if the guest comes to your home often and you don't want to have to lock up the dog every time, work to gradually introduce one to the other. Have the guest get on his knees, pet the dog, offer it a treat, and more or less become part of the family. Let your dog establish the speed at which this relationship develops: Don't force it, or your dog may become alarmed by a "pushy" guest.

How do you deal with a dog that barks at the phone? This is simply a case of a dog that has been reward- ed for barking at the phone ringing. When the dog barks, someone eventually answers the phone and it stops ringing. To stop your dog from doing this, have a friend call and let the phone ring until the dog loses interest. Continue over a period of days, and in time the dog will learn that barking at the phone accomplishes nothing.

Finally, what do you do with the dog that barks while you are away from home? There are several possible solutions. One is to act as if you are leaving, then stand outside the door until the dog barks. When it does, return and scold it verbally. Another is to get your dog a companion - but you might end up with two barkers! A third is to use a sound-activated tape recorder. When the dog barks, the sound switch turns on the tape recorder for a minute. The tape plays your voice scolding the dog. Some systems can repeat as many as 45 times while you are away.

The best way to reduce your dog's barking is to pay attention to the reasons for the bark. If you can satisfy the dog's needs, barking will automatically be reduced. By the same token, learned barking can be extremely persistent. Internal rewards can cause the cycle to go on for years. The best solution is prevention, so be aware of the possibilities and work to stop problem barking before it starts.

We won Charity of the Month!

2009-05-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

We're very excited to be chosen as Etsy for Charity's June Charity of the month thanks to your votes! We earned a whopping 70% of the votes!

Etsy for Charity is a group of Etsy sellers who contribute to the community with their crafts.

Through these crafts, "EFC" wishes to generate as much funds as possible to be donated to the various charity organizations from all parts of the world. EFC has come together to run the EFC Store at http://etsyforcharity.etsy.com.

100% of the sales (less the Etsy and Paypal fees) from this team store will be donated to the Charity of the Month.

Lost & Found - Helpful Tips for Pet Reunion Success

2009-05-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Lost a Pet?

If you've lost a pet, here are some helpful tips:

Search your neighborhood leaving the description of your pet and your name and phone number with as many people as possible.
Post signs in the area where your pet was lost that includes a photo, detailed description, date and how you can be contacted. Note: be aware that some city ordinances prohibit posting of signs. Check with the authorities before doing this.
Search on and post a message to our Lost & Found Pet message board
Visit your local animal shelter. Ask them if they have a message board that you can post a message on.
Keep looking for and asking about your pet. Often, kind-hearted neighbors may not take your pet to a shelter right away in the hopes that they'll be able to find the owner on their own.
Post a prominent advertisement in your local paper with a photo, detailed description, date and and how you can be contacted.
Be sure to read the "Found" ads in your local paper regularly. Remember that others may not describe your pet the way that you would so it's important to check out any possible leads

Found a Pet?

If you've found a pet, here are some helpful tips:

Post an ad in your local paper.
Ask all of your neighbors if they recognize the animal.
Post signs in the area where the pet was found that includes a photo, detailed description, date and how you can be contacted. Note: be aware that some city ordinances prohibit posting of signs. Check with the authorities before doing this.
Be sure to read the "Found" ads in your local paper regularly.
Search on and post a message to our Lost & Found Pet message board.

Inkjet Cartridges, Toner and Cell Phones

2009-05-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

Wait! Don't throw out that empty cartridge or old phone! Put them to good use by donating them to It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary!

We can recycle your empty printer cartridges or old, broken cell phones in an environmentally-friendly way while raising money to open our adoption center.

Simply mail your cartridges and phones to us at:

It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
PO Box 733
Woodinville, WA 98072

The animals thank you!

Free to a Good Home ...

2009-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself in a situation where you must find a home for a pet, please remember one thing. Never give an animal away for free!

You should always charge at least $25 per animal.

Why? Because there are many people who use "free to good home" ads to collect free cats, kittens and dogs and then sell them to research labs. They usually get about $20 dollars a piece. Thus, $25 is the least you should charge.

Even worse, there are people involved in dog fighting that will use cats, kittens, and dogs to "train" pitbulls for dogfighting. Other people just enjoy torturing animals. So as you can see, "Free to good home" ads are a very bad idea!

Don't feel bad for charging a fee. If you do, you can donate the money to an animal rescue.

Obviously you don't have to charge a close friend or family member. But if a stranger wants your pet, remember to charge them an adoption fee.

Our Purrfurred Catnip

2009-05-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Our 100 "purrcent" pure organic catnip is guaranteed to please the most discriminating kitty! All proceeds benefit the animals in our care.

Treat your favorite feline friend to the gift of a fresh bag of our Purrfurred Catnip™! The same powerful catnip we use to make our Kitty Kickers catnip toys is now available to you in your choice of a 3 ounce, 1 pound or 5 pound bag!

3 ounce bag
$3.50 + $1.50 shipping

1 pound bag
$12.00 + 6.00 shipping

5 Pound bag
$48.00 + $14 shipping

Help Stop U.S. Birthrate of 5,500 Pets Per Hour

2009-05-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Every hour in the United States, more than 2,000 dogs and 3,500 cats are born, compared to 415 humans. The yearly statistics include more than 17 million dogs and 30 million cats. Add these animals to an existing pet population of 54 million dogs and 56 million cats and the total exceeds one hundred million!

Earlier puberty, multiple births and briefer pregnancies make dogs and cats far more prolific than humans.

Animal care and control agencies do their best to find loving, responsible owners for as many pets as possible, but there are simply not enough homes for all these animals.

American Humane estimates more than 15 million healthy, friendly dogs and cats will be euthanized this year simply because they are "unwanted".

You can save lives and help solve the pet overpopulation tragedy by neutering or spaying your pet. This will reduce the number of dogs and cats being euthanized by reducing the number of pets being born.

Memorial: Little Mouse

2009-05-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Memorial: cHaOs (1993-2009)

2009-05-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Prayer Request: Shadow

2009-04-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

We need prayers for Shadow. He isn't eating and has an infection in his mouth.

Please say prayers that enough donations come in for him to have surgery to remove his teeth.

Craft Fair May 2nd

2009-04-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Please don't forget to attend our Craft Fair May 2nd in Woodinville, Washington. Fun, fun, fun!

Please shop with us!

2009-04-20T21:47:00.001-07:00

Please go to www.itsmeowornever.etsy.com and shop for yourself, your family or your mother for Mother's Day. We depend on the proceeds from sales to pay for our food, litter, vet care, etc. We are out of food right now. Please help us help the animals.

The Cat in the Hat Gets Neutered

2009-04-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

(By Annie Bridge, CVT)

It was not me – not me at all.
It was not me who made the call
The call to take me to the vet.
But it was you, yes you, I bet.

You took me in the family car
Just you and I, we went quite far.
You put me in my little box
And tightened down the little locks.
You gave me to the Dr.’s Tech
Who gently stroked me on my neck,
And called me “Handsome Kitty Boy,”
In voice so sweet and full of joy!!
Oh, yes! Oh, Yes! I love this place!
A smile appeared upon my face.
But then the nurse, she took my hat.
“Oh, no!” said I. “I can’t have that!”
You give it back! Don’t play this game
Cat IN the hat – that is my name!
She gave it back – a little wink –
“Something’s up” I start to think.
But could I leave? Oh, no, not me.
They caged me up, my hat and me.
The nurse gave me a needle poke,
I knew right then, this is no joke.
My head! The room! They start to spin,
Oh my . . . Don’t know . . . where I begin . . .

A tiny mask upon my nose,
A funny feeling in my toes,
Then someone took each of my paws
And clipped the tips off all my claws
And greased my eyes with phony tears
And stuck a cone in both my ears
Thennnnn . . .

The Dr. took my nu-nus small
And splashed them both with alcohol
And made a tiny little cut
And pulled them firmly from my butt.
Now . . . mind you . . . this is all a blur
It happened (‘cause I’m missing fur)
I every now and then recall
The slightest smell of alcohol.

But still, I do go out at night,
And never yowl or scratch and fight,
Or sit upon the fencing rail,
And arch my back and bush my tail.

My human’s happy most of all,
I’ve not since peed upon her wall
Or sprayed her bed or chair or door,
Nope, I don’t do that anymore.

I now just “sun” upon my porch . . .
I really don’t know why
I never chase the pretty girls
As they go strutting by.
I never run into the street,
Can you imagine that?
They may have got the family jewels
They’ll never get the hat!

Hi and Gray Kitty

2009-04-01T13:54:00.003-07:00

How is everyone? I have been busy with animals.

Gray Kitty needs you! She was on an antibiotic that is keeping her from becoming jaundice but she ran out of the prescription so she needs more meds. She wasn't eating very well either until the meds. Since her prescription ran out, she is starting to look a bit yellow again. :( I have a feeling it will take her life if she doesn't get her medication. Two vets have yet to determine what the illness is....I remember Kelly died the same way but she didn't get meds. :( I believe it's some type of weakness due to her having FIV. :(

If you can help her get her medication, she will love you forever.

Please go to www.itsmeowornever.org and donate for her.