Jack and Luke's Charitable Birthday Party 

Could your kids forgo birthday presents and instead have a party that gives to charity?

Two brothers, Jack, 9, and Luke 7 did it, and were so pleased with the results that they are beginning to think about what they can do next year!

Why They Wanted to Do This (in their own words)

Jack: Why I wanted to do this is that I think it it unfair for animals to not have a home.  I am giving food to them so that they can stay healthy and with their owners.  I also have a dog and a cat and I watch Nat Geo Wild and Animal Planet and that inspired me to do this.

Luke: I did this because I like animals.  They are very loving and nice.  (he drew the picture of the cat at the bottom of the page)

When Jack and his parents started planning for his birthday, he said that there really weren't any presents he wanted, and that he would prefer to do something to help other people, like collect food for the homeless.
His mom suggested that he think about supporting animal rescue organizations, since she was aware of his love for animals, and had observed him getting upset when the ASPCA commercials ran on tv.

Jack and his mom also talked about how both of their pets, Cooper, their dog, and Fred, their cat, were rescues.
Mom suggested that they collect pet food for a rescue organization, and then they researched which organizations were local via the Facebook Yard Sale page for Springfield Township.

They chose Sam's Hope as the organization to receive the pet food, supplies and donations.

They made up a flyer to include with the birthday party invitations that requested no gifts for the boys, but anyone who wanted to do something in honor of their birthdays could bring dog or cat food, supplies or a cash/check donation.

The response from the parents and kids invited to the party was overwhelming; several kids made birthday cards for the boys and stated in the card that they thought what they were doing was awesome, and that they loved animals too.

The word spread beyond the party, and in addition to the generous party "gifts" the boys received, they also got donations from friends at church, neighbors and even their yoga teacher. 

Both boys are pleased with how things turned out and said that they don't regret foregoing their birthday presents; they have actually begun to think about what they can do next year!

Jack and Luke collected an amazing $216.36 in cash donations for Sam's Hope, as well as 125 lbs. of pet food, treats, toys and supplies.

My good friend Vicki, so impressed by what Jack and Luke were doing, pledged to match the donations they collected, bringing the cash donations total to a super amazing $432.72!

I had the honor of meeting Jack, Luke and their parents for lunch at a local pizza shop a week following their birthday
party.

I was very impressed with the boys; they are confident, intelligent, outgoing and friendly; everything you would want your kids to be. Best of all, they are well on their way to making a real difference in the world; they are certainly making a difference for local pets in need!

Thank you, Jack and Luke, you are truly special!

The funds Jack and Luke raised will be used to provide veterinary care to the pets of the economically and health challenged in an effort to "Save the Lives of Companion Animals by Keeping Them Out of Shelters and With Their Families."

If you are interested in having a charitable birthday party to benefit companion animals in need, please contact us at:
Phone: 267-753-0510
Email: samshope.org@gmail.com

Best Wishes for a Happy Easter!

This photo is a favorite; it was taken on Easter Day 2001 when Samantha (Sam) was just a few months old.

Sam is pictured with her life-long best friend, Keesha.

Miss them both so much!

Going on Vacation? Why Professional Pet Sitting Services are the Best Choice!

Summer is just around the corner.  After the brutal winter we just endured, it is a pretty safe bet that you are already making plans for that summer getaway; but what plans do you have in place for your pets?

Certainly your four-legged family member would rather go on vacation with you; unfortunately, there are times when that just isn't possible.

The more typical options are:

• Boarding Your Pet
• Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

Boarding Your Pet

If your pet is friendly and social, and was introduced to a kennel environment at a young age, boarding may be a good choice.

Advantages

• You don't have individual(s) you don't know coming into your home.
• Socialization, your dog will have the opportunity to play with and interact with other dogs.
• Your pet will be cared for by trained individuals.

Disadvantages

• Not all kennels are created equally; do your research and find one with a good reputation.
• A kennel stay is very stressful to most pets, which can cause the pet to experience diarrhea.
• Many animals will not eat when they are in the kennel, due to stress.
• Exposure to various diseases/illnesses.
• Drop-off and pick-up times can be very inconvenient.
• There may not be 24 hour care.
• Your pet will be crated for possibly long periods of time.

Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

Advantages

• Your pet stays in the comfort of his/her own home, in the surroundings they are most familiar, eliminating the trauma of travel.
• Your pet experiences less stress, and is not exposed to diseases, illnesses and parasites.
• Pets are kept on their regular routine; meals, walks and playtime.
• The pet receives one-on-one love and personal attention during your absence.
• Your home is also cared for, and provided with a level of home security; mail is taken in, newspapers picked up, plants are watered, blinds are opened/closed, and lighting is adjusted.
• Daily progress reports detailing each visit or stay.
• Not having to impose on family, friends or neighbors.

Disadvantages

• Allowing a person you don't know into your home; be sure to do your research and find a pet sitter with a good reputation.  Ensure they are bonded, insured and have first aid training.  Ask for references.
• Your pet is left alone most of the day; if your pet is used to be alone during your working hours, then this won't be much of an issue.  If he/she is not used to being left alone, consider sleepover services.

Wiggles n Wags Pet Services

If you live in the following areas of Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania, and are in need of pet sitting services, you should consider our friends, Wiggles n Wags Pet Services, based in Chalfont, PA.

The owner, Penny Lyons, is passionate about animals, and understands the special bond between people and pets, and that unconditional love that is shared between them. 

Wiggles n Wags Pet Services consists of a staff of 6 professionally trained sitters that insures dependability and reliability.

Wiggles n Wags Pet Services is bonded and insured, is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). and Pet Sitters International (PSI).

Best of all, their client testimonials are just glowing!

Contact Information
Penny Lyons
Phone: 215-896-7250
Email: info@wigglesnwags.com
Website: www.wigglesnwags.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WigglesnWags

Areas of Service

• Chalfont
• Doylestown
• Lansdale
• North Wales
• Perkasie
• Sellersville
• Souderton
• Telford
• Colmar
• New Britain
• Gwynedd Valley
• Horsham
• Warrington
• Montgomery Township
• Hatfield

This is not an all-inclusive list, please call to see if you are in the service area.

Cancer - A Perspective, by Steve Katz, Canine Cancer Research "Forty Percent of All Dogs Get Cancer"

Cancer - A Perspective

Steve Katz, President/Founder

CANINE Cancer Research USA 501(c)(3)

“Cancer is a man‐made disease”, is a phrase I have read a few times and do not disagree with.

Every day we contend with invisible environmental toxins, processed foods made to increase profits, not nutrition, chlorine and fluoride in our water supply, artificial sweeteners made from chemicals and of course genetics that determine much of who and what we are.

The deck is stacked against us and it’s up to us to make informed decisions not because of a clinical trial but because it’s the healthy thing to do, the way nature wanted it to be.

 

Cancer in people and cancer in animals is the same disease; an uncontrolled growth of cells. Many health experts agree well over half of all cancer is preventable via diet and nutrition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. But again, the deck is stacked against us. So what are we supposed to do?

Knowledge is power and the more we know best demonstrated practices how to prevent cancer, (as best as possible) we can greatly improve the odds.

Nutrition is where it all begins, to strengthen the immune system to defend against invaders.

Eating and drinking foods loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients increases natural killer cell activity in the body. (Our best line of defense) People and animals predisposed to various health conditions can often be reversed through the right nutrition and supplementation. The same holds true with toxins in the air/water.

Since President Richard Nixon declared war on cancer in 1971, we still continue with the same answers, a cure rate of about 5%.

Make no mistake; our pets are at greater risk than we are. Forty percent of all dogs get cancer. Commercial kibble is loaded with byproducts linked to cancer and kidney failure, carbohydrates linked to diabetes and the process to make kibble heats the stuff over 500 degrees, cooking out most of the nutrients!

AAFCO, the body that determines what pet food manufacturers are allowed to put in pet food, have no responsibility for the safety of what they recommend. If a mfg. wants to make a change, they are required to do a trial for 6 months and prove its’ worth. (at their own expense and they don’t want to do that)

Over vaccination (Vaccinosis) in pets; Undesired biologic events can occur including compromising the pets immunity, mainly due to heavy metals in the vaccine. Best practice to avoid this is a blood test (titer) prior to vaccination to determine if the pet needs it.

Like Vaccinosis, topical flea/tick products can produce undesired biologic events due to pesticides entering the bloodstream.

In today’s world many natural/organic preventatives are available that have no effect on the immunity however provide desired results in keeping pests away.
In conclusion, clearly our pets are at greater risk to cancer and other diseases than we are. Being pro‐active as their caregivers is the best solution. For more information visit http://www.ccrusa.org

Note: This document cannot be altered in any regard or used without consent of the author.

Free Rabies and Low-Cost Veterinary Care Clinic - Trevose, PA

CATS Bridge to Rescue, a no-kill cat shelter located in Trevose, PA, will be hosting its first FREE rabies and low-cost veterinary clinic for cats and dogs.

When:
Saturday, March 15, 2014
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Please call Judy at 215-554-9214 for an appointment.
Rain/Snow Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014


Where:
2820 Old Lincoln Highway, Suite 4
Trevose, PA
(Located at the back of the complex)

Donations for the rabies tag and paperwork are greatly appreciated, and will go directly to the care of the cats and kittens at the shelter.

The Benefits of Pets - More Than Companionship

Yes, we love our pets; in fact we are crazy about them!

They are our best friends, surrogate children and family members; they provide us with comfort, unconditional love, affection, companionship and endless entertainment.

Pets can also help us live longer, happier, healthier and more enriched lives!

People with pets are less likely to suffer from depression and loneliness, have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, and increased opportunities for exercise, activities and socialization.

For the elderly, pets can prevent social isolation and act as a support system when family and friends are not nearby.  Caring for a pet gives a sense of purpose; a reason to get up in the morning, and can help combat depression, one of the most common problems the elderly face today.

Through my work with Sam's Hope, I am often in contact with seniors who have pets.  So many are alone in the world; spouses and friends have passed on, families live out of town, they are homebound and isolated.  Without pause, they will tell you that what keeps them going is their beloved pet.  Just mention their pet, and they light up and share stories of their beloved Lily, Samantha and Mr. Soxx.  Heartwarming, and most of all rewarding to help these wonderful and caring individuals provide for the needs of their pets.

"A pet is a medication without side effects that has so many benefits. I can’t always explain it myself, but for years now I’ve seen how instances of having a pet is like an effective drug. It really does help people." - Dr. Edward Creagan - Oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN