Toys Aren't Just for Playing!

I’ll admit it: I’m guilty of spoiling my cats. They have a basket full of toys that I rotate out every so often, and it’s sometimes hard to walk through my home without nearly stepping on a cat toy. But on the other hand, I’ve been to people’s homes where their pets have no toys at all. Though everyone doesn’t have to spoil their pets (which there’s nothing wrong with!...), providing them with toys will actually make them happier and healthier!

Playtime reduces stress and anxiety. Our furry friends are susceptible to stresses just like we are, they’re just a little bit different: seeing animals outside that they can’t chase away from their territory, being home alone, having house guests, adding a new pet to the family, taking a trip to the vet, and more. These stresses can cause anxiety, which can exasperate chronic health programs as well. Stress isn’t good for pets, just like it isn’t good for us!

Pets need exercise, too. How many overweight dogs and cats have you seen (or have)? Providing games and playing with your pets will give them exercise while having fun, and it will help them keep off those extra unwanted pounds.

Dogs and cats get bored, which again can lead to anxiety. Just like we get bored when we do the same thing every single day. Playtime will stimulate their hunting or working instincts and will give them something different to do.

It’s important to rotate your pets’ toys, because pets get tired of playing with the same toys all the time and may lose interest. I can personally vouch for this point—my cats perk up when I rotate out their toys. I just keep the rest in a convenient basket, which I see them rummaging through every now and then.

Playing with your pets gives you some much-needed bonding time. We love when our pets sit by our side, but interacting with them through games will deepen your bond and make you both happier!

Some behavior issues can actually be solved by adding or increasing playtime. If pets are playing too hard, acting more aggressive toward other pets, or keeping you up during the night, they may be telling you that they’re not getting enough playtime during the day.

Pacelle Speaks at UGA for Book Tour

"Cruelty cannot be confined; kindness cannot be confined either. They radiate out. That's why it is incredibly important to always try and take the route of kindness." -Wayne Pacelle

I had the pleasure this past week to see Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, speak at the University of Georgia during his book tour. His speech touched on topics he probes in his new book, The Bond: OurKinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them.

Pacelle began by talking about the situation in Ohio where 48 exotic species, including lions, tigers, bears and wolves, were let out into the community by their owner who then took his own life. The animals had to be tracked down and killed by law enforcement. This is just one horrific example of why HSUS is working hard to push legislators to take the protection of all animals more seriously. This man, who had a criminal record, should never have been allowed to have these animals as “pets” in the first place (nor should anyone else). However, with the illegal pet trade and Ohio’s lack of laws prohibiting it, he was able to keep a personal collection of dangerous animals in his home. This man not only put himself in danger (and gave these poor animals no life for wild animals), but he put his entire community in danger.

People think that animal welfare is a confined to a small bubble of “cat people” or “dog people,” but in reality, it’s a cause that radiates into so many facets of everyone’s lives around the world. It flows over into our daily meals, violent crimes, environmental protection, public health, and our own health. Think about these points that demonstrate just a few of the connections to other aspects of our lives:

A-Little-Less-Guilt-Free Shopping!: Help Animals While You Shop

I can't believe it myself, but the holidays are approaching quickly! Halloween is almost here, Thanksgiving isn't far behind, and then it's a mad rush to get your Hanukkah and Christmas shopping done! Whether you're an early shopper or just want to get yourself an early present, there are some great options for a-little-less-guilty purchases that will benefit our furry little friends!

Starting from the more expensive and working my way down...

If you're looking to splurge on a new purse or wallet, Samantha Thavasa is donating 25% of purchases to the American Humane Association's Second Change Fund from October 13 through October 20, 2011. This AHA fund helps animal welfare organizations pay for veterinary services of animals rescued from abusive and negligent situations.

Some of my favorite/animal-related purses for purchase: