Holland Becomes First Country Without Homeless Dogs!

Holland becomes the first country without homeless dogs and here’s how they did it . . . . 


Homelessness is a huge problem for animals all over the world. Even if it’s nearly impossible to count how many stray dogs there are, the World Health Organization estimates that about 200 million around the planet do not have a home. Sadly, it doesn’t seem the problem will be soon fixed. Therefore, a major part of those pups won’t have a home and a family.

Holland's Homeless Dogs

“This problem has escalated to the point where it would take decades of a concentrated spay-neuter program in a city like Houston to begin to reduce the numbers,” said Peter Zheutlin, a rescue dog advocate in the U.S. “The shelters are not often high priorities for governments either when they’ve got competing demands from the school department, the police department, the fire department, parks, sanitation. Who speaks for the dogs?”

Homeless and Hungry

However, surprisingly one country has beaten all the odds, becoming the first nation without homeless dogs. Over the last few years, Holland has been working hard to fix their stray dog problem and it finally paid off! And now the Netherlands has officially become the first country without stray dogs.

Let’s hope that other countries will follow their example. And here’s how they managed to deal with it.

Their first step was to implement a country-wide sterilization program.  Every dog that was brought it for sterilization was also given a medical exam and brought up-to-date on any vaccinations needed. This, too, was instrumental in cutting back on the spread of diseases like rabies.

Humane Trapping Program

Then, the authorities passed a new set of laws in order to improve the animals' rights and to protect their health. The Dutch government also raised taxes on store dogs to encourage people to rescue dogs from the shelter.

“Animals ~ and our entire society ~ need the animal police,” said Marianne Thieme, leader of the Party for the Animals. “There is a direct link between violence against animals and violence against humans.”

Rescued, Happy & Healthy

Now, more than 90 percent of the Dutch residents own a dog, having taken a million of them off the streets. It’s a happy ending for dogs in Holland and a happy ending for humans, too!





Source https://animalchannel.co; https://cheezburger.com

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutiques (www.TheGiftedPet.com & www.PamperedPetEssentials.com), and premium pet food business (www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

She is an enthusiastic advocate for animal rights, including wildlife & nature and likes to dabble in creative projects such as photography, digital art, custom greeting cards and more!

Raven is also dedicated to helping pet parents and other humans stay happy, healthy, and balanced with her 100% therapeutic-grade essential oils, oil-infused nutritional supplements, and oil-related lifestyle enhancements via Holistic Oils For Pets & Peeps! (www.HolisticOilsForPetsAndPeeps.com)

For more information, please use the Contact Me! page on this blog or visit her Facebook page to PM her www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog ♥

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we want to challenge you to look behind the fluffy cuteness of a new puppy or kitten and see the beauty that older pets have to offer! Here are our top 10 reasons to adopt a senior dog (also be sure to check out our top 10 reasons to adopt a senior cat). For tips on caring for your older pet, ask us about Senior Pet Care 101.

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog:

1. Older dogs are house-trained. You won’t have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping / cleaning up after accidents.

2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won’t chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Older dogs can focus well because they’ve mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Older dogs have learned what “no” means. If they hadn’t learned it, they wouldn’t have gotten to be “older” dogs.

5. Older dogs settle in easily because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they’ve been given.

7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Older dogs are instant companions ~ ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself because they don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.


Choosing to adopt a senior dog is a life-saving choice, but don’t adopt one because you feel bad . . . . adopt one because they’re easy-going, instant companions.  When senior dogs are surrendered it may be due to a life-altering change and is a last resort, however, we are finding that lately, this is not always the case. An owner’s ill health, the birth of a child, allergies, senior pet illness, an unforeseen move or financial change; the reasons (or excuses) are many. Senior dogs that end up in shelters are good dogs with no place else to go. No senior pet deserves to spend the last years of their life in a noisy, scary shelter. By choosing to adopt a senior dog you’re giving him or her, a second chance at life.  ♥


The Gifted Pet is raising funds via Senior Pet Project to help keep senior pets in forever homes, as well as help seniors keep their pets. Won't you please support this very important cause?!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutiques (www.TheGiftedPet.com & www.PamperedPetEssentials.com), and premium pet food business (www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet)

Pet Adoption 101 ~ Adopting a Rescue or Shelter Pet

Adopting a new pet involves far more than choosing an adorable animal from a rescue website or shelter cage and bringing it home. Every rescue and shelter has their own unique approach and set of guidelines to finding new homes for their adoptable pets. However, most of them do try to balance the interests of the pet and the adopter. The adoption process usually involves the following steps: 

* Filling out an adoption application 
* Interview with shelter staff 
* Selecting your new pet (if you haven't already from their website) 
* Waiting period for reference checks (vet / landlord / etc.) 
* Signing an adoption contract and paying fees 
* Trial period (some rescues build this into the process)

The Application and Interview 

Many pets are surrendered to shelters because people are often unrealistic about the time, effort, money, lifestyle compatibility, and facilities that pets require. Because of this, shelters often perform vigorous personal interviews to ensure a great match for you and your new pet. You will usually be required to fill out basic contact information, provide photo identification, proof of residence, and proof of prior pet ownership with veterinary and licensing records if applicable. In addition, the shelter staff will use the following information to help match you with your perfect pet:  

* Reasons for getting a pet (e.g. companion for yourself, children, or another pet; agility dog, etc). 

* Number and ages of children and pets you currently have and previous pet experience. 

* Facilities or housing situation and whether you rent or own. Some shelters will require a letter from a landlord stating that pets are allowed. 

* Lifestyle information ~ activity level, travel, etc. 

Selecting Your New Pet 

It can be overwhelming when you arrive at a shelter to see how many choices you have. Before you arrive, it is important to construct a list of desired traits ~ such as coat type, size, shape, temperament, activity level, gender, and age. As many shelters have purebred dogs and cats, you should also research breeds that appeal to you in both physical and behavioral characteristics. Some shelters will keep a waiting list and contact you if a particular breed you are looking for becomes available.  

Oftentimes pets that appear quiet, scared or even overly excited are overlooked by potential adopters. Ask the shelter staff about the personality of each pet you may be interested in. The shelter staff usually has had the opportunity to interact with the animals in various environments and can often assist you in better observing his or her true personality.  

Please feel free to request more information regarding choosing the right pet for your home and your lifestyle! We are happy to provide you with additional resources to help you make the best decision. (Messaging and contact information can be found at the end of this article!)

Waiting Period 

Many shelters and rescue groups will require a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours (or more) before allowing you to take your new pet home. This is intended to give families time to discuss the decision of getting a pet and make sure it is not just an impulse. A family must be emotionally, financially, and personally ready to take on the responsibility of a new pet. It is important that all members of a family are "on board" with getting a pet and everyone is committed to its care. It must be decided who will feed, groom, exercise and pick up after a pet in advance. This waiting period also gives prospective families time to prepare their home for a new pet.  

Adoption Contract and Fees 

Most shelters require that you sign a contract when you adopt a pet. These contracts will often require that adopters be responsible for: 

* Spaying or neutering (though many times this is included in the adoption fee, especially with older pets). 

* Provision of suitable housing (not dumping your pet outdoors in harsh climate conditions!), nutrition and health care. 

* Return of the animal to the shelter if an adopter can no longer care for him or her. 

* Associated costs of adopting the pet. 

Some shelters also require post-adoption visits by shelter staff. In almost all cases, you will need to pay an adoption fee to the shelter. Also, if the animal has experienced significant health care costs while at the shelter, they may ask the adopter to help with the costs. Shelters always appreciate contributions toward their programs and facilities.

Trial Period 

Many shelters offer a trial period that allows you to take your new pet home to determine how he or she does in their new environment. This is particularly important if there are already pets or children in a household. Occasionally a behavioral or medical problem may be discovered that was not noticed in the shelter. Some shelters offer post-adoption assistance with minor behavioral or adjustment problems. If the adopter or shelter feel the match is not a good one, the animal can be returned during this trial period to the shelter without penalty.  

Again, please feel free to request further information regarding your new pet into your home and family! We are happy to provide you with additional resources to help you make the transition as smooth as possible. (Messaging and contact information can be found at the end of this article!) 

Many shelters have information about their specific adoption process on their websites so you can prepare in advance. Although this process may seem extensive, it is beneficial to all parties involved ~ you will have a relationship with your pet for the lifetime of the pet, so it is worth the time and effort to ensure the best match possible. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

An Old Dog Can Transform Your Life (and Teach You New Tricks)!

We are often asked which dogs are the best ones to bring into a household. Which breed is the easiest? The smartest? The most obedient? Should I get a puppy, an adult, or a senior dog? Many times the answer depends on your lifestyle. So, we thought we would take this opportunity to extol the virtues of senior dogs. 

Although puppies are adorable, they require a lot of work. Puppies need constant training, playtime, and housebreaking. Conversely, older dogs are generally much easier. Too often they are abandoned in at the shelter . . . . not because they are bad dogs but because they are viewed as "too old" by their owners. We find this unacceptable and cruel. Yes, there are times when an owner may pass away or can no longer care for their pet, however, more often than not, someone is just dumping their senior dog. 

Here are some great reasons to adopt a senior dog:

~ They are less destructive. Many older pets are well past the digging and chewing everything in sight phase, therefore, your shoes should be safe!

~ They usually have basic obedience skills. Older dogs often settle into a new home easily since they have already learned what it takes to get along with others and be part of the "pack". And another big advantage? Most are housebroken!

~ Older dogs can absolutely learn new tricks and often may just need some touch-up training. They are generally more attentive and eager to please than their younger counterparts. If you are concerned that an older dog won't bond with you, don't be. Dogs are remarkably resilient and open-hearted. Some completely overcome their pasts in a matter of days; others may take a few weeks or months, and a few will carry a little baggage for even longer than that. With lots of love, a little patience, and some consistency on your part, your dog can overcome any issues they may have from their past.

~ You can adopt a purebred pet. Did you know that there are rescues for pretty much every breed out there? And, many shelters have a variety of breeds and older pets available for adoption.

~ Ideal for seniors. Many senior citizens benefit from the company of an older dog, because they are calmer, trained and need less exercise. They are content to move through life at a slower speed.

~ There's no guesswork involved. Adult dogs have reached their maximum size, shape, and personality so what you see is what you get! Though most adopted pets tend to flourish once they find a loving, forever home. A puppy's size and health can be unpredictable.

~ Your first pet. If this is your first dog, or if you cannot devote the time necessary to train, socialize, and exercise a puppy properly, an adult dog could be a much better option for you.

~ You will be their hero and the center of their Universe! Older pets seem to have an intrinsic sense that without you, they wouldn't have a home. They will show you their appreciation daily. 

Please open your heart to a hard-to-place pet and help save the life of a senior dog that is waiting for you at a local shelter! You will be so glad you did!!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.