Cheverly cats in search of homes

Here are four great cats, all looking for their forever homes. If you're interested in any of them, please contact 301-322-1461.

Nancy–orange, black and white calico cat. She is around 2 or 3 years old. She loves to be up high and watch all the things going on around her. She is not bothered by her foster family’s dog. She would do best in household where she was the only cat but she does get along with other cats. She will lay on your lap purr and fall asleep.

Booty-grey/ginger/black tabby with four white paws). She was born in September is currently about 10 weeks, but is very petite. She loves to play with her brother. The two of them are a riot to watch. She has gotten the nick name purr box because of her nonstop purring. She would be best if she was placed home with another kitten or her brother(Patches).

Patches-has white fur with black patches all over him. He was born in September and is a lively, big boy. He is full of life and enjoys playing with his sister,(Booty). He makes little squeaking noises at us. He would be best put in home with another kitten or his sister.

Lunette–black and white cat. She is about 9 months and gets along with other cats, dogs and is gentle with young children. She loves people and starts purring as soon as we start petting her. She loves to play especially with balls. She is also an avid catnip lover.

Holiday photos in Hyattsville, Dec. 3, 2011

Holiday Photos with Your Pet--donations go to the Washington Humane Society

Bring your pet to one of these animal-friendly locations to have their photo taken with Santa Claus. Photos are a $20 donation. Photos make for a great holiday card!

DONATIONS --- We will be collecting items for our shelters at each of these events. Please see our "Wish List" for the items we need.

December 3, 2011
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The Big Bad Woof (new location!)
5501 Baltimore Ave #106
Hyattsville, MD 20781

Thanksgiving Tips

Crossposted from Your Dog's Friend, www.yourdogsfriend.info, 301-983-5913

Thanksgiving Tips

Let’s face it, Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s too late to train your dog before Aunt Mabel arrives. Even if you have trained your dog, the holidays present a whole new set of challenges. Your dog is excited (or stressed). You are excited (or stressed) and have less time for your dog. There are all sorts of distractions (including food). Be patient. This too shall pass.

-Your dog will get excited when guests first arrive. Remember, in your dog's mind, Aunt Mabel could be arriving from Publisher's Clearing House or could be a vicious killer there to do harm. Before your guests are due to arrive, put your dog in another room or crate. Once your friends and relatives are in and settled, your dog will be happy to greet everyone.
-Your dog should be on leash when greeting your guests. This will help keep your dog from jumping and running around. It's is more pleasant for your dog than being yelled at for saying "hello" the way that dogs say "hello".
-Don’t assume that everyone likes dogs (even yours). Be sure to ask your guests ahead of time. It's not fair to your dog or your guests to allow your dog around people who are afraid of dogs. Your guest will feel uncomfortable all night, and your dog will get in trouble for simply be himself around the wrong person.
-If you have a timid, anxious or reactive dog, don't force him to be part of the activities. It's best to allow your dog to spend the afternoon in his crate or in a separate room with the door shut and something super yummy to chew. Be sure to do this before your guests arrive. Your dog would rather be in a safe place than around all those “scary” people.
-Teach your guests, both adults and children, how to interact with your dog. When people approach dogs head-on, look them directly in the eye, reach over them, pat them on the head or lean over them, dogs feel threatened. So, ask your guests to angle sideways and pet your dog under his chin or on his chest. If your dog looks away or backs up, respect your dog’s wishes. He is not comfortable and would rather not meet and greet.
-Being around young children is stressful for most dogs. Kids have high-pitched voices, move quickly and are unpredictable. Don’t let children crowd your dog, chase him, pick him up, hug him or get their face in your dog’s face. Let your dog go somewhere safe, where he won’t be bothered by children’s antics. Even a good dog will bite when he has had enough.
-If you have a small dog, don’t hold him when people approach. Small dogs may feel trapped and become growly if held during a greeting.
-Ask your guests NOT to feed your dog. The emergency vet offices are full during the holidays with dogs that have had too much "holiday cheer". Well-meaning friends may not know that raisins are bad for dogs or that macadamia nuts could kill your dog (think cookies). Instead, have some of your dog's healthy treats around for your guests to offer your dog.
-If you don’t want your dog to eat off the kitchen counter or beg at the dinner table, keep him out of those rooms. Put up a baby gate, or put your dog in a crate or room with a special treat – like a Kong stuffed with goodies or an interactive toy that will drop kibble if moved the right way. Don’t feel guilty: Your dog will get plenty later when he helps you clean up by eating all the crumbs.
-Don’t tempt fate. Even the most well-behaved dog will be tempted to commit "a crime of opportunity". If you're planning on cleaning up later, so you can watch the game or move to another room for dessert and coffee, make sure your dog comes (and stays) with you. If your dog does get something such as a turkey bone, offer your dog something yummy in exchange, instead of trying to reach into his mouth to get it.
-WATCH THOSE DOORS! Just as you should have your dog in another room/in a crate/on leash when your guests arrive, you need to do the same when your guests are leaving. People will be hugging, getting their left-overs to take home and putting their coats on. No one will be paying attention to how wide the front door is held open or for how long. It only takes a second for your dog to bolt out that door or to follow a guest out and keep going!

TO START TRAINING YOUR DOG BEFORE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING, HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE STARTING IN DECEMBER:

BASIC MANNERS I CLASSES
Thurs, Dec 1 - Jan 12, 7:00 - 8:00pm
(Eiither Dec 22 or Dec 29 will be off, depending on what students prefer.)
Sun, Dec 11 - Jan 29, 3:30 - 4:30pm
(no class Dec 25 & Jan 1)

AND PUPPY CLASSES
Saturdays at 8:45am
Sundays at 5:45pm
Mondays at 6:45pm
Wednesday mornings at 10:15pm

Found: small dog

We received the following message:

Just saw a dog on the corner of 202 and Cheverly Ave running back and forth across the road. We managed to get her to come to us and she is now in our backyard. She has curly hair, light beige fur, and looks like a poodle mix. She is friendly and seems well cared for. No tag on her collar.

If you know this dog or this is your dog, please leave a comment!

PGSPCA fundraiser at Franklin's, 11/14/11

Help Prince George's County animals by getting a head start on your holiday shopping and enjoying a meal and home-brewed beer or two at Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery and General Store in Hyattsville, MD, on Monday, November 14. Give your receipt to the hostess or cashier, let them know that you are there for the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County, and we will receive 20 percent of your total. What could be easier?