January and February are looking pretty wet and dreary. What a perfect time to browse through some fun and educational websites about our pets! Learn about training, health and safety from the comfort of your warm home, hopefully with a kitty curled up on your lap and a pup at your feet!
But, we still need to walk the dog! Keep yourself dry and warm with rain gear from Carhartt or Dutch Harbor, or waterproof boots from Muck Boot Company, or Boggs. There’s rain gear for every member of your family, including the fur-kids! Cozy dog coats and sweaters in every size from Chihuahua to Great Dane! Don’t’ forget that pets are welcome in the Rainbow Ag stores too – come on in and let your dog choose a toy and visit with the friendly Rainbow staff!
January is National Train Your Dog Month, sponsored by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers! According to the ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, 47% of dogs that were rehomed were done so by owners because of problematic behaviors, aggressive behaviors, or health problems. Train Your Dog Month is dedicated to training the family dog with everyday manners, so that your family will include your dogs for life. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers has a very useful website, with videos, tips, webinars and resources for pet owners and professional trainers. Check out www.trainyourdogmonth.com/. The Resources section has dozens of articles on everything from selecting the right dog for your lifestyle, to how to become a dog trainer!
Coming right up! February is Spay Neuter Awareness Month! The Spay Neuter Assistance Program – SNAP – is currently scheduling for cat spay/neuter days in February. Contact them through their Facebook page to set an appointment or call (707) 462-7874.
February is also National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Many veterinary clinics will be offering specials on dental health exams and treatments during February, so it is a great time to schedule a checkup! The AVMA Dental Health Month web page offers articles, videos and podcasts with helpful information about your pets’ dental health. And, Rainbow will help out too, with this month’s subscriber coupon for 20% Off all pet dental products! That includes Fresh Breath and Greenies Dental products, too! Get your coupon right here>>
Have you seen the CARE-A-VAN around Mendocino County? This vehicle, part of Mendocino County Animal Care Services, is an innovative and much-needed program that provides low-cost spay, neuter and vaccinations to remote areas of the county. It is also a Disaster Preparedness Vehicle, and provides animal welfare information to rural areas. Currently the CARE-A—VAN provides services in Boonville, Covelo, Fort Bragg, Laytonville, Manchester and Willits. The CARE-A-VAN is a self-sustaining enterprise, that receives minimal funding from the County’s General Fund. The program is supported with the help of local animal welfare groups, veterinarians, community members and businesses as well as private foundations. For more information and contact numbers, along with the CARE-A-VAN’s schedule, check out their page on the Mendocino County website, or the CARE-A-VAN Facebook page.
For the youth showmen-and-women in our communities, it is never too early to start getting ready for Fair and Show season! Join in a free seminar led by some of the best experts in the field, on February 2nd at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Learn about feeding, fitting, management and showing livestock. Get all the info here>>
Trivia! December’s winner is Zoë LeBlanc, with the correct answer that the donations bins at Rainbow are there to collect canned pet food for the shelters. Enter to be eligible to win a $15.00 Rainbow Gift card! This month’s question is, National Train Your Dog month is sponsored by . . . Click here to enter!