Bored stiff? Your pet won't be

In honor of the much-anticipated arrival of my new feeding system for the Tobes Man I'd like to introduce a lesser-known but GREAT way to avoid misbehavior and keep your furry friend healthier and happier to boot: environmental enrichment. In the coming posts I'll be addressing a few cheap and simple ways to enrich your pet's environment whether your companion meows, barks, chirps or whatnot. But first, check out Petside's video on what exactly enrichment is and why it's an awesome idea for so many animal-loving households.

Relocating Rita: Local Resources to Help Find Lost Pets

Maybe it's all the recent thunderstorms we've had or maybe it's just a product of summer but it seems like there have been a rash of lost pet posters around lately. Loosing a furry companion can be a heart breaking experience that I hope few of you ever have to go through but, in case you do, I want to share this GREAT local resource with everyone.

The Massachusetts Animal Coalition has assembled a comprehensive resource guide and to do list for anyone who has lost a companion animal. It even provides examples of the most effective lost pet posters and templates that you can use. Most importantly, the site suggests ways we can all prepare beforehand so that if we ever do come home to a missing kitty or Fido slips his lead we can largely increase our chances of getting our beloved pet back. And that's the whole point, isn't it?

The Patriotic Pet: Help Pets Enjoy the Fourth of July Too!

As pet-loving people, we are thrilled to involve our little furry family members in just about everything we do... and that includes holidays! But sometimes things like the boom of fireworks, a Fourth of July cookout and other festivities can put our pets at risk. I recently came across some great suggestions from the ASPCA to make sure that both you and your furry companions can have a safe, healthy and happy Fourth of July this year.

Here are a few that stuck out (Go here for a full list):

• Keep your pet sane and sober. Alcohol can be poisonous to pets so be sure to place all alcoholic items far out of paw's reach.
• Beggars shouldn't choose. Avoid giving in to those sad eyes and allowing treats from the table or grill. Some foods can be truly toxic (onions, chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, etc) while even a small change from Fido's normal diet can spell not-so-fun stomach issues.
• Distract, distract, distract. While you know full-well that the neighborhood fireworks are just colorful fun, nervous little Sparky doesn't. Save some frayed nerves and give your pooch a kong filled with peanut butter to help him relax.
• Avoid puppy firedrills. Keep pets away from fireworks, candles, matches and firework supplies at all times. If eaten, these can cause issues in the lungs, stomach and central nervous system.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy and healthy Fourth of July!

Photo: Boston.com is calling for patriotic pet pics. Visit them here to share yours!

An Introduction

Meet the Tobes Man, a.k.a Toby, the Tobster, America's Fat Cat and Mr. Man to a select few. I'm starting this whole thing with Toby because, really, he's the reason I'm here... and maybe why you're here too. You see, while I've had the honor to have many many wonderful animals in my life (my parents got very used to the sight of me at the front door with "can I keep him...please?" written all over my face), it's the one who made things the hardest that reinforced a life-long passion and turned it into a profession.

Let me explain. Tobes, my ten year old, 15lb, neutered Maine Coon mix, has another name... my problem child. A loving yet demanding boy, my Maine man has been the source of many calls to the behaviorist, vet and friends due to his amazing personality and all the stubborn traits that go with it. (Think pooping in the tub and breaking things for attention to name a few.) Well, after nine years with me, both Tobes and I have learned a lot and I've become thoroughly, enjoyably entrenched in the animal welfare field. Who knew?

So thank you to Tobes and all the other lovable, crazy-making critters out there who inspire and educate us. You make all the difference.