The Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals is this Saturday

Want to walk for animals this Saturday but St. Paul's a little out of the way? If Golden Valley is closer to your neck of the woods, then you're in luck.

This year, the Animal Humane Society will care for some 35,000 animals. Those pups, kittens and other critters need your help to get the care they deserve. Did you know the Animal Humane Society receives no federal, state or county funding? It operates out of funds generated by adoption and retail fees along with charitable donations. This weekend you can walk, collect pledges, donate and show your support for the Animal Humane Society and the many pets the organization cares for.

The annual Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals, sponsored in part by Purina, starts at 10 a.m. at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley. The Walk heads through Theodore Wirth Park and then back to the Animal Humane Society, for a total of five miles (though you can turn around at any point).

Bring your pets of all shapes and sizes–as long as they're friendly, of course, and up to date on vaccinations.

Come prepared for the weather–the walk is on, no matter the conditions!

Festivities begin bright and early at 8:30 a.m. with live music and activities, followed by the Walk at 10, pet contests at noon and a variety of pet-centered activities until 2 p.m., including a microchip and nail trim clinic.

Calling it "the best stand-up-on-your-hind-legs-and-bark event of the year," the Animal Humane Society has a hefty goal of $1,000,000 for this fundraising event. It's a big number, but nearly half of the funds have already been raised and the walk is still four days away. And with that tight timeline, if you don't have time to collect funds for the event before the weekend, don't worry, there is no minimum fundraising requirement to attend the event. However, keep in mind that the goal of the Walk is to raise funds for animals in need and a $25 donation is suggested.

If you receive pledges after the Walk, mail them to the following address with a note including your name, address and a request to add the funds to your Walk total:

Attn: Walk for Animals
845 Meadow Lane North
Golden Valley, MN 55422

If you are unable to attend the Walk but you'd still like to contribute, you can mail your donation to this address as well.

For more information, visit this website.

First Annual No-Kill Walk for the Animals is April 30

Hey, animal lovers. What are you doing next Saturday?

April 30 marks the first annual Twin Cities No-Kill Walk for the Animals, a fundraiser for Minnesota no-kill rescues and animal shelters. The walk will be held around Como Lake, with registration at Como Park Pavilion (1360 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul) at 9 a.m.

Bring your pets who play well with others, leashes, and bags to pick up after your four-legged companions.

Collect donations from friends and family before the walk, and bring your own donation as well. Every penny counts.

This year's goal is $25,000.

You can choose your own organization to donate to. Participating rescue organizations include Homeward Bound, Secondhand Hounds, Pet Project Rescue, Minneapolis St. Paul Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, Basset Buddies Rescue, Inc., Gentle Touch Animal Sanctuary, Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, Rescued Tails Animal Sanctuary, Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota, and TLC Canine Rescue. A complete list can be viewed here.

Want to spread your donation around? There will be a community donation jar at the event that will be divided equally among participating organizations.

The No-Kill Walk is sponsored by Happy Hound Rescue. Happy Hound Rescue will be offering adorable 'Dogs Rock the World' t-shirts to participants who obtain $50 in donations.

The walk is on rain or shine. Come support animals in need!

For more information, visit the No-Kill Walk for the Animals Facebook page.

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

We know the importance of first aid awareness for our children, family and friends, but what about our four-legged friends? As with any first aid knowledge, you hope to never need it, but if you ever do, you’ll be very grateful you learned it.

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month. The American Red Cross has a wealth of information for keeping your pet safe–more than we can fit in this blog, so we recommend you visit the Red Cross website. We’ve also highlighted some of the most important notes here.

Knowing what is normal is critical in being able to spot what is abnormal. Do you know what your pet's gums look like? How about average temperature, heart rate and breathing pattern? If the answer is no, go have a little cuddle with Fido or Felix and familiarize yourself with your pet's physical norms. When you know what is right, it will be easier to spot when something is wrong.

After the brutal winter we had this year, I know we're all ready to worship the sun til September, but the heat can be dangerous for our pets. It gets even more dangerous when a pet is left in a hot car. Make it a rule not to leave your pet in the car, even for a short time–heatstroke can happen quickly and is dangerous, sometimes even fatal. It's important to know the signs of heatstroke and what to do if you spot them in your pet.

Heatstroke Signs:

Heavy Panting

Inability to Calm Down

Red Gums

Fast Heart Rate

Inability to Get Up

What to Do if You Suspect Heatstroke:

Take Temperature Rectally

If it's above 105 degrees, cool your pet down with a water hose

Stop cooling when your pet's temp reaches 103 degrees

Bring your pet to the veterinarian right away.

As we mentioned in an earlier posting, some seemingly innocuous plants and flowers can be dangerous or even fatal for your pet. Brush up on ferocious flora and fauna at the ASPCA Poison Control website.

CPR isn't just for people. Learn how to perform it on your pet.

The Red Cross also recommends assembling a pet emergency kit. In it, keep things like leashes, food, water, medications, copies of medical records and current photos of your pet.

Want to learn more?

Some Red Cross chapters offer courses in Pet First Aid. Find your chapter here.

The Red Cross has also put together a Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist. Check it.

You can also visit the Red Cross Store online for dog and cat first aid guides with DVDs

Meet Your Future Pet

Spring is a popular time to add a four legged friend to a family. Warmer weather, longer days and time off from school come together to create a more puppy- or kitten-friendly atmosphere. No one likes house-training in a snowstorm.

If you are ready to take the leap and add a pet to your party, here are some upcoming adoption events you may want to check out.

I found my kitten at an adoption event and we bonded immediately. The picture above is from her first evening at home. It didn't take her long to feel comfortable...

Saturday, April 9

Underdog Rescue

Pet adoption event at Urbanimal in Uptown

12:30–2:30

Secondhand Hounds

Pet adoption event at Minneapolis PetSmart

11:00am–2pm

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of Minnesota

Dog adoption event at Petco in Maple Grove

11:30am–4:00pm

Last Hope, Inc. Companion Pet Rescue

Pet adoption event at Apple Valley Petco

11:00am–3:00pm

Sunday, April 10

Last Hope Inc. Companion Pet Rescue

Pet adoption event at Apple Valley Petco

12:00pm–3:00pm

Saturday, April 16

Secondhand Hounds

Pet adoption event at Eden Prairie PetSmart

11:00am–2:00pm

Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota

Small dog adoption event at Chuck and Don's Pet Food Outlet Calhoun

11:00am–1:00pm

...and...

Medium and large dog adoption event at Petco Richfield

11:00am–1:00pm

Sunday, April 17

Underdog Rescue

Pet adoption event at It's a Pet's Life in Plymouth

12:30pm–2:30pm

And if you do attend any of these events, comment and let us know how it went–especially if you find a furry companion to take home.