Monthly Newsletter
For The Love of Animals is an independently owned and family operated pet supply store.
Welcome to our October newsletter.
With winter just around the corner, we have some great information on how to keep your pet safe and healthy during those long cold days. We talk about some important changes to our Rescue Discount program. We introduce you to Trooper's Fund, our new Wednesday's Senior Discount Day and a reminder about our Student Discount program. We also announce our Thanksgiving weekend hours and a reminder that we're now open on Sunday's.
Fundraising for Trooper's Fund
We're a proud supporter of the Upper Credit Humane Society's "Trooper's Fund". Trooper's Fund has helped so many stray animals through the public's generosity. Funds are used for such expensive medical issues as abscesses, tooth extractions, hip surgery, eye surgery and broken bones. Without these funds, many of these medical procedures wouldn't be possible.
100% of all money raised for the Trooper's Fund goes to provide medical care to stray animals that might otherwise not get the chance they deserve and need for a happy, long life.
Every donation, big or small, is gratefully accepted and you can be assured Trooper's Fund will continue to help stray animals with special needs get the care they deserve... but they cannot do it without you! For the next while we will have a donation jar on the counter. Our hope is to raise some much needed money for Trooper's Fund.
If you'd like to read more about Trooper's Fund, please click here.
Closed for Thanksgiving Day
We want to wish all our customers a happy and safe long weekend.
Our long weekend hours are as follows:
Saturday October 08 - 10am to 7pm
Sunday October 09 - 10am to 5pm
Monday October 10 - Closed
Tuesday October 11 - Back to regular hours
Introducing our new Seniors Day Discount program
To honour our neighbourhood seniors, we'd like to introduce our Senior Day Discount program. Seniors who shop (60 years and older) at For The Love of Animals on Wednesday's will receive 20% off all your regular priced purchases. This is our way of thanking our seniors for helping build such a wonderful community over the years. Senior ID may be required as proof of age.
Our Student Discount Program
Show us your valid 2011-2012 photo student ID card and you'll receive a 20% discount on all your regular priced purchases with us. This is our way of helping students worry a little less when it comes to the care and needs of their pets. Help spread the word to your college and university student friends and family members.
Now open Sunday's
Just a quick reminder that we're now open Sundays on from 10am to 5pm. This will give our customers more flexibility to do their shopping with us at For The Love of Animals. Hope to see you soon!
Important changes to our Rescue Discount program
Beginning October 1st, 2011, our Rescue Discount program will be ending. We will no longer be giving rescue discount rates to those who previously qualified with us. Instead, every 4 months we will select 2 new local rescues who will receive food and accessories donations during that 4 month period. This will allow us to give more direct help to those rescues that really need the extra help and to bring new rescues to your attention.
Pick up your October coupon sheet in store
Our October coupon sheet includes coupons for litter pans, large cat scratchers, cat & dog Kong toys, Halo cat & dog food, brushes & combs, and cat & dog treats. These coupon sheets will be valid for the full month and each month will feature different products. The coupon sheets will be available at the cash counter and on our community board at the beginning of each month, so be sure to pick yours up during your next visit. Our goal with the coupon sheet is to provide our customers with a longer period of time to save some money.
Join us on Facebook
You can now join us on Facebook! For those that "Like" us on Facebook, you'll have exclusive access to random discount coupons not available to others and advance notice of upcoming events. We'll also be adding pet photos, stories and healthy pet tips. Please feel free to add your comments and suggestions to help us improve For The Love of Animals.
Winter Pet Safety
It won't be long now before winter is knocking on our door. Most pets enjoy being outside and playing in the snow. It is also a time of real hazards. Here are a few tips to help make sure your pet is kept safe this winter both inside and outside.
Avoid Pet Burns
Be sure to keep pets away from fire places, wood stoves and other heating surfaces. When stoking a fire, keep pets away. A single burning ember or a hot poker can cause severe burns. A jumping cat, wagging tail, or running dogs can easily knock a candle over. Be sure the candle is heavy enough to stay put, and that it has a dome on it to keep pets safe.
Cars and Pets Don't Mix
The ethylene glycol in antifreeze is extremely toxic and can be fatal, even in small doses. There are many brands of antifreeze made with propylene glycol (reduces both the toxicity and flavour appeal) which are safer around pets and wildlife. Be sure to cap the jug tightly and keep out of the reach of children and curious pets.
Cats are known to warm up next to a warm engine. This can be fatal when the engine is started and the cat is hit by the vehicle's fan. Blowing the horn and bang on your car's hood before starting the engine will often scare a cat away.
Dangerous Weather Elements
Frostbite can happen when your pet is exposed to freezing cold temperatures, especially if accompanied by high winds. Frostbitten areas may appear gray, white, or red, and may peel. Paws, ears, tail and nose are most likely to be affected by frostbite. If frostbite is suspected, the frostbitten area should be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes. Don't rub the frostbitten tissue. As soon as the pet has warmed up, wrap him in blankets and bring him immediately to the nearest veterinarian.
Make sure to keep your dog warm by putting a sweater or coat on them if they have short hair or are small. Also, animals that suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease or kidney disease etc are less able to regulate their body heat. Pets that are very old or young are also more vulnerable to the cold.
The salt used to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks can burn your dogs paws. He could also suffer from diarrhea and vomiting if he licks his paws and ingests some of the salt. Your dogs paws and stomach should be wiped with warm water and a damp cloth after being outdoors in treated snow to remove any salt and other chemicals. Products such as Invisible Boot, or actual dog boots, also help to protect your dogs paws from the salt and ice.
Arthritis
Just like people, arthritis in pets is aggravated by the cold weather. A thick blanket wrapped around a hot water bottle, warm rice or oat bag can be helpful.
Dry, Irritated Skin
Animals can suffer from dry, itchy skin due to indoor heating during the winter months, just like humans. Essential fatty acid supplements can help some pets, but in the case of extreme irritation that causes a pet to scratch and bite at his skin to the point of opening sores, consult a veterinarian.
Subscribing to our newsletter
If our newsletter was forwarded to you, why not subscribe and never miss an issue. To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, send an email to info@loveofanimals.ca with "subscribe" in the subject. Be assured that your email address will never be given out or sold.
That wraps it up for this months newsletter. We hope to see you at the store soon!
Marilyn Murray ~ Owner