Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week- Sea Lion Pups at Mystic Aquarium!

This Summer three orphaned Sea Lion pups were rescued (separately) and brought to the Mystic Aquarium, right here in Connecticut.  They came from all over the country but have become the best of friends!  For the full story visit the Zooborns Website.  The Mystic Aquarium is a terrific place to plan a day trip with their many beautiful animals, dolphin show, and wonderful exhibits.  Plan your trip while the weather is still nice!  Visit http://www.mysticaquarium.org/. 

(photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium)

Important to Know- Emergency Vet Hospital Open 24 Hours

If you have ever wondered where you would take your pet if there were an emergency in the middle of the night you should know that the VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.  They can handle almost any pet emergency, and are always available to help.  Keep their number in your phone book; you never know when you will need it.  If you have an emergency call 203-854-9960.  They are located right here in Norwalk at 123 West Cedar Street Norwalk, CT 06854. 

The VCA VREC in Norwalk also offers specialty services for pets in the area.  The Specialty areas include: Behavior, Cardiology, Dermatology, Neurology, Radiology, Surgery, Internal Medicine & More.  There is also a Veterinary Opthamologist in the same building.

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Bed Sheet Kitty!

Twitter a Critter! An Easy Way to Help Homeless Pets!

Twitter a Critter is a really cool feature from http://www.adoptapet.com/ that works easily with Twitter.  You can help pets get adopted even if you can't adopt one yourself!  All you have to do is:

1.  Use the search tool on the Adopt a Pet webpage to find a dog, cat, or other pet who needs a home.

2.  Choose a pet you want to help from the list and click to get their info.

3.  Click the Twitter Tool on the pet's page to add a link to your Twitter feed.

And that's it!  It is so simple.  And you can make a huge difference in the lives of  homeless pets!

Follow TweetACritter on Twitter.

Baby Walrus Dies of Pneumonia in Brooklyn

Akituusaq was Brooklyn's baby walrus.  He was the first Pacific Walrus born at the New York Aquaruim in over 113 years.   Unfortunately his stay on earth was short lived as he died on September 1st, 2009, at only two years old.  Atikuusaq died because of complications from pnemonia.  The Aquarium tried to save the baby walrus' life by providing special round the clock care, but it just wasn't meant to be.  Walrus births in captivity are actually very rare; only one in five live past their first year.  Support the Wildlife Conservation Society, visit the New York Aquaruim.  They are also looking for volunteers, if you are interested in helping please click here.

Check out the video below of Akituusaq and his Dad, Ayveq swimming and having fun in their aquarium. 

Walk for Wildlife and DAWS Walk For Animals This Weekend!

Don't forget about the dog friendly events taking place this weekend.  Best Friends Norwalk will be at both, so be sure to stop by our booth!

Walk For Wildlife

"You and your dog enjoy walking in nature; here is a chance for you and your dog to give back and introduce your special four-footed friend to your favorite nature center! This two mile walk will take place on the Earthplace Sanctuary and will benefit the Animal Care Programs. Come any time between 10 AM and 4 PM. Registration of $15 per dog is waived for those with sponsorships of $25 and over. There will be food, fun and vendors. "

Sunday September 27, 10 AM - 4 PM

Earthplace

10 Woodside Lane

Westport, CT 06881

203-227-7253

DAWS Walk for Animals

"Take some strides to make a difference in the lives of animals in need."

Danbury Animal Welfare Society's annual Walk for Animals is

Sunday, September 27, in the village of Bethel, Connecticut.

Location: Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center,

1 School Street, Bethel

(Rain date: Sunday, October 4)

Time: Check-in and On Site Registration opens at 9:00 AM; Walk begins at 10:30 AM

Crazy Doggy Do! Cobi Gets a Fun Hairstyle!

Meet Cobi. Every time he comes in for a grooming his owner requests a hair-do that is fun and artistic because his kids love it. Gabe who is talented at the typical and not so typical hairstyles is his groomer. Cobi usually leaves us with a dyed mohawk and a few times we have buzzed his initials into his fur. Cobi's Dad loves that Gabe is willing to do something different with his Wheaten Terrier. This time we also did the Star of David on Cobi's other side in celebration of the Jewish Holidays.

If you would like a crazy "doggy do" for your pooch, give us a call at 203-849-1010. Feel free to call us for a regular grooming also! 

Wild Animal Wednesday's! Beardsley Zoo Needs Your Help! Show Your Support and Check Out Their Newest Addition

Naka is the newest addition to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT!  She is a four year old female Amur, or Siberian tiger, that recently arrived from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse New, York.

Plans are in place to breed Naka and Booskin (the male Amur at Beardsley) in the next year. Female Amurs usually give birth to 2 or 3 cubs. The Amur is a critically endangered subspecies of tiger. Only approximately 44 of these great cats survive in northern Asia and suffer from habitat loss and poaching.  (photo courtesy of Lauren Collier and News Channel 12 CT)

Help Protect Naka and her other Zoo Friends!!!  HELP SAVE THE ZOO!  Beardsley Zoo is in danger of closing.  They are in need of donations to stay open.  Please watch the video below for more information and click here to make a donation to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT. 

Best Friends Pet Care on Pet Talk!

This weekend Best Friends Manager Tara did a segment on Pet Talk with Lauren Collier of Channel 12 News.  Follow the link below to see a short segment featuring tips on keeping pets happy while the kids are all heading back to school.  Also click the link to see adorable Luke, an adoptable dog from Strays and Others, a pet rescue group right here in Connecticut. 

http://media.vmsnews.com/MonitoringReports/092109/3288853/C002062724/

Bubble Day in Doggy Day Camp is Coming!

Bubble Day for our Doggy Day Campers is this Thursday, September 24th!  Don't miss it, the dogs absolutely love it.  If your dog is not signed up for camp, call us at 203-849-1010 to arrange your camp interview.

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Talking Cat at Home All Alone!

Turn up your volume, this is so cute and funny!

Wild Animal Wednesday! This Week- Dwarf Mongoose Pups at Bronx Zoo!

Early this September a Dwarf Mongoose gave birth to three adorable pups at the Bronx Zoo in New York.  The pups are happy and healthy, and sure have a lot of energy! Found in the wild, the Dwarf Mongoose is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is the smallest carnivore on the whole continent!  These newborns and their parents can be seen at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Giraffe Building.  They grow up fast, so plan your trip soon!  (Photo Courtesy of Bill Holmstrom/ WCS) 

September Day Campers of the Month!!

Mattie
Mattie is the Black Lab pictured here to the left.  She is an outgoing social butterfly who loves coming to Doggy Day Camp!  She loves making new friends, and really knows how to have a good time!  Our days wouldn't be the same with out you Mattie! 

Nietche Nietche pictured in her birthday hat is such a cuddle bug!  She loves her canine friends but especially loves the Day Camp Councelors.  She brightens everyone's day with her hugs and kisses!  Thanks Nietche, we love you!

Monday's Funny Video of the Week- Deer Gets Through Cat Door!

Time is Running Out! Sign up For Dog Obedience Classes Today!

Basic Manners

September 20th 11:30-12:30pm

7 weeks long for $150

Train your dog in a real life situation! By the end of the course many dogs have mastered basic commands such as sit, down, come, stay, watch, leave it, settle and loose leash walking. This class also covers common problem areas such as potty training, chewing, biting and digging. Consistent training at home will reinforce the dkills they have learned in class. Parents only the first week- please do not bring you dog along.

Trick Training Classes

Sunday September 27th 1-2pm

3 weeks long for $100

Trick training is a great way to enjoy your dog while stimulating his or her mind. Tricks will include big bear, little bear, shame on your, crawl, the seal, take a bow and more! Previous training required. Be sure to bring a hungry dog and delicious treats!

If you are interested in signing up for our new training classes please call 203-849-1010 for more information!

9/11 Canine Heros

On Today, September 11, 2009 let's take a moment from our busy schedules to honor the people who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks. Let's also honor the people and pets who bravely risked their own lives during that terrible time in an effort to save others.

Above, a rescue dog is transported out of the World Trade Center debris. There are no words to describe the emotion that this photograph taken on September 15th 2001 evokes. (Photo Courtesy of US Navy/ Preston Keres).

Over 300 dogs helped in the search and rescue efforts after the 9/11 attacks. Five of those dogs were killed during that time. If you would like to support our Canine Heros you can donate to the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund. 

New Policy- First Time Clients Recieve a Free Night! Take a Look...

Call us at 203-849-1010 to make your reservation, or visit our website!

Wild Animal Wednesdays! Update- Little Loggerheads Released into the Wild!

Labor Day Weekend Fun!

Monday's (belated) Funny Video of the Week! Puppy Can't Get Up!

HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERYONE!!

Best Friends September 50% Off Sale!

For the month of September our entire retail selection (except for Frontline and dog food) is 50% off!!!! That means you can get toys, clothing, collars and leashes, beds, gifts and more for half price! Our items are going fast so be sure to come in before everything has been sold.

The address is:

Best Friends Pet Care

528 Main Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06851

Some of Our Best Friends!!

September Dog Friendly Events!

Come check us out at these upcoming September dog friendly events:

Trap Falls Responsible Dog Ownership Day - September 12, 2009

This event will take place from 9:30am until 4:00pm at the Shelton River Walk. Admission is completely free for the public and pets. There will be dog vendors (including us, Best Friends Pet Care Norwalk!), canine good citizen testing, raffles, a microchipping clinic, contests, canine demos and more! Visit http://www.trapfalls.org/ for more information.

Bark in the Park - September 13, 2009

Don't forget about the PAWS Bark in the Park event right here in Norwalk, CT! The main event is a dog walk on the scenic wooded trails of Cranbury Park in Norwalk, CT but there are lots of other activities planned such as vendors, demonstrations, food concession, PAWS merchandise for sale and great prizes for those that participate in the walk. Check out the PAWS website for more details or to sign up as a walker.

DAWS Walk for Animals- September 27, 2009

We will also be at the Danbury Animal Welfare Society's September Dog Walk Event. Walk registration begins at 9am at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School Street, Bethel. For more info check out http://www.daws.org/.

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week: Little Loggerheads!

Wild Animal Wednesday

Can you believe it? How cute and adorable! Hurricane Bill tossed these three newborn Loggerhead Sea Turtles right out of the sea last week. Luckily Park Rangers from Cape Canaveral, Florida found them and brought them to Sea World Orlando to be rescued and rehabiliated while the hurricane passed.

Unfortunately all eight sea turtle species are listed as either endangered or threatened. To learn more about Loggerhead turtles and to learn how you can help them visit http://oceana.org/sea-turtles/about-sea-turtles/loggerhead/.

Photos courtesy of Sea World Orlando

Meet Our Pet Sitters!

Interested in Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Services but want to know more? Meet Our Pet Sitters!!!

PAT has been a valued member of the Best Friends family for over seven years. In addition to being a certified groom technician, she is an experienced pet sitter. She’s had extensive practice taking care of several breeds of cats, dogs, fish, and horses. Pat has a broad knowledge of animal behavior and is also Red Cross certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. Over the years, Pat has also worked closely with a local dog & cat rescue. She has fostered and rehabilitated many stray cats until they were able to find their forever homes. In her free time, Pat enjoys spending time with her own rescued dog; a Golden Retriever mix named Penny.

ANN has been a trusted Best Friends employee for four years now. At Best Friends, she has taken on a supervisory role as our Activities Coordinator, overseeing and administering the daily activities provided to our pet guests, including daily walks and playtimes. She is always reliable and excellent at paying attention to small details. Ann is an energetic and talkative person that dogs and cats naturally flock to. She’ll even tell them stories, and we’re pretty sure they understand her! Ann has extensive experience caring for households with a large number of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, small animals and elderly pets.

CAROL is one of our most experienced employees and has been in the Animal Care field for just over ten years. She started out her career training Border Collies for “Geese Patrol” which helped maintain local towns parks and beaches. In addition, she worked at an animal hospital as a Veterinary Technician where she was responsible for assisting with examinations, administering medications, and bathing pets. A dedicated animal lover herself, Carol is committed to helping homeless pets by volunteering her time with local rescue groups. When she is not spending time helping homeless pets, she’s at home with her own cats, Boo and Phobos and her poodle, Sophie.

For More information on pet sitting or any of our Home Pet Care Services please visit http://www.bestfriendshomepetcare.com/.