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Roo is an adult female domestic shorthair who is super sweet and loves to be petted. She also loves her kitty toys and enjoys lounging around and taking naps in the sun. Roo is friendly, affectionate, playful, curious and funny. She would be good in a home with other cats, dogs and children. Her adoption fee of $40 covers spay, vaccines, worming, microchip and FIV/FeLV test. Roo would love for you to give her a forever home! She is available at the Madison County Humane Society, 2219 Crystal St., Anderson, IN 46015. For shelter hours and other information, call (765) 644-6484 or email info@mchsandersonin.org

It’s officially kitten season, and if you’re considering adopting a furry friend, why not make it a duo? Many people are unaware of the significant social benefits kittens under six months derive from being adopted in pairs, or placed in homes that already have a resident cat. Here’s a deeper dive into why adopting two kittens rather than one could be a rewarding decision for both you and your new pets. Why adopt two kittens? 1. Easier socialization and integration: Kittens learn crucial social skills from their interactions with each other, such as bite inhibition and how to communicate. If you start with two from the same litter, they’ve already formed a bond and understand how to coexist, making the integration into their new home smoother for everyone. 2. Twice the entertainment, half the effort: Having two kittens means they can keep each other company, reducing the chances of them getting lonely or bored, especially when you are not home. Watching two kittens play is not only heartwarming but downright entertaining. Plus, a pair of kittens will mentor each other through their formative months, learning together everything from using the litter box to mastering the fine art of the pounce. 3. Less work than you think: Contrary to popular belief, a second kitten doesn’t mean double the work. The workload per kitten actually decreases as they entertain and groom each other. This companionship is crucial in preventing future behavioral issues commonly seen in single kittens raised without feline companions. Educational play and companionship: During their early months, kittens are incredibly active and curious, making this a pivotal time for their development. When kittens play, their physical antics like stalking and leaping are actually life lessons. These activities teach them vital skills such as how to judge distances, develop balance, and interact socially. A kitten without a playmate might miss out on these lessons, which can lead to a less socially adept cat. Single kitten syndrome:It’s a real challenge that many new pet owners may not know about. Kittens adopted alone can often develop behavioral issues due to a lack of proper feline socialization. These can range from litter box mishaps to aggressive play. Cat behaviorists have found that kittens raised without other young cats often transfer playful biting behavior to humans, which can become problematic as they grow. The policy of pair adoption: Most cat rescues advocate strongly for adopting kittens in pairs, especially if there are no other young cats at home. This policy isn’t about placing more kittens per adoption; it’s focused on the kittens' long-term well-being, their social habits, and overall happiness. Many adopters who initially hesitated to take two kittens have later expressed gratitude, overwhelmed by the joy and dynamic that two feline friends bring into their lives. Consideration for potential adopters If adopting two kittens seems too much, consider adopting a young adult cat. These are often playful, engaging, and have already learned essential social behaviors from being around other cats. Remember, the difference between a kitten and a young adult cat is only a few months, but a happy, well-socialized cat can bring joy and companionship for many years. Conclusion: Adopting two kittens can enhance their lives and yours, providing endless entertainment, reduced behavioral problems, and a fuller, richer feline family. If you’re ready to open your heart and home to new pets, consider the countless benefits of making it a pair. Your new companions will thank you for it with purrs of happiness and years of affection. For more info on adoptable cats, visit https://www.pawsonmyheartinc.org Jenni Beesley https://caa.pet/

As we see almost every day, someone online wants to make sure that “pet owners know to avoid this product”.  With springtime and gardening ideas in the air, the current concern making the rounds on social media is about the use of cocoa mulch.   Something that smells like chocolate is sure to entice your pup (especially certain breeds, like Labradors) and so the questions become, when should we be concerned or should we avoid the use of cocoa mulch in our yards? Before we get into the mulch itself, let’s review what we know about chocolates and our pets.  When we consider chocolates and cocoa products, the dangers to our pets come from a class of chemicals known as methylxanthines.  Specifically, chocolate contains theobromine as well as caffeine and these two chemicals can cause GI upset in our dogs.  Beyond vomiting and diarrhea, some dogs may experience heart arrythmias or even seizures.  Some chocolates are worse than others because they contain higher percentages of the theobromine and caffeine ... products with high levels of cocoa liquor (the liquid that is produced after grinding the hulled cocoa beans) are more toxic.  Thus, cocoa powder is worse than baking chocolate is worse than dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate.  In very general terms, most dogs can handle about 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight without serious issue. How does cocoa mulch fit into this?  Well, cocoa mulch is a byproduct of chocolate production. It consists of the hulls of the cocoa bean and these MIGHT still contain enough theobromine and caffeine to be problematic, especially if your pup eats a significant amount of the mulch.  Some brands may note that they have “removed the methylxanthines," but in reality, some mulches could contain anywhere from 0 to 255 mg of theobromine per ounce of the mulch.   For reference, the toxic doses for theobromine in dogs are 9 mg per pound for mild signs and about 18 mg per pound for severe signs.  If your enthusiastic canine companion weighs about 20 lbs and eats an ounce of cocoa mulch, you might be in for a night of cleaning up some messes from your pup! Beyond any potential GI signs, like vomiting and diarrhea, or any potential serious issues, like heart problems, there is also the potential for your dog to develop an obstruction. The chocolate aroma is greatest at the time right after you have spread the mulch. The good news is that the effects of rain, heat, and the sun will help to lessen the amount of methylxanthines over time, so the danger will actually decreases the longer the mulch is out. As always, it’s important to review potential health hazards for your furry friends, but do remember to double check and verify information.   Cocoa mulch CAN be dangerous, but a little common sense will help keep your playful pup safe! #PetPalsTV, #veterinary, #veterinarian, #CertifiedVeterinaryJouranlist, #CVJ, #springtimedogdangers, #dog, #pets, #cocoamulch

Fostering cats brings joy. Just ask actress Valerie Bertinelli. Known for her roles in "One Day at a Time" and "Hot in Cleveland," Valerie sat down with me to chat about her own personal experiences with cats and how loss led to happiness when she discovered fostering. In the new episode of my podcast, The Cat Conversation, Valerie opens up about the loss of her beloved pet, Dexter: "I lost my dear, sweet Dexter, gosh, it's going to be 11 years ago now. And he was the love of my life. He was my best friend always. And after he passed, I thought, I can't do this anymore. I can't feel this. A few weeks later, I was working with our prop master on Hot in Cleveland. She fosters and does these adopt-a-thons every other week at this park. And she said, I know you're really upset and you're so sad, but just come because these cats need people." Despite initially feeling overwhelmed by grief, Valerie found solace and purpose in fostering cats and eventually ended up with six feline companions. And now she's hoping to inspire others to foster as well: "All of these shelters across America really could use help in the fostering department. And it's so helpful. Yes, it's hard to let the kittens go, but you know what, you're giving them a home, you're giving them a life." Valerie's story highlights the profound impact that fostering animals can have on both the animals themselves and the individuals who open their homes and hearts to them. For more with Valerie, listen to The Cat Conversation on Apple, Spotify or where you get your podcasts. You can also watch the episode here: KJ is Your Kitty Correspondent as seen on Pet Pals TV. Her first word as a baby was "Kitty" and she has had a passion for cats ever since. Watch more of KJ's stories on the Pet Pals TV YouTube channel and check out her book "Raised by Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million.

“Pet Pals TV,” was joined by News 8’s Hanna Mordoh, her sister Aran Mordoh, educator at Indiana University Health, and her dog Hoosier. Aran, Hanna, Patty, and Hoosier stopped by WISH-TV Midday to talk with News 8’s Jeremy Jenkins about Hoosier’s retirement. The therapy dog has been helping clients, staff and patients at IU Health in Bloomington.

Has anyone ever asked you, “What’s the most amazing thing you've ever seen?” Here’s my answer: This goes way back to the 1950s when I was around 7 years old and I had a pretty turquoise parakeet named Jerry. We’d let him fly around the house now and then so he could get some exercise. When it was time to go back in his cage, we’d get a coat hanger, he’d jump on it and then he'd pop through the door of his cage. One day my friend Dianne and I were coming into my house through a side door that led to a utility room. I didn’t know my mom had let Jerry out, and the moment we opened the door, off he flew outside! We ran to the back yard and watched him fly into some tall trees about a block away. Also in the back yard was a man painting the trim on the house. I was panicked . . . I thought I’d never see my Jerry again. My mom came out of the house and looked sad as we stared at the trees where our bird had disappeared. We stood there a while, feeling helpless, calling his name. My block was newer and the trees weren’t very big. The one in our back yard was slim and maybe 7 feet tall. To our amazement, a couple of minutes later Jerry flew back into the top of our yard tree! What??? My mom ran into the house and grabbed a coat hanger and the birdcage. As we all watched with our mouths open, Jerry jumped down, branch by branch, until he was near the coat hanger. He jumped onto the hanger and my mom popped him into his cage. Jerry was home! I was crying. I don’t remember what Dianne was doing. But the house painter said it all: “I wouldn’t have believed that if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” Thankfully, Jerry never had any more adventures like that. He went on to learn a few words, loved his cuttlebones, went on vacation with us and was still allowed to fly around the house. He had a full life and lived to be 22 years old! I wonder if he remembered his escape to the tall trees. Do you have an amazing moment with a pet? Visit petpalstv.com and click on Share Your Story.

The weather is starting to warm up and that means nicer days, more sunshine, and, unfortunately, more parasites waiting to pounce on our pets!! What's a pet lover to do to keep their furry friends safe?? Handling flea infestations can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be impossible. The most important thing to understand is how we can break the flea life cycle. Let's do a quick review! Adult fleas jump on you pet from the environment. These pests will start drinking blood immediately, find a mate within about 8 hours, and start laying flea eggs within 24 hours. These microscopic eggs will then drop back into the environment (the carpet, the hardwood floors, your bed!) where they can hatch into flea larvae (or maggots, if you prefer) in 1-10 days. The flea larvae will start gobbling up any organic debris in the area and molt twice over 5-9 days. At this point, these young larvae know it's time to metamorphose into their adult form, so they start spinning a cocoon. This will keep them safe for the next 5-6 days (or longer) as they complete their change. Then they wait . . . for you or your pets to walk by so that they can hitch a ride and get a meal! All in all, the flea life cycle can be completed in as little as 2 weeks, although 3-4 weeks is more common. Fleas lay about 40-50 eggs per day and can live for about 3 months. That's an average of over 2000 eggs going into your home from just one pair of fleas!! Now, consider the range of diseases that fleas carry, like the plague, as well as the tapeworm parasite, and you can see just how troublesome these nasty little bugs are! And remember, for every flea you see ON your pet, there are hundreds in the household that you DON'T see! As pet lovers, our goal should be to keep fleas away from our pets and stop any potential infestation in its tracks!! The best way to do this is to keep your furry friends on some sort of flea preventive product ALL YEAR LONG! It is also vital that all dogs and cats in the home have this protection, even the "indoor only" cat. Once you have your pets protected, it will be very difficult for the fleas to break into your home. If they do, there are great area treatments that can help kill off the eggs and larvae in the environment. Your veterinarian can provide you with safe and effective products that will work well for you and your pets. Oral products as well as topical spot on products are available. The best part of working with your veterinary team is that they will know if your pet shouldn't have a specific product because of their breed or overall health. You won't get that kind of accurate advice from the pet store, the grocery store, or social media. What's been your "go to" flea control product? #Fleas, #CertifiedVeterinaryJournalist, #CVJ, #PetPalsTV, #veterinarians, #veterinary, #dogs, #cats, #pets

From Indy Great Pyrenees Rescue www.IGPR.org Merry was found as a stray and not reclaimed from the shelter. We estimate she was born in October 2022. She is a fun loving, strong girl who loves attention, learns quickly and is eager for human attention. She enjoys being brushed and going for walks, although she could benefit from obedience training and an e-z walk harness, as she does currently pull when you walk her. She's a gorgeous girl, with a snow white coat, that glistens in the sunshine. She is crate trained too. She loves romping with other dogs. A male companion would be best for her, as opposite sexes tend to get along well with this breed. She is up-to-date on vaccinations, is spayed and microchipped. We recommend obedience training for all newly adopted pyrs, to help you create a special bond with you and your new friend, and so you have a well behaved canine. Great Pyrenees are willing to learn, but are not as eager to comply with commands as much as other breeds. They are bred to be independent thinkers. Applicants must be over 25, own their own home and all children in household must be over 6 years old. Your resident pets must be up to date on vaccines, sterilized, you must have a good history of vet care for them for the past two years, and you must have used heartworm preventative year round for your dogs and be able to provide proof of purchase. Merry will be placed as an inside pet with outside privileges. You MUST have a securely fenced yard accessible from your home. Invisible fencing does not work with this breed and they will take the shock for the freedom. Great Pyrenees are bred to roam and will create their own territory if not secured, which can led to them being lost, hit by vehicles or harmed by people who see them as a threat. The breed is not a good off leash dog, and cannot be trusted to not run away. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please complete the appropriate application on our website, www.igpr.org under the Adopt tab. Applications: 🐾Adopt: http://www.igpr.org/adopt/adopt-form/ 🐾Foster: http://www.igpr.org/foster/foster-survey/ 🐾 If you’d like to donate to help the dogs in our care, go to https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=oi2le8NM6mwzvx6wkwr352_opO-uuK7gCOMaPLAFZFRL_Z5DFii7LLGXMnZc4BXfJ__WHjICr0_ZU3dJ

Mark Wahlberg has a new movie out called “Arthur the King,” based on a true story about a street dog who became friends with a runner, who then became an international sensation. See Patty’s interview with the actor. Woof!

Giving those pets a second chance when no one else will – that’s the mission of The Four-Legged Ranch. Patty Spitler was joined by Nancy Hoffman, the founder of The Four-Legged Ranch, and Swag the Dog on WISH-TV News 8. Hoffman shares with Patty the story of 4-year-old Swag, who was rescued from a breeding operation in late January. Sad news: Swag passed away from kidney failure two days after this story aired. RIP Good Boy!

If you have multiple cats in your household, it's not uncommon for them to have disagreements or fights from time to time. I've been there. (NOTE: It's important to make sure health issues aren't causing the conflict. Cats recognize each other by scent and illness can make your cat smell different. Please consult with a vet.) Understanding how to handle these situations and reintroduce your cats is crucial for maintaining a peaceful and harmonious environment for your feline friends. Here are some tips on what to do when your cats have a fight and how to reintroduce them: Handling Cat Fights: Separate the Cats: If you witness your cats fighting, it's important to intervene and separate them immediately. This can help prevent any injuries and reduce the tension between the cats. Avoid Punishment: Avoid yelling at or punishing your cats for fighting. This can escalate the situation and cause more stress for the cats. Provide Separate Spaces: After a fight, make sure each cat has their own space to retreat to. This can help reduce further conflicts and give them a chance to calm down. Monitor Behavior: Keep an eye on your cats' behavior after a fight. Look for signs of aggression or tension and be prepared to intervene if necessary. Reintroducing Cats: Gradual Introduction: When reintroducing cats after a fight, do it gradually. Start by swapping their scents by exchanging bedding or using a towel to rub each cat and then letting them smell it. Treat them like they have never met. This can take as much time as introducing a new cat. It's worth the investment to go slow for everyone. Supervised Meetings: Allow the cats to see each other from a distance and gradually increase their interaction under supervision. This can help them get used to each other's presence again. Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats and praise. This can help create positive associations between the cats during the reintroduction process. Patience and Time: Reintroducing cats can take time, so be patient and give them the space they need to adjust to each other again. Rushing the process can lead to more conflicts. Additional Help: Use Calming Solutions: Solutions like Feliway pheromone diffusers, calming treats, safe aromatherapy and even calming music (See my favorite sound bath for cats here) can help your cats (and YOU!) through this stressful time. Working with Your Vet: If there are any injuries, please call your vet. It may also be helpful to make an appointment to talk about the behavior issues to see if an immediate calming medication may help or if long term anxiety meds are right for your cats. Again, changes in cat health can spark conflict so making sure your cats are healthy helps in creating a calm environment. By following these tips, you can effectively handle cat fights and reintroduce your cats in a way that promotes harmony and reduces stress for your furry companions. Remember, each cat is unique, so it's essential to tailor your approach based on their individual personalities and behaviors. Want to talk more about cat behavior? Join my Facebook group, KJ's Cat Club and submit your question. It could be featured on an upcoming Pet Pals TV!

Thousands of pet lovers across the country have spoken and Louie the Raccoon is officially the winner of the sixth annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts. As the grand prize winner, Louie will not only have a starring role in the 2025 Cadbury Bunny Tryouts commercial but will also take home $7,000 in prize money. Louie from Miami, Florida, is the first-ever raccoon rescue to be crowned the CADBURY Bunny. Louie is a two-year-old raccoon from Miami, FL who was rescued by his owner Jaime in 2021 after he had been deemed unfit to live in the wild. When he isn't lounging in his favorite tree, he's busy fundraising for wildlife rescue & rehabilitation centers by creating art using his toe-painting skills! This year's Cadbury Bunny Tryouts featured a bracket-style elimination tournament on Instagram – a first for the storied annual competition. Pet-owners nationwide submitted their pets for consideration through Instagram posts explaining why their beloved furry (or scaly) friend should be the next Cadbury Bunny. Throughout the month of March, pet lovers and Cadbury fans voted for their favorite contestants as finalists were narrowed down from Thirty-Cute to the Final Bunny. "Each year we look forward to crowning a new Cadbury Bunny, especially this year where we engaged fans in a new way through our bracket-style competition. It was incredible to see pet lovers getting in on the fun," said Natalie Shuntich, senior associate marketing manager at The Hershey Company. "Witnessing how fans participated in each wave of voting, and the loving support for our thirty-cute finalists from Cadbury fans across the U.S. is a testament to the love for the Cadbury brand." Louie joins fan-favorite past winners in the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts Hall of Fame, Crash the Rescue Cat (2023), Annie Rose the Therapy Dog (2022), Betty the Frog (2021), Lieutenant Dan the Treeing Walker Coonhound (2020), Henri the English Bulldog (2019). "We're thrilled that Louie has been chosen as the winner of this year's Cadbury Bunny Tryouts – we are longtime fans of the Cadbury brand and are honored to see Louie join the long legacy of incredible Cadbury Bunnies," said Jaime Arslan, Louie's owner. "Louie's TV debut in Cadbury's 2025 commercial can't come soon enough!" Keep an eye out for Louie's starring role in Cadbury's iconic Cadbury Bunny Tryouts commercial in 2025 and for the next chance to submit your own pet for the coveted title. More info: https://www.instagram.com/cadburyusa Source: The Hershey Company