HELPING THE INVISIBLE DOGS<br /> IN TOWN POUNDS

HELPING THE INVISIBLE DOGS
IN TOWN POUNDS

WELCOME TO THE 
 POUNDHOUNDS WEBSITE! Join us in helping the invisible dogs
 in town pounds.

Despite the rain and mud, attendees at Barktoberfest on September 14th had a great time. Dogs and their owners purchased delicious treats at the Bake Sale, had questions and concerns answered at the 'Ask-the-Vet' and 'Ask-the-Trainer' stations, visited the vendors selling merchandise, competed in the doggy contests and raffles and more. Attendees and Walkers raised over $6,000 to help needy dogs in town pounds.

We are still collecting donations so please consider donating by either sponsoring a walker or making a donation.

Click here to see more photos from Barktoberfest 2008. Read more about Barktoberfest in the Westford Eagle and Lowell Sun.

More Halloween Costume Photos

Vinny, a devilish Cockapoo from Needham.

Here's Rosie, a beautiful and sweet Princess Pitbull.

Current Campaign

Many town pounds lack the funding to provide more than the 'basics' for the dogs in their care: food, water, and shelter. Dogs are often sleeping on cement floors with only an old towel or blanket for warmth and comfort. PoundHounds wants to change that. We want dogs in town pounds to have the dignity and comfort of sleeping in a dog bed during their stay. PoundHounds strives to have 'a bed in every kennel' in town pounds. To achieve this goal, we have set up an account with Kuranda Beds, manufacturer of the durable elevated dog bed design that is comfortable for dogs and great for shelters and pounds because they are easy to keep clean.

To order a bed, simply visit the "Donate a Bed" page on the Kuranda Bed website and select PoundHounds, Hopkinton, MA from the drop down menu. Kuranda Beds has special pricing for donated beds ranging from $50 for a small bed to $99 for a large bed. Most shelters prefer a medium or large bed because they tend to take in more medium and large dogs than they do small dogs.

Canine Nutrition Research

If you own at least one dog and are interested in canine nutrition, you may be interested in signing up for SmartPak's Canine Nutrition Research program. SmartPak will be holding focus groups that will take about 2-4 hours of your time. The focus group interviews will be held at the SmartPak office in Plymouth, MA. SmartPak is looking for people who own at least one dog. To sign up, download the application and mail in to the address indicated on the form.

Meet Mandy - Our Halloween Costume Contest Winner!

Meet Mandy, a 7 1/2 year old Sato rescue, part Golden, part Border, part Shepherd, a true mixed breed. Mandy is well-loved and spoiled by all 21 neighborhood kids. Looking good, Mandy!

Foreclosure Resources

Home foreclosures are on the rise in Massachusetts and many pets are losing their homes as well as their families. Pets have been among the voiceless victims of the current economic downturn. Shelters are reporting increases in animal surrenders due to financial difficulties and foreclosures as families struggle to keep and feed pets. If foreclosure looks possible, plan ahead by looking for pet-friendly housing, locating a temporary home for your pet, or adopting your pet out yourself to well-screened homes. If all else fails, bring your pet to your local humane shelter or animal control facility. But never abandon your pet. Resources are available. Click here to read more and to find out what you can do to help.

Mars Petcare US issues voluntary food recall

See the FDA website for more info on this recall.

Captain Hannah from Millis.

Lyme Disease

Know the Signs and How to Protect Your Dog

Along with the cooler weather comes a most unwanted visitor - ticks! Each year, thousands of dogs contract lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. As in humans, lyme disease in dogs can be difficult to detect because the symptoms often come and go and may not even appear until months after infection. Common symptoms include recurrent arthritis/lameness that lasts 3-4 days; stiff, painful gait; swollen joints that may be warm to the touch; pain in legs or body; fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

Follow these simple steps to keep your canine companion free of lyme disease: Check your dog every day for ticks. Use a tick preventative product. And have your vet check for lyme disease at your dog's annual exam. Visit dogsandticks.com for more information.