Official Kids Mag

By Karen Rice Official Kids Mag Everyone knows that February 14th is Valentine's day, a day we think about love. Did you know that February is also responsible Pet owners Month? Let's face it…who really loves you more than your dog, cat, or other furry or feathered friend? Like everything that is worth having, there is work involved with owning a pet. Responsible Pet Owners Month reminds us that our pets are not just toys or accessories; we have an obligation and responsibility to take excellent care of them… and that includes pet owners who are kids! Since nearly 10,000 years ago when humans first started keeping pets, our animals have had needs like ours: shelter, food and water, health, and most importantly, love. It is up to the owner (or "pet parent") to provide these things. Too many pets are neglected and abused in the U.S. and around the world, so this month, let's all help to reverse that trend. This month, take a close look at how you meet your animal friend's needs. Is the food you give them high quality, and do you give them the right amount? Does your pet get enough exercise? If they don't always stay in the house, can they be properly identified if they get lost? Do you play with your pet and take them for walks? And, do you regularly bring your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up? Be a pet "foster parent" February is also a good month to think about "fostering"a dog or cat from a rescue, to see if you're ready to take on the responsibility of being a good pet owner. Emily Enslow-Berg, owner of Empack Rescue in Centerton, says fostering is a great way to see if your family is a ready for a dog. Emily rescues dogs that are abandoned or mistreated by their owners and finds them loving homes. But while they are waiting for a forever home, these furry friends can stay temporarily with families to see if they are a good fit. "It doesn't have to be forever," Emily says. Empack Rescue supplies everything…food, transportation, etc., that the dogs will need. The more foster dogs Empack Rescue places, the more room they have at the shelter for other dogs looking for new homes. Best of all, if the foster experiment works out, the dog can become a permanent member of your family! Hudson, whose family has fostered pups, says his "favorite part is holding them and playing with them." He says "they are good, good puppies!" returning the love pets give us According to the ASPCA®, each year approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters. The car company, Subaru, is committed to helping all animals — including those in shelters — stay safe and healthy. They are especially committed to shelter dogs with special needs—like the older, deaf, blind, and "different" dogs that they lovingly call the "Underdogs"—get adopted. Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville works with many local organizations to show their love of pets and to help all pets find their perfect, loving home. "Subaru Loves Pets, and we do too, at Adventure Subaru. For Big Paws of the Ozarks, we host a pet supply donation drive and cover the cost of adoption fees during the month of October," says Danielle Dotson, Marketing Director for Adventure Subaru. "We have also covered the costs of medical care for dogs through the Animal League. It's important for us to lend a voice to those without one, and work to make a positive impact in our community." For more information about fostering or adopting a pet, contact your local animal shelter. For more information about Empack Rescue, have your adult email empackrescue@gmail.com. They also take PayPal and gratefully welcome donations. Loving our pets Name: OFFICIAL KIDS MAG 4.26 x 2" Customer Name: WEDINGTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL Ad Number: 013022NWR9211 https://twitter.com/ wedingtonanimal www.facebook.com/ WedingtonAnimalHospital "Best Friends" ... make thE 4363 W Wedington Dr. • Fayetteville • 479-444-6600 www.WedingtonAnimalHospital.com 7:30am-10pm Monday-Friday • 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday "Best Friends" 30 • FeBruary 2022 • www.officialKidsMag.com

• Cover