STUDY: 70% of Women View Their Pets…..

puppy

This is one of my dogs after a surgery. She was always cold and her bladder leaked for about 2 weeks. My poor baby girl.

 

Did you know? 

STUDY: 70% of Millennial Women View Their Pets as Children

According to Rover.com, many women view themselves as “dog moms” rather than owners. A study conducted by Veterinarians.org found that 70% of millennial women who chose not to have kids view their pets as children and treat them as such.

I can tell you, as a mom of biological, foster, adopted, and step kids- I also consider myself a fur mom. I never say “I own my dogs” or that I am an owner. I absolutely refer to them as my fur babies or 4 legged kids. I adore my dogs, as many of you know, and we do foster care and rehab for dogs of all ages and sizes. We love going to dog events, my dogs that get cold have sweaters, my small one has a backpack and a stroller we use for long days out that she can’t handle, and we have all manner of treats, toys, dog lotions for sore paws and hot spots and whatnot.

They are absolutely up to date on shots, get their heartworm pills, flea and tick treatments, and anything else in between. I love them and want them to be happy and comfortable- just like I would for my kids.  Are they as loved or as important to me as my children? No, of course not. But they don’t give me any crapola, either! Ha.

So. What did the professionals find?

Key Findings:

  • 69% of respondents say that having a pet is easier than having a child.
  • 52% say it’s easier to find care for their pet if they need to leave their home for an extended period of time.
  • 53% made a home purchase/renting decision based on whether there was enough outdoor space for their pet.
  • 33% of Millennial home-buying decisions were chiefly driven by the buyer’s dog (outranking marriage and kids as incentives).
  • 48% say the costs of caring for a pet are lower compared to children.
  • 42% of respondents say pets are less stressful.
  • 39% say that having a pet instead is less time-consuming.

pet parent

Birth Rates in US Survey Highlights

  • 42% of Millennial women who don’t plan to have children say the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their decision.
  • 41% say they don’t want to raise a child in the world’s current conditions.
  • 42% don’t feel there are enough programs and resources available (such as affordable healthcare and childcare) to help parents raise a child.
  • 49% believe people with children are more stressed than people without children.
  • Among Millennial women who don’t want children, 70% of those with pets view their dog/cat as their child.
  • Among these pet owners, 69% say having a pet is easier than having a child.
  • 48% of those with pets also say the costs of caring for a pet are lower than those for caring for a child.

While many believed the COVID-19 pandemic would fuel a ‘baby boom’ as couples found themselves spending more time together under lockdown, the opposite turned out to be true. In fact, according to data published by the CDC, birth rates in the U.S. reached a record low in 2020, showing a 4% decline in the number of U.S. births from the year prior. This figure is not only double the average yearly decline since 2014, but represents the lowest number of births since 1979.

However, this downward trend in births was noticeable even before the pandemic. Women, especially Millennial women, have been increasingly delaying motherhood to pursue careers and continuing education. Others have married later in life, or have put motherhood aside temporarily in the face of economic uncertainty.

There are also Millennial women who have opted out of motherhood altogether. We surveyed 400 of these women to explore their views on motherhood, children, and how domestic pets like dogs and cats may be the new ‘stand-in’ for children for millions of Millennial women around the U.S.

This study also discusses other reasons Millennial Women have decided to opt-out of motherhood.  See the whole article here- there is a lot of food for thought. See it here- https://www.veterinarians.org/birth-rates-in-us/

Wordless Wednesday – Dog Training Duo #WW #WordlessWednesday

therapy dogs

STUDY: Women Sleep Better Next to Their Dog Than Their Partner

Women and dogs are a match made in heaven and this was even supported by Honest Paws newly released study about dog and human relationships, where it listed down 95 benefits of having a dog.  Having both dogs and a husband, I can concur- the dogs are WAY easier to sleep with, LOL.

women sleep study

Dog provides women:

  • dog’s gaze (think of those puppy eyes!) induces a release of oxytocin, “the love hormone,” which is linked to a strengthened emotional bond between mothers and babies
  • Women are more intuitive to dogs’ emotions than men because they have a higher emotional sensitivity
  • Dogs who interact with women are 220% more likely to be treated like people versus dogs who don’t interact with women
  • Single women place more value on how a potential partner interacts with their dog than single men do
  • Women are more likely to view dogs as members of their family
  • Young women who own dogs take fewer days off sick from work
  • Women sleep better next to dogs than they do other people

Most of the time, my dogs are super easy to sleep with. The bigger dogs can be a little harder to move, but not always. None of them hog the bed or the blankets anywhere near the amount that my husband does, haha.

Sleep in whatever way works for you- which for me, most of the time, is with at least one dog, and my bed-hog husband. Goodnight!

Valentines’ Gift Idea That Gives Back

Valentine’s Day is about love, affection and giving back to those you care about. Whether it’s a simple heartfelt note, a dozen red roses, or a bottle of expensive champagne, there are endless ways to express those special feelings. However, this year, loved ones can offer one rose or two to a special set of precious animals quickly becoming an endangered species and in need of our love the most, America’s treasured and beloved wild horses and burros.

horse rescue

For brief background, over the last 20+ years, thousands of wild horses roaming our public lands out west have been brutally struck by the government’s giant bow and arrow, stripping away their protections, cruelly rounding up wild horses and giving away public lands to big oil, big cattle, and other special interests. That’s why for Valentine’s Day, there’s a unique opportunity to shower your loved ones with the following special gifts to help protect these beautiful creatures and also indirectly protect the environment since wild horses are a critical part of the overall eco-system that provide important nutrients to the soil they roam on.

Famed Wild Horse Photographer and Author Carol Walker is generously donating proceeds from of the sale of her breathtaking latest coffee table book, Wild Hoofbeats: America’s Vanishing Wild Horses and her photo calendar to the Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF) in support of the organization’s efforts to save these animals and expose how the federal government is secretly implementing policies they know will result in the extinction of wild horses.  Carol was inspired to volunteer and support Wild Horse Freedom Federation after discovering that WHFF’s goals of keeping America’s wild horses and burros where they belong – wild and free on our public lands – aligned with hers.

wild horses

In addition, all who donate to this important cause can download a Valentine’s Day-themed donation certificate (in a loved one’s name) – that includes a custom beautiful photo of a wild horse – that will help keep wild horses and burros roaming our public lands for years to come.  More information on the special book, calendar and certificate can be found on the Wild Horse Freedom Federation’s website at http://wildhorsefreedomfederation.org/wild-horse-freedom-federation-fundraiser/.

Bronx Zoo VIDEO RELEASE: Responsibly Managed Forest Concessions Can Protect Jaguars and Other Mammals

Responsibly Managed Forest Concessions Can Protect Jaguars and Other Mammals

Watch the video:

English Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2FcNSOmmBY

Spanish Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KWUTJY1VH8

WCS Guatemala, in partnership with Wildlife Messengers, produced a video on a study showing how reduced-impact logging, which includes minimizing roads, avoiding sensitive areas and strictly regulating hunting, can have minimal impact on jaguars and other wildlife.

The study, originally published in 2018 by San Diego Zoo Global and WCS, indicates that well-managed forest concessions can maintain important populations of large and medium-sized mammals including large herbivores and large carnivores as long as hunting is controlled, outside access to roads is prohibited, and the volume of timber allowed to be extracted remains low.

The authors of the study say that responsible forest management would therefore be an ideal activity in the buffer zones and multiple use zones of protected areas creating much less impact and conflict than alternatives such as agriculture or cattle ranching while still providing economic opportunities. Forest concessions can also play an important role in maintaining landscape connectivity between protected areas, according to the study’s authors.

The results and video come now an October 22nd event when the President of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, will extend the contract of three community forest concessions and approve two new community forest concessions in the Maya Biosphere Reserve – a significant conservation milestone for Guatemalan government, the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP) and the Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP).

WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society)

MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission.

The Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots Program Awards Bears for Cares Children’s Books and Toys as July’s ‘Project of the Month’

books for kids

A youth service program for young people of all ages, Roots & Shoots, an initiative of the non-profit Jane Goodall Institute, awarded their Project of the Month for July to Bears for Cares children’s books and plush toys, designed for little readers to learn about the beauty of nature, the endangered state of wildlife,  treating animals kindly and creating a more compassionate world.

In making the announcement, Adrienne Bermingham, Roots & Shoots USA National Program Director said, “This award goes to Bears for Cares for making a difference for people, other animals and the environment we share with your world-changing project!”

Authored by youth writer Lotus Kay, who is passionate about animals, the environment, and endangered species, and illustrated by Chey Diehl, the four books in the Bears for Cares series are “More Beautiful than Heaven,” “Billie the Octopus,” “A Thanksgiving for the Turkeys,” and “Jenny the Chimpanzee.” The books are told in rhyme and inspire children to care for and protect the earth, our environment, and our fellow wildlife inhabitants. Companion plush toys are available for each book.

Bears for Cares  and the books will be featured in The Jane Goodall Institute’s “Good for All News” blog on the  Roots & Shoots website, along with being promoted through the non-profit’s social media outlets, with a particular focus on “Jenny the Chimpanzee” in conjunction with World Chimpanzee Day, July 14, 2021.

A bonus to “Jenny the Chimpanzee” are inspirational quotes from world-renowned ethologist and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall, considered to be the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees and founder of the The Jane Goodall Institute.

Upon receiving the books and toys, Dr. Goodall sent the following note to Lotus: “Dear Lotus, It is fantastic that you are writing these books – thank you so much for sending me some copies, including, of course, Jenny. And it is such a good idea to have soft toys with them. Children’s books are really important – and even more so because of the pandemic. Congratulations.”

Books are 26 pages, printed on recycled acid-free paper and are available as hardback ($14.95) and paperback ($9.95). Published by Eifrig PublishingBears for Cares books are recommended for ages 4-9. The books are also available with a companion plush toy from each story and retail for $49.95 each. To order the sets, visit Hugg-A-Planet.

The Bears for Cares campaign was founded by Lotus and her sister Jazmin Kay on Endangered Species Day A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all books and toys will be donated to the Roots & Shoots program.

Love Dogs? You’ll LOVE Molly.

Do you love dogs as much as we do? If you are anything like us, you love your 4 legged friend more than pretty much anything. As well, you hate misinformation being spread! So many lies about pitbulls, who are as gentle a dog as you can find. Good with adults, kids, cats, other dogs of all sizes- it’s not about the breed, it’s about how they are trained. If you abuse a dog and train it to bite, that’s what happens. Blame the trash humans, not the abused animal. But Pit Bulls actually have a much lower bite rate then many other dogs, like Chihuahuas or Jack Russel Terriers, as well as a more gentle demeanor. Just like your kindergarten teacher said- don’t judge a book by it’s cover. And don’t believe everything you read- the media did the same thing to the German Shepherds, to the Rottweilers, and on and on. Just can’t blame the actual problem- humans doing awful things. Give these beauties a 2nd chance- they are by and large lovers, not fighters.

Molly A Love Story

Molly: A Love Story

by Dana Brackob is a true story about a cute little Pit Bull, lost and alone in the world until one day she was rescued and given a home. Molly’s story teaches children about the unconditional love that a dog can bring into the lives of a family. As a cancer survivor, Molly overcame adversity, and her story shows that despite every hardship, true love is everlasting. Children and dog lovers of all ages will be touched by Molly’s story and that of her adopted brother Logan, a Siberian Husky who became her best friend.  See more here: histriabooks.com/product/molly-a-love-story

A portion of the sale of each copy of Molly will go to support animal shelters in the Las Vegas area.
Dana Brackob lives and works in Las Vegas. She was Molly’s real-life mom and wanted to share her story. Pit Bulls are often maligned, but Molly proved that they are one of the most loving types of dogs. The illustrator, Evgeniya Kozhevnikova, is a talented Russian artist living in Tomsk, Siberia.

Morey’s Piers is Calling All Canines to Dash, Splash & Stay in September

Morey’s Piers is Calling All Canines to Dash, Splash & Stay in September

run with your dog

The Wildwoods, NJ – August 3, 2021 – Morey’s Piers, in Wildwood, NJ, goes to the dogs once again with two tail-wagging events on Saturday, September 11. First up is the Doggie Dash on the beach adjacent to Raging Waters Water Park, followed by a puppy pool paw-ty to close out the water park’s season.
The Doggie Dash kicks off at 10:00 am on September 11, when pooches set the pace for the 5K and 1-mile beach races. Participant prizes include a dog tag finisher medal for dogs and an official doggie dash leash. After the dash, dogs and owners will be treated to a beachside celebration with music, food, games, and activities. In addition, Doggie Dash participants receive complimentary admission to Raging Waters Water Park for the first splash session from 10:30-11:45 am.
The fido-friendly fun continues at Raging Waters “Water Bark” with pool party sessions from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Celebrating the close of the water park for the season, canines have free rein to paddle along the river adventure, splash in the fountain pool or fetch tennis balls in the activity pool.
Pricing and Admission for the Doggie Dash and Doggie Splash: *
Doggie Dash & Splash (includes registration for the run & entry into the 10:30-11:45 am pool party):
  • Runner + Dog Race Entry – $39.99
  • Runner Race Entry – $29.99
Doggie Splash Only Admission (valid for one hour of splash time in the water park):
  • Dog + Owner – $24.99
  • Spectator Pass – $9.99
* Each dog must have a designated handler for admission.
A portion of the Doggie Splash proceeds will benefit Beacon Animal Rescue, a volunteer-run, no-kill dog and cat rescue servicing Cape May and Atlantic Counties.
dog water park
Blue Palms Resort, located steps away from Mariner’s Pier and Raging Waters Water Park, is offering pet-friendly accommodations for the canine-centric weekend. The “Doggie Unleashed” stay package starts at $155 per night for a standard room with a king bed. A two-night minimum length of stay is required for those booking a Saturday night stay on September 11. All reservations will include complimentary amusement pier ride wristbands valid for three days from Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12. Complimentary ride wristbands are based on published room occupancy. A standard room will receive four complimentary ride wristbands, and a king-size room will receive two complimentary ride wristbands. To book, call 609-522-0606. Please note that admission to the Doggie Dash and Splash event is a separate fee.  For additional information, visit https://www.moreyspiers.com/dashandsplash.
Beacon Animal Rescue will host a Cocktails & Dog Tails fundraising event at PigDog Beach Bar from 1 pm – 4 pm. PigDog Beach Bar serves up barbecue classics, cocktails, and local beers on tap. Receive a free doggie ice cream with the purchase of an entrée during the event. Limited to one ice cream per dog.  Accessible via Raging Waters Water Park, the beach, and the boardwalk, pooches, and guests of all ages are invited to bask in the beachfront vibes complete with cornhole, giant Connect 4, ladder ball, and more.
For more event details and to purchase admission, visit: https://www.moreyspiers.com/dashandsplash.
About Morey’s Piers
Morey’s Piers, located on the boardwalk in the Wildwoods, New Jersey, is a classic seaside amusement park, family-owned and operated since 1969. Voted the best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today and #1 Best Beach Boardwalk by Family Vacation Critic Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions spanning over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks. Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey’s Piers, along with Morey Hotels & Resorts, combines the pure joy of an amusement park, the sights, and sounds of a classic boardwalk, outstanding accommodations, together with the rhythm of beach life. Visit them at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Landing Pier, featuring Raging Waters Water Park at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com or phone (609) 522-3900 or like us on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and YouTube.