Responsible Pet Parenting

In 2009, Vermont became one of the latest states to make domestic pets and animals legally protected beneficiaries in a pet trust. In Vermont Statute 14A V.S.A.408:

New Mexico was one of the pioneer states to pass laws on pet trusts. In 1995, New Mexico made domestic pets and animals legal protected beneficiaries in a pet care trust. In New Mexico Statutes 45-2-907 and 46A-4-408:

This week on "Behind the Curtain"
This week we revisit our trip to New York and the AKC Meet the Breeds event. We had just finished setting up and were walking around to see who else was in the expo and we discovered a section of booths featuring K9 enforcement groups. Like many people my only experience with Law Enforcement K9′s was from a distance. Since I basically knew nothing about these dogs and programs I decided to stop in and introduce myself and meet Officer Terri Giannetti and K9Tery. We had a brief conversation and I knew I wanted to have a chance to do a more detailed interview with Terri about the program. Well, after a couple of months we were able to connect for our interview.

As a partner in a company that is committed to ending the 500,000 pets put in shelters yearly due to the death or disability of the owners, I find it disturbing when people tell me they are planning on having their pets euthanized when they die.  What are they thinking?  My only guess is they feel no one will care for the pets as they do, but to me this is a sure sign they view the pets as property to be disposed with as they wish.

Since 2001, Washington made domestic pets and animals legal protected beneficiaries in a pet care trust. In Washington Statute 11.118.05 through 11.118.110:

The past Saturday I spent the day at the San Jose Pet Expo talking about Trusted Pet Partners and meeting all the wonderful pet parents of northern California.  18,000 people attended and it seemed like everyone had their dog with them.  I saw breeds I have not seen in years but the dog of choice is #1 English Bull Dog and #2 Pit Bull.  They were all well mannered although many could use a few pointers in control.  Nothing worse than a macho guy being pulled through the show by his Pit Bull!

This week on "Behind the Curtain"
This week I continue with interviews from my visit with Helen Woodward Animal Center. Sumrall Reese is the Education Program Manager and Wendy Brown is the Supervisor for the AniMeals program. I spent some time with both of these women and was impressed by the commitment and scope of both their programs. In the education area they are dedicated to providing a variety of unique learning opportunities which support the bond between humans and animals by nurturing knowledge, compassion, and respect toward all living things. AniMeals is a program that offers free pet food for the dogs and cats of elderly or disabled people throughout San Diego County. Join us as Sumrall and Wendy share with us what they are up to!

WOW! We met so many great people this weekend at the San Jose Pet Expo in San Jose. People were energized, excited and sharing ideas and possibilities all weekend long.

February is National Responsible Pet Owner Month, so I have decided it is a great month to launch a weekly blog which will interview bloggers, authors, and those in the field providing us with responsible pet care information. as well as provide some great care tips and tidbits.

This week on "Behind the Curtain"
This week I continue with interviews from my visit with Helen Woodward Animal Center. Alicia Roe is the Therapeutic Riding Program Manager and I spent some time with her at their equestrian center. What a great place, the horses, tack area, and riding arena.  The program benefits children and adults who have a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. Join us as Alicia gives us a tour and shares with us the passion she and her volunteer staff have for their work!