Dallas Pets

Sophie

Giada Photos courtesy of the SPCA.

Meet Sophie, one of the sweetest girls in the whole world. This precious lady is a gorgeous 2-year-old Labrador mix with the most beautiful eyes around. If that's not enough, this pretty girl has a gorgeous white and brindle coat that is as soft as cotton. Though she can be a little shy at first, once she gets to know you, she will let you give her belly rubs all day long! If you’re looking for a smart girl who would love to learn lots of fun, new tricks, Sophie is definitely your girl. This adorable dog can't wait to find her forever family. Could that be you? #108943
 
Let us introduce Giada, a gorgeous 6-year-old Domestic Shorthair kitty with a stunning blue/cream tortoiseshell coat. Giada is a sweet girl who gets along well with other cats and dogs, and also loves to cuddle. Giada's previous family said that the other animals in their home didn't really like her, so she was surrendered to the SPCA of Texas. Though she misses them, Giada knows that she will find her forever family soon. This smart girl is already house trained and can’t wait to cuddle with you in her new forever home. Won't you come and meet this sweet girl soon? #108680
 
Sophie and Giada are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas' Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas at 2400 Lone Star Drive near I-30 and Hampton Rd. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $95-125 for puppies 0-6 months, $75-95 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $50 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $95 for kittens, $75 for adult cats, $50 for senior cats 7 years and older and $50 for VIP cats. Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, initial heartworm preventative for dogs, a feline leukemia test for cats 4 months and older, a microchip, a rabies tag and a free leash or cat carrier. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.
 
McKinney pets

Mandy

Hercules Photos courtesy of the SPCA.

Meet Mandy, an adorable 7-month-old Border Collie mix with the sweetest personality ever. This precious girl has beautiful black fur and the sweetest puppy-dog eyes around. Mandy loves to chase and play fetch, though she doesn't always bring the stick back. She also loves car rides! Mandy is still a puppy, so she can get bored easily and should be entertained for most of her puppy days. With a little patience and positive reinforcement, this smart girl will adjust to house training and basic obedience skills in no time! So what do you say? Come and meet Mandy soon! #108560
 
This is Hercules, a handsome 7-year-old, medium-sized Domestic Longhair mix who came to the SPCA of Texas on Oct. 19 to find the perfect family to take him home. He's a little hard to see, so you have to look for the very adorable, small patch of white on his otherwise completely black coat. Hercules is a sweet guy who enjoys nothing more than a good cuddle and scratch behind his ears. He’d make the perfect kitty companion for any family -- big or small! Come and meet Hercules soon! #108991
 
Mandy and Hercules are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas' Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $95-125 for puppies 0-6 months, $75-95 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $50 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $95 for kittens, $75 for adult cats, $50 for senior cats 7 years and older and $50 for VIP cats. Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, initial heartworm preventative for dogs, a feline leukemia test for cats 4 months and older, a microchip, a rabies tag and a free leash or cat carrier. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.
 
Fall Pet Tips
Since the weather is cooling down, it’s time to ensure your pet is comfortable and happy throughout the fall and winter seasons. There are several things pet owners can do to keep their pets warm over the next few months, including:
 
• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, far away from all drafts and off the floor. A good place would be a dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow in it.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.
• If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to go to the bathroom.
• Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper-train your puppy inside if he or she appears to be sensitive to the weather.
• If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his or her supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter. Leave the coat long for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him or her before taking her outdoors.
• Keep your pets happy and healthy all year ‘round by having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and keep a collar with updated tags on them at all times.

About the author: Stephanie Daniels is communications coordinator with the SPCA of Texas. She is based in Dallas.