Dallas Pets

Jax

Babs Photos courtesy of the SPCA.

Meet Jax, a handsome and sweet 6-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix with a great outlook on life. Jax lived his entire life outside before his family surrendered him to the SPCA of Texas. They knew that he needed more love and attention than they could give him. Though he misses them, Jax knows that he will find his forever family soon. Jax gets along well with other dogs, but would do best in a home without young children. Like most Jack Russell Terriers, Jax is an energetic guy, and sometimes that can make him unsuitable for the younger child crowd. This sweet boy would love to go on daily walks and play at the dog park with his forever family. What do you say? Come meet Jax today! #109930

Meet Babs, a beautiful 4-year-old Domestic Longhair kitty with a stunning black and white coat. Babs came to the SPCA of Texas on Jan. 13, after her family was no longer able to keep her. This sweet girl is the perfect kitty for any family, and she just loves a nice, long scratch behind her adorable little ears. Babs is already litter-trained and can't wait to take relaxing naps next to her forever family. Could that be you? #110995

Jax and Babs 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

Sonia

Mavis Photos courtesy of the SPCA.

Meet Sonia, a beautiful 4-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix with the sweetest disposition around. This friendly girl was surrendered to the SPCA of Texas on Jan. 9 because her family had to move away. Though she misses them terribly, she knows that she will find her forever family soon. This smart girl is already house-trained and also understands hand signals. Isn't that amazing? Sonia is such a playful girl who loves nothing more than to chase her Frisbee outside! Sonia's previous owners said that she also loves to go on walks. Sonia gets along well with other dogs and children, too! So what do you say? Come meet Sonia today! #23755

Meet Mavis, a beautiful 7-year-old Domestic Shorthair kitty with a gorgeous blue tabby coat. Mavis is a sweet girl who loves to cuddle and especially loves to relax on her kitty bed. Though she's a little shy at first, this precious girl wants nothing more than a nice, long scratch behind her ears. Mavis was surrendered to the SPCA of Texas on Aug. 23, after her family had a new baby. This sweetheart is already litter-trained and is perfect for any family, big or small! Mavis just can't wait to meet her forever family. Could that be you?#107263

Sonia and Mavis 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.

Pet tips: Keeping your pets happy and healthy in 2013
You can keep your pets safe and happy this year by adding just a few tips from the SPCA of Texas to your new year’s resolutions for your pet.

• Consider your pets’ health as well as your own. Commit to taking your dogs on daily walks to ensure both of you are exercising. This is a healthy and enjoyable way to spend some time bonding with your pets. And, when you take your pet to his next yearly checkup, ask your veterinarian if your pet is eating the best food for his age, body type, activity level and health status.
• Most importantly, make sure you’ve had all of your pets spayed or neutered. By spaying or neutering your pets, you are helping to prevent millions of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens who will likely end up in shelters nationwide. 
• Be sure your pet is current on vaccinations. This will prevent illness and keep your pet healthy. The rabies vaccine is required by law.
• Be sure your pet has proper identification should he get lost. A collar with a tag, including your name, e-mail address and phone number, is best. You should also have current rabies tags on your animals and any other tags required by law. 
• Consider having your pet microchipped. This is a simple, non-surgical procedure that will ensure your pet’s return if she winds up in an animal shelter. Goodness knows, collars don’t always stay on, so having your pet microchipped will help ensure your pet can come home to you should she become lost.
• If your dog has behavioral issues, now is the time to sign up for obedience or training school.
• If your dog is not on heartworm preventive, make sure to have him tested for heartworms and begin the monthly preventive. Heartworms are spaghetti-like worms, transmitted by mosquitoes, which can be life-threatening to dogs (and also to cats and other animals) if left untreated. Luckily, a simple monthly pill prevents this deadly parasite.
• Finally, if you are thinking about adding a new member to your family this year, come to the SPCA of Texas and give one of our four-legged friends a loving, forever home for years to come! You can see all of our pets at www.spca.org/findapet.

For more information about the SPCA of Texas, or to set up an appointment at any of the SPCA of Texas’ low-cost Spay/Neuter and Animal Wellness Clinics, call 214-742-SPCA (7722), or visit www.spca.org.

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