Dear Petfinder.com Friends and Supporters,

The neighbors have shot off the last of their fireworks, and our scaredy-dog, Kobie, has decided it is safe to venture out of the bathtub (where he spends his evenings during fireworks and thunderstorms). Now he can move on to his favorite pastime -- EATING! Picnics on our farm usually end in a trail of empty-handed guests staring wide-eyed at where their hotdogs USED to be! Kobie, a.k.a. Sir Eats-a-lot, strikes again!

As pet lovers, we naturally want to share our favorite foods with our animal friends, but keep in mind that they are much smaller than humans, so their portions should be much smaller, too. Make sure they don’t spoil their appetites for their vitamin-rich pet food, and don’t give your cat, your dog or even your pot-bellied pig any junk food!

Awhile back we held a contest asking our Petfinder.com family to send in favorite pet-friendly treats -- the next time you want to do something gastronomically generous for your pet, try one of these recipes and keep the rocky road all to yourself!

Once again, thanks for spreading the word about Petfinder.com and our mission:

TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL ADOPTABLE PETS
HAVE A CHANCE FOR A HOME

Thank you again for your support for homeless pets.

Until next month --


Betsy Saul
Founder and President, Petfinder.com

“It was as if he had never been cold, hungry or ill. It was as if he would never think of holding a grudge against humans...”

The fuzzy little Jack Russell Terrier was just another neglected pooch, ignored in someone’s backyard. He survived by scavenging through a nearby restaurant dumpster for food. Fleas tormented him, and most of his hair had fallen out. His ears were scabbed over from insect bites and scratching.

TEARS of Birmingham, Ala, came to his rescue. They nursed him back to health and posted him on Petfinder.com.

Leah Nerem saw him on the Web site and arranged to meet him. Knowing his background, she wasn’t prepared for such “a happy fellow. Cosmo was as friendly and jolly as any dog could ever be,” she said. “It was as if he had never been cold, hungry or ill. It was as if he would never think of holding a grudge against humans, which would be well within his rights. He serves as a rather unexpected and enlightening lesson to us humans to keep our jaded tendencies in check. There is always hope. Simply enjoy any good thing that comes to you.”

People ask her where she got the friendly little pooch, and she tells them about Petfinder.com. One person at a time, she’s spreading the word about pet adoption, thanks to Cosmo. She calls it “The Cosmo Effect.”

“There are many more Cosmos out there,” she said, “and I intend to help bring the same experience to other people and—the most deserving ones—our homeless pets.”

TEARS’s homeless pets can be seen at http://tears.petfinder.com.

PETCO is a Friend to Pets

You may know that for years the PETCO Foundation has raised millions of dollars for adoption groups and that PETCO has never sold dogs or cats. Now PETCO’s new company credo, “Think Adoption First,” raises the bar even further. PETCO associates are trained to counsel customers looking to purchase a small pet to Think Adoption First. PETCO is installing electronic Petfinder.com kiosks in their stores so associates can help potential adopters search for “small and furry” or “reptile” friends right there too. If there aren’t any adoptable animals available, then store associates have the all-clear to make a sale, but only if they feel the pet will go to a good home.

Make a Promise for a Chance to Win
“I promise to make a commitment of time and effort to take care of my new pet.”

That’s the first promise of the New Pet Adopter’s Pledge from Petfinder.com and BISSELL, designed to help young people learn to build caring, responsible long-term relationships with their new pets.

Plus, when you take the pledge, you’ll have a chance to win a free BISSELL Little Green – the compact deep cleaner perfect for every pet-friendly home. Pictures of your new pet could even be featured on the BISSELL website!

Ready to make a promise? Click here for details about the Pet Promise Giveaway from BISSELL and Petfinder.com.

Problem Plants

These greens are no treat for most pets:

• rhododendron
• foxglove
• azalea
• oleander
• lily-of-the-valley
• sago palm
• yew plant
• mountain laurel
• mushrooms
• rhubarb (leaves)
• lily (all varieties)

Learn more about summer plant hazards at Petfinder.com.

Animal Calendar

July 29 Summer Sweets
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream introduced "Cherry Garcia" on this day in 1987, and the world has never been the same. While you may love ice cream, remember that most dogs have trouble digesting dairy, and sweet treats can be unhealthy for cats, which are prone to diabetes. Ask your pet store about frozen treats especially for pets or make one of these pet-friendly goodies yourself!

August 7: Friendship Day
You can never have too many friends, and can you think of a better friend than a cuddly canine? A faithful feline? An imperturbable iguana? Find the pet you're looking for on Petfinder.com or try one of the in-store Adoption Centers at PETCO stores.

FREE while they last -- Send a self-addressed mailing LABEL (no envelope) and a $0.37 stamp to:

Bumper Sticker
PO Box 51
Carterville MO 64835