Dallas Pets

Frisky

Princess Photos courtesy of SPCA.

His name is Frisky, which suits him very well because, boy, is he loving this cool weather! A fun-loving, outgoing, 4-month-old puppy, Frisky was transferred here on Dec. 22, and he can’t wait to meet his new family! He’s an American Pit Bull Terrier mix, who loves to play and enjoys getting hugs and kisses. And he promises to return the love, too! He has a soft white coat with brown markings and an irresistible smile. Don’t you want to come play fetch with him? He has a ball for you! Come on down today, and give this Frisky pup a loving home forever. #12060471

This lovely lady is Princess, and a princess she is! This bundle of love is a 4-year-old, Snowshoe mix with a very soft fur coat and striking blue eyes. Princess was brought to the SPCA of Texas on Jan. 7 because one of her former family members was allergic to her. She is a very affectionate and curious kitty who loves to rub her head against your hand. Her New Year's Resolution is to get in shape, so she is hoping for an owner who will keep her active with kitty toys and games like hide 'n seek, one of her favorite games. Come see her soon! #12186371
 
Princess is waiting for you at the PetSmart in Grand Prairie, and Frisky is waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas Dealey Animal Care Center in Dallas at 362 S. Riverfront Blvd. (S. Industrial Blvd.) near downtown Dallas. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $185-$285 for puppies 0-6 months, $95-$195 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $75 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $95 for cats, $125 for kittens, $75 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

Shonda

Cici Photos courtesy of SPCA.

If her name weren’t Shonda, it would be Happiness! When you meet her, you can see happiness from the top of her head to the end of her tail. She loves to lick and wiggle, and she’s such a sweet girl. She wags her tail like it’s going out of style! Shonda is a 35-pound, 2-year-old Terrier mix. She was transferred to the SPCA of Texas on Dec. 20 and has been waiting for her new, loving family ever since. She has an adorable bright white coat and cute freckles. Her precious ears are just waiting to hear, “Do you want to come home with me? I’ll love you forever.” Shonda is heartworm positive, but her treatments are FREE to her new family at a Metroplex-area VCA Animal Hospital after she’s adopted. This will provide the best total care for heartworm positive dogs like her, as they’ll have access to emergency care and overnight stays if necessary. Come see sweet Shonda today! #12071604

This is CiCi, a gorgeous Domestic Shorthair kitty with a snazzy brown and white tabby coat. Her owner surrendered her to the SPCA of Texas on Dec. 9 because the other animals in her home did not get along well with her. She was raised as an inside kitty, and she is a sweet girl, but loud noises around her tend to make her a little nervous. She loves a good scratch on the head and will do best as the only cat in the family. She enjoys being brushed and loves to lounge around the house. She has stunning green eyes and can’t wait to meet her new family! Come see CiCi today!  #12016592

Shonda and CiCi are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, 8411 Stacy Road/FM 720. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $185-$285 for puppies 0-6 months, $95-$195 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $75 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $95 for cats, $125 for kittens, $75 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.  
 
This Valentine’s Day, don’t say “I  Love  You” with chocolate!
While Valentine's Day may be the perfect holiday to tell your loved ones, "I love you" with flowers and candy, Whiskers and Max would rather have toys and extra playtime with you. The SPCA of Texas reminds pet owners that chocolate is dangerous for their four-legged family members, and there are other ways to show your pets how much you love them.

Instead of sharing your chocolate, share your love in one of the following ways:
• Make homemade, pet-friendly treats using a chocolate substitute like carob.
• Purchase new toys and treats for your pets. 
• Spend more time playing and cuddling with them, and enjoy each other's company.
• Exercise, take walks, and socialize your pets by taking them to pet-friendly restaurants and patios.
• Enroll your pets in obedience training so you can better enjoy and understand each others' needs and desires
• Make sure your pets are spayed and neutered and current on all vaccinations. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) to make an appointment today.

Be sure all Valentine's Day candy and treats are out of reach for your pets, as even a small amount of chocolate can be deadly. Only one-half ounce of semi-sweet or baking chocolate can be fatal in small dogs and cats, two to three ounces for medium dogs and eight ounces for large dogs. Milk chocolate is not as toxic as semi-sweet chocolate, but even a small amount can make pets very ill.

Chocolate contains a xanthine compound called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats in sufficient quantities. Semi-sweet and baking chocolate are even more dangerous to pets than milk chocolate because they contain higher levels of theobromine. Carob is generally a safe substitute for chocolate if used in small amounts, but even carob contains theobromine, so use caution when giving it to your pets.

Chocolate toxicity in pets can cause excitability, irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, vomiting and muscular tremors or tenseness. In severe cases, seizures, cardiac arrest or even death can occur. The severity of the response depends on the size of the animal, the amount and kind of chocolate eaten and when it was eaten. If you suspect chocolate poisoning and your dog or cat is showing signs of the problem, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

The SPCA of Texas wishes you and your pets a safe, happy, love-filled Valentine's Day.

About the author: Lacy Ball is a communications specialist with the SPCA of Texas. She is based in Dallas.

For more information, call the SPCA of Texas at 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit http://www.spca.org/.