Pets on Wheels

For all our friends who are celebrating, we wish you and yours peace and light this holiday!

Have you donated yet to get your chance to win this fantastic health and wellness basket from Skin Dipt ?! Donations made now through December 15th are eligible. The basket is packed with natural skin care and CBD products for you and your dog to feel your best.

Donate here to win one of three great prizes:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E52NGZYJLXSRJ&fbclid=IwAR3HhkdSXJZxX8rBllJXWQSWmviX-l9FwIEaCK9rFIxFjdPUJxm5o2GkhOo

* Gift Basket from Skin Dipt with CBD products for your pet and you - a more than $200 value!*
* Custom door wreath in PoW Blue for the Holidays and beyond!*
* $20 in gift certificates good at ALL Conrad's Crabs locations 1/2-2/29/24!

*winner must arrange pickup in the Central MD area

Want to get closer to your dog? Or hide out from the stress of the season? This might just be the gift you're looking for...

Costco's "Ultimate" Dog Bed Is Big Enough For You and Your Dog And it's marked down to just under $90.

Send a gift through the end of the year and help Pets on Wheels!
https://www.yumraising.com/secure/petsow_pets_on_wheels26/AmbRic3271/candy

Thanks to our volunteer Amber, Pets on Wheels can receive a donation when you order candy through the end of the year! Just send a delicious candy gift from See's!

See's Candies has been making quality chocolate and candy Mary See's way for over 95 years. From the beginning, Mary took pride in her recipes and insisted on only the finest, freshest ingredients. See's has expanded from one chocolate shop to over 200 shops across America and a flourishing online store.

This year you can give this iconic American gift AND help our pets help more people! See’s is perfect for family, friends and even corporate gifts, so please visit our store and order today!

See's Candies Yum-Raising - Pets on Wheels - Pets on Wheels Thank you for supporting the Pets on Wheels! We'll receive profits from any items you purchase below. Order more to help us reach our fundraising goal!

It's National Mutt Day!

National Mutt Day was established in 2005 to celebrate mixed-breed dogs, and to raise awareness of the high number of these dogs waiting to be adopted into their forever homes. 75% of all dogs adopted - and of our therapy dogs - are mutts. Show us yours!

Sharing from a rescue page - please reshare! "Did you know:
If you have a pacemaker, you can put it in your Will to have your pacemaker donated to a dog in need after you pass. Pacemakers cannot be donated to another human, but they can be donated to dogs with cardiac issues who would depend on it to stay alive.
You can have the pacemaker brought to a vet of your choice. So many of those get thrown away and dogs die because people don't know they can do this. It even saves the dog's owner the cost of the actual pacemaker which sometimes means the difference in being able to afford lifesaving treatment or not. 🐕 ❤️"

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/health/georgia-pacemakers-donations-pets-trnd/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0eF_NbTg_t-LO5YqqDZ0J5_J9_J7aUKNw9BdDxTKjeegdUef_I568LSe8

A cardiac nurse couldn't afford a pacemaker for her dog, so she started a program to donate used ones to pets | CNN Cardiac nurse Terri Matula couldn’t afford to buy a pacemaker for her beloved dog more than 20 years ago, so she started a program to donate used pacemakers to dogs and other animals.

We love it when partners showcase our therapy pets. Check out this picture of Tillie from JHU this week.

Send a Gift and Help Pets on Wheels - Holiday YumRaiser closes FRIDAY, Dec 1!

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/petsow_pets_on_wheels61/AmbRic3271/?fbclid=IwAR17rcfxIM76R4w7CS8Q32PmloNLJjoJOQ3NLrJ2KlH2YUCiyRBKKMBNmtA

Thanks to our volunteer Amber, Pets on Wheels can receive a donation when you send holiday gifts this year! Just send a delicious candy gift from See's!

See's Candies has been making quality chocolate and candy Mary See's way for over 95 years. From the beginning, Mary took pride in her recipes and insisted on only the finest, freshest ingredients. See's has expanded from one chocolate shop to over 200 shops across America and a flourishing online store.
This year you can give this iconic American gift AND help our pets help more people! See’s is perfect for family, friends and even corporate gifts, so please visit our store and order today!

See's Candies Yum-Raising - Pets on Wheels - Pets On Wheels Thank you for supporting the Pets On Wheels! We'll receive profits from any items you purchase below. Order more to help us reach our fundraising goal!

"There’s a well-established inverse relationship between a dog’s size and its expected lifespan. Bernese mountain dogs and Great Danes live just six to eight years, for example, while corgis can live up to 15 years and Chihuahuas up to two decades.

San Francisco biotech company Loyal wants to close that gap, and is developing an experimental drug to extend the lifespan and improve the quality of life of large and giant dog breeds. Today, the company announced that based on early data, the US Food and Drug Administration has determined that Loyal’s drug has a “reasonable expectation of effectiveness.” The company hasn’t yet shown that its drug actually extends lifespan, but the FDA decision signals the agency’s confidence in Loyal’s approach, and the drug will soon be tested in a bigger trial....

To determine the drug’s effect on lifespan, the company is planning a bigger study that will start in 2024 or 2025, and enroll about 1,000 large and giant breed companion dogs that are at least 7 years old. Each will receive either the experimental drug or a placebo.

Halioua says the company aims to have its drug on the market by 2026. But first, Loyal still has to prove to the FDA—which regulates both human and veterinary medicines—that the injection is safe and that the drug can be reliably manufactured. At that point, the FDA can grant conditional approval, a temporary authorization that lasts five years and allows the drug to be sold by prescription. During that time, Loyal will collect effectiveness data and apply for full approval."

A Life-Extension Drug for Big Dogs Is Getting Closer to Reality The FDA has yet to approve any drugs for life extension. But biotech company Loyal is now a step closer to bringing one to market—for dogs.

Help our pets help more people this Giving Tuesday! Donate and you might WIN one of three great prizes - all donations through Dec 15 are eligible to win!

Help our pets help more people with a donation this Giving Tuesday, and beyond! Everyone who donates now through Dec 15th can earn a chance to WIN a great prize:
* Gift Basket from Skin Dipt with CBD products for your pet and you!
* Custom door wreath in PoW Blue for the Holidays and beyond!
* $20 in gift certificates good at ALL Conrad's Crabs locations 1/2-2/29/24!

Click here to give today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E52NGZYJLXSRJ

Thank you!

Across the country there is a new respiratory illness affecting dogs. Here's what we know so far: https://www.nytimes.com/article/dog-respiratory-illness.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AU0.HvsV.ioAS_rZ2aWc7&smid=url-share

Gifted article, free to read.

Shared: "They may have found a source behind the mysterious illness spreading across the US.
https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2023/11/21/what-to-know-about-a-mysterious-dog-respiratory-illness/

From the article: "Through a genetic sequencing of samples from an initial group of 30 dogs from New Hampshire who were infected last year and then an additional 40 from Rhode Island and Massachusetts who got sick this year, the researchers say they have discovered a previously unknown germ."

What to know about a mysterious dog respiratory illness NBC News Scientists at the University of New Hampshire may have identified a pathogen that has sickened possibly thousands of dogs and killed some of them across the country. The mysterious re…

Gifted article: https://wapo.st/3MUJeRo

Please be careful if you are traveling with your dogs this holiday season.

What a mystery illness in dogs could mean for holiday pet care As a mystery illness infects dogs in several states, veterinarians urge simple precautions like avoiding doggy day care and kennels.

We recently had to say goodbye to a precious pet. Volunteer, Tammy Lowman writes, "Ryley was a therapy dog for 7.5 years for Pets on Wheels. He volunteered at an adult day care, an assisted living facility, Paws to Read program at the library, and the 911 call center. People always connected to Ryley because he connected to people. He would lean into them and get nose to nose with them, then sneak a kiss on the cheek. He was a 100% Velcro dog! He was an absolute sweetheart! ❤️. He is missed greatly."

The Pets on Wheels family sends their condolences to Tammy and her family.

It's so hard when we lose a pet. Pets on Wheels sends its condolences to volunteer, Linda Erbland, on the passing of her therapy pet, Gabby.

Linda says, "My sweet little Gabby passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday morning. She was a very special girl loved by so many. She was a favorite at St. Vincent's and adored by the library staff and kids who read stories to her.
We miss her so much! I know how much she loved everyone she met and how much joy she brought to so many.
Rest in peace my sweet girl.
Run free and breathe easy now.
May we meet again one day at the Rainbow Bridge ...."

DOG & CAT FOOD RECALL: TFP Nutrition is expanding its voluntary recall made on October 20th, 2023 to include all dry dog and dry cat food manufactured in its Nacogdoches, Texas, facility. A large number of different dog and cat foods are affected, check here for info:

TFD Nutrition Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Dog and Cat Foods Due to Potential Salmonella Health Risk | November 2023 | Dog Food Advisor Complete details of the TFP Nutrition recall expansion as reported by the editors of The Dog Food Advisor.

Send a Gift and Help Pets on Wheels!

Thanks to our volunteer Amber, Pets on Wheels can receive a donation when you send holiday gifts this year! Just send a delicious candy gift from See's!

See's Candies has been making quality chocolate and candy Mary See's way for over 95 years. From the beginning, Mary took pride in her recipes and insisted on only the finest, freshest ingredients. See's has expanded from one chocolate shop to over 200 shops across America and a flourishing online store.
This year you can give this iconic American gift AND help our pets help more people! See’s is perfect for family, friends and even corporate gifts, so please visit our store and order today!

See's Candies Yum-Raising - Pets on Wheels - Pets On Wheels Thank you for supporting the Pets On Wheels! We'll receive profits from any items you purchase below. Order more to help us reach our fundraising goal!

Maybe your pet can be part of this study?

Another article on why pets are good for your mental health :-). Our therapy pets approve...and they already knew all of this.

Petting Dogs Can Boost Your Mental Health A recent study has revealed that petting dogs can help boost your mental health, reduce stress, and provide a sense of companionship.

The Central Maryland Pets on Wheels team welcomes new volunteers and their certified therapy pets: Patricia with Cali, Marianne with Peaches, Stephanie with Ivan, Emille with Cabot, Julia and Joon with Sandy, Jamie with Opie, Jenny with Lucy, Lexi with Archie, and Meredith with Rooney.

Welcome aboard!

For everyone celebrating, Happy Diwali!

Congratulations to America's New Top Dog: Therapy Dog Maverick

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire/ -- American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, has unveiled the winner of the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Maverick, a 150-pound European Blue Great Dane in the Therapy Dogs category—which is sponsored by The Brady Hunter Foundation—has clutched the coveted title. The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America's standout dogs in five categories: Therapy Dogs; Service and Guide Dogs; Military Dogs; Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs; and Shelter Dogs.

"We are so excited to name Maverick as American Humane's 2023 Hero Dog, a distinction that is well-deserved for him and his handler Kelly," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. "The duo has worked tirelessly to bring comfort and solace to our nation's military heroes through the United Service Organizations (USO), all while they both were facing their own internal battles against cancer. It's these types of incredible stories about sacrifice, perseverance, and compassion that this award aims to spotlight."

"The American Humane Hero Dog Awards celebrate America's often unsung heroes," said philanthropist and platinum presenting sponsor Lois Pope. "From those who defend our country to those who help us heal, guide us, protect us, and find the lost, every single contender exemplifies the courage and heroism we seek to spotlight in this campaign. Our goal is not only to honor these magnificent dogs but to inspire America to reflect on the outsized contributions that animals make in our lives each and every day."

2023 Hero Dog Maverick and his handler Kelly Brownfield first met in 2016. There was an instant bond with the then 12-week-old puppy, who immediately ran up to her and nuzzled into her chest as if he was meant to be there. Kelly, who had previous therapy dogs, spent the first year rigorously training Maverick, which helped him pass his therapy dog certification test with flying colors in 2017.

Since then, the duo has invested their time and talents with the USO, helping to bring comfort to military families. Maverick's unconditional love uplifts the spirits of the military community stationed at the Fort Leonard Wood post in Missouri, where he supports service members on su***de watch, escorts children to military funerals for their parents, and helps men and women cope with trauma, injuries, and stress. Kelly and Maverick have completed 55 "special mission" requests this year alone.

According to Kelly, Maverick's superpower is his ability to comfort people and ease their souls. He has an intuitive knack for immediately finding the person in a room who is feeling stressed or emotional and uses touch to calm them. Maverick's go-to move? Placing his paw on the person he's comforting.

Maverick has also been by Kelly's side throughout her ongoing battle with cancer—a disease that Maverick himself has successfully fought. Leading up to her diagnosis, Maverick had been especially clingy, often laying on top of Kelly and placing his head near hers. Her oncologist believes that Maverick could smell that something was wrong and was worried about her. Kelly has begun ongoing chemotherapy, which will be completed in April 2024. She asserts that her cancer "can take pieces of me, but not all of me." She says her work serving the community with Maverick helps keep things in perspective and reminds her to always be grateful.

Video Winner of American Hero Dog Awards revealed Maverick, a European Blue Great Dane and therapy dog for the USO, joins "GMA" after being crowned the top winner of the 13th annual awards.

Some of the most rewarding visits we make are to our Veterans. And when it's a Vet visiting Vets, it's even more special. Katie and Ruby are a great example of that, and they were recently honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for their involvement in the campaign. You can read about her here: https://www.somdnews.com/recorder/news/local/a-pet-and-a-vet-sharing-the-love/article_be3c04ea-6854-11ee-9168-bf24dd0c0d53.html

To Katie, and all of our veterans, THANK YOU for your service.

Recall expanded!

Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, TX is is expanding its voluntary recall from October 30th, 2023 to include additional dog food products, due to potential Salmonella contamination.

As of November 1st, 2023, seven people reported Salmonella infections.



This recall was first initiated after a third-party conducted random sampling and product associated with three lots tested positive for Salmonella.

Mid America Pet Food Expands Voluntary Recall to Include Additional Dog Food Products | November 2023 | Dog Food Advisor More November 10th 2023 — Mid America Pet Food has expanded its voluntary recall from October 30th, 2023, to include additional dog food products due to potential Salmonella contamination. What caused the recall? The expanded recall was initiated after random and targeted sampling of the finished ...

Somehow we missed sharing this great article about our reading program pets. Enjoy!

Pets and Paperbacks: Animal Therapy Helps Children Read - Baltimore Style Pets have been shown to have a calming effect on people, and reading to them can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for children.

We love seeing outside organizations starting to understand what therapy pets do. This article is one of those examples.

If you think your pet may have what it takes, contact us!

https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/could-your-pet-be-a-therapy-animal?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=blog&fbclid=IwAR3Ffdb5XMGziueB_Hary3RDvbK7R7QHRonPk0FqW6bDyFwOACrdDPNnuwA

Could Your Pet Have a Career in Mental Health? Therapy Animals Explained. Think your pet has enough chill to become an official therapy animal? We've got the details - from training to certification and everything in between.

Look at the smiles on these faces! Pets on Wheels volunteer teams met the staff at Sparks Elementary School for a "PAWS & Relax" visit. It can't get any better than this!

Thank you volunteers Andie with Caper, Kitty with Lucy, Carol with Rudy, Scotti with Gibson, Jackie with Lily, and Stuart with Willow.