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Tips for the Trail Start slow- slowly increase the length and difficulty of hikes you and your animal take especially if they were less active during the winter months. Bring plenty of water- Offer Water often (15-30 minutes depending on temperature and difficulty) and bring enough for both you and your pet. For a usual day hike, a large dog will need approximately 3L of water, 2 L for a medium sized dog and 1L for a small dog. Avoid Foxtails- Be on the lookout for foxtails- Check your animal after every hike for foxtails. These are grass seeds that like to get lodged in animals’ fur especially around the paws and in the ears. Tips for the Beach Use a life jacket- Life jackets are important to keep your dog safe in the water. Some dogs enjoy swimming so much they will stay in the water past the point of exhaustion. Avoid raw paw pads- Sand is hot AND rough and can cause burns or abrasions. Routinely check your dog’s paws throughout your beach outing for raw pads. Bring fresh water- Even though you are near a body of water don’t forget to bring fresh, clean water for your animal. Apply sunscreen- Animals can get sunburned just like humans especially those with short or lighter colored fur. Make sure you use pet specific sunscreen as common human sunscreen can be toxic to animals.

We Tried Three Types of Dog Booties Worried about your pup's paws this winter? We tried three different types of protective footwear for dogs so you don’t have to! 1. The Best Design Pros: Flexible design with an easy-to-use sizing guide Cons: Material is prone to wear, tear, and moisture The Canada Pooch Soft Shield Protective Booties are a consumer favorite for their easy-on and tall design. A taller boot equals less slippage when out and about. The soft material is a hit with pups of all sizes, and will convert even the most staunch anti-booter. This uber-comfy material may just be the boot’s sole (no pun intended) weakness, with purchasers reporting wear and wetness as cons. These boots are best for light trail, beach, or pavement walking due to their soft design. Our dogs were significantly less fussy about getting these on their feet! 2. The Most Affordable Pros: Affordable enough to buy a backup Cons: Quality At roughly $12 a set, these booties are an unbeatable value. These boots have all the hallmarks of a solid walking boot with a drawstring and anti-slip sole. Purchasers seem to hold these boots in high esteem, though caution consumers not to expect the Rolls Royce of canine footwear. We found them to be useful in the summer to protect from hot pavement. At this price point, however, you might do yourself a favor and pick up a backup set! 3. The Most Rugged Pros: Sturdy design for the highest levels of protection Cons: Tricky for the novice boot wearer The rear and front paw sizing guides...the Vibram Icetrek sole...the zip-up gaiter to keep the snow out...all *chef’s kiss*. What the Ruff Wear Polar Trex Boots lack in ease of use, they make up for in quality. Although our dogs were wary of the hard rubber sole and zip-up enclosure, these boots were completely locked in and ready to take whatever our active doggos were willing to throw at them. We opted for the pricer winter version for it’s added waterproofing against snow and ice. After some getting used to our dogs ended up tolerating them well enough. Any protesting on their part was worth it for the peace of mind they provided us! Overall Winner: Ruff Wear Polar Trex Boots The rear and front paw sizing guides...the Vibram Icetrek sole...the zip-up gaiter to keep the snow out...all *chef’s kiss*. Although they took some getting used to, we were comforted in the fact that we had a perfectly fitted, high quality, and durable boot protecting our pups year-round. We would, without a doubt, purchase again!

Once known as Corduroy, the gentle giant with a heart as big as his paws, found his forever home and a new name—Harold. Harold's journey was one of patience, resilience, and the unwavering dedication of a shelter's staff. Harold had spent a considerable amount of time at the shelter, his large size often leading potential adopters to overlook him in favor of smaller, more easily approachable dogs. But within those towering limbs and soulful eyes was a loving and kind-hearted companion waiting for the right person to see beyond his size. At the heart of Harold's transformation was Rachel Dickinson, the shelter's Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator. From the moment Rachel met Harold, she knew there was something truly special about him. She recognized the potential within his gentle nature and boundless affection, and she was determined to help him find the loving home he so deserved. Rachel worked tirelessly with Harold, spending countless hours teaching him commands, socializing him with other dogs, and introducing him to various enrichment activities that brought out his playful side. The bond between Rachel and Harold grew stronger each day as they embarked on this journey of transformation together. Through Rachel's dedication and Harold's own willingness to learn and adapt, he began to blossom into the perfect canine companion. News of Harold's progress spread throughout the shelter, capturing the hearts of everyone who met him. Despite his size, Harold's gentle demeanor and newfound confidence made him a favorite among the staff and volunteers. Then, one magical day, fate intervened. A couple walked into the shelter, drawn by Harold's warm eyes and calm presence. They had heard about his remarkable journey, and as soon as they met him, they knew he was the missing piece in their lives. The connection was instantaneous, and Corduroy, now known as Harold, had finally found his forever family. With tears of joy and bittersweet farewells, the shelter staff celebrated Harold's adoption. His story was a testament to the power of patience, determination, and the incredible impact that one person's dedication can have on the life of an animal in need. Today, Harold spends his days basking in the love and comfort of his new home, surrounded by the family that saw his true worth. He's no longer just a dog with a large size; he's a beloved member of a family that understands the beauty that lies within a gentle giant's heart. And as Harold rests his head on his new family's lap, he's a living reminder that every dog, regardless of their size or background, deserves a chance to shine and be loved unconditionally.

In the captivating world of rescue and fostering, there are stories that deeply touch our emotions and remind us of the boundless love animals bring into our lives. One such tale revolves around Sabrina, a sweet black cat who endured a challenging journey but found solace in the care of Stephanie, a dedicated and experienced cat foster with an impressive track record. This is a story of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of love. The Devoted Foster: Enter Stephanie, a compassionate animal lover with a heart big enough to embrace every creature in need. Stephanie had been a seasoned cat foster for many years, having provided loving homes to numerous cats during their journey to forever families. When she first laid eyes on Sabrina at the local shelter, she knew she had to step in and provide the love and care this fragile feline desperately needed. Mending Wounds: Sabrina's journey to recovery was not easy. Stephanie had encountered cats with similar histories before, but she understood that each feline's healing process was unique. She was patient and gentle, spending hours sitting near Sabrina, speaking in soft whispers, and offering treats as tokens of affection. As the days turned into weeks, Sabrina slowly began to respond to Stephanie's love. She would purr softly when petted and even ventured out of her hiding spots to explore the unfamiliar territory. With each small victory, Stephanie's heart swelled with pride and joy, knowing that her devotion was making a difference. Discovering Joy: As time went on, Sabrina's true personality began to shine through. She revealed a playful side, chasing after feather toys and batting at balls of yarn. With Stephanie's encouragement, Sabrina grew more confident, relishing in the love and attention she once feared. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Forever Home: As much as Stephanie cherished Sabrina, she knew her ultimate goal was to find her a forever home where she could continue to blossom. Stephanie had a remarkable track record of carefully matching her foster cats with loving adoptive families. She began the search for the perfect match for Sabrina – a family that understood Sabrina's past and was willing to give her the time and patience she needed to fully trust again. The Happy Ending: Sabrina's story came full circle when a couple, touched by her journey and impressed by Stephanie's dedication, decided to open their hearts and home to this remarkable black cat. They welcomed Sabrina with love and understanding, prepared to give her all the care and devotion she deserved. As Sabrina settled into her forever home, she became a symbol of hope and resilience for all who knew her story. She proved that with the right kind of love and care, even the most wounded souls can learn to trust again and find happiness. Sabrina's tale is a testament to the incredible impact a dedicated and experienced cat foster like Stephanie can have on the life of a rescue animal. Thanks to Stephanie's unwavering love and expertise, Sabrina was nursed back to love, blossoming into a content and joyful feline. Her journey reminds us of the power of compassion and the beautiful transformations that can occur when we have skilled and caring individuals like Stephanie in the world of animal rescue.

In the heartwarming world of pet rescues, stories of triumph and second chances are not uncommon. However, there are some tales that stand out as truly extraordinary, and Sevard's journey is undoubtedly one of them. This lovable pup's life took a dramatic turn when he was discovered as a stray and brought into the loving arms of Pet Network Lake Tahoe, a devoted animal rescue organization. Sevard's early days were a mystery, but the resilient canine quickly won the hearts of everyone at the shelter. His warm personality and gentle demeanor touched the hearts of the volunteers and staff who cared for him during his stay at Pet Network. As days turned into weeks, Sevard patiently waited for that special someone to give him the forever home he deserved. Amidst the uncertainty, hope shined through for Sevard when a call came in that would change his life forever. It was a voice from his past, his previous owner who had been tirelessly searching for him. It turns out that Sevard had gone missing, and his heartbroken owner had not given up on finding him. The Pet Network Lake Tahoe team, touched by the owner's dedication and love for Sevard, knew that this reunion was destined to happen. Without hesitation, they decided to go all out and organize a heartwarming reunion. Their mission was to bring Sevard back to his original home in Oregon, where he would be embraced once again by the person who had missed him dearly. The journey to Oregon was a long one, but the excitement and joy of reuniting Sevard with his owner fueled their determination. It was a moment that everyone involved would never forget. As the car pulled up to the address the owner had provided, Sevard's tail wagged uncontrollably, sensing that something extraordinary was about to happen. As the door opened, Sevard's previous owner appeared, her eyes welling up with tears of happiness and disbelief. Sevard couldn't contain his excitement, jumping into her arms as if to say, "I've missed you too!" It was a heart-melting moment that captured the essence of unconditional love between a human and their furry companion. The Pet Network Lake Tahoe team, witnessing this reunion, felt immense gratification in being able to play a part in such a heartwarming story. They had not only given Sevard a second chance at life but had also helped mend a broken bond between a devoted pet owner and her cherished canine companion. Sevard's tale is a testament to the power of love, compassion, and the remarkable work done by animal rescue organizations like Pet Network Lake Tahoe. Countless animals like Sevard are waiting for their chance at a forever home, and it is heartening to know that there are dedicated individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make that happen. So, the next time you come across a rescue dog like Sevard, remember that behind every wagging tail, there might be an extraordinary story of resilience, reunion, and love waiting to be told. Let us celebrate these heartwarming tales and support the organizations that make such miracles possible. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless animals and create more happy endings like Sevard's. Totals number of days spent in the shelter: 36

In the heartwarming world of pet adoption, stories of love, resilience, and hope shine through, and Tito, the Anatolian Shepherd Mix, is a perfect example of this. Tito found himself at Pet Network Animal Rescue Shelter after losing his beloved owner. He was initially nervous and uncertain about his future, but fate had something special in store for him as he embarked on a life-changing journey. Tito's owner had been his whole world, and when the unfortunate event occurred, he was filled with sadness and confusion. It was a challenging time for him, and the shelter environment only added to his anxiety. The dedicated staff at Pet Network recognized his vulnerability and did everything they could to provide a nurturing and caring environment for him during this tough period. The days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, but Tito's unwavering spirit and gentle nature caught the attention of shelter visitors and volunteers alike. Yet, despite the love and care he received, Tito still longed for a forever home, a person to call his own once again. 69 days might have felt like an eternity for Tito, but as fate would have it, the perfect person walked through the shelter doors. The moment they laid eyes on each other, an inexplicable connection was formed. It was as if they were destined to find one another. Tito's shy demeanor slowly faded away as he approached his potential new human companion, and in that instant, they both knew their lives were about to change. Tito's new human, whose name we don't know yet, was moved by his story and deeply touched by his resilience. They could see the immense love and loyalty in Tito's eyes, and without hesitation, they decided to give him a second chance at happiness. The shelter staff witnessed the magic of the bond forming between them, and they knew that Tito had found his perfect match. As Tito left the shelter with his new person, cheers and tears of joy filled the air. It was a bittersweet moment for the shelter team, as they would undoubtedly miss their gentle and sweet companion, but their happiness for Tito's newfound home overshadowed any sense of sadness. Now, Tito embarks on a new chapter in his life—a life filled with love, care, and a sense of belonging. With his tail wagging and a glimmer of hope in his eyes, Tito is an inspiration to all those who have faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side. Tito, the Anatolian Shepherd Mix, and Pet Network alumnus, reminds us of the transformative power of love and how, even in the darkest of times, a beacon of light can shine through. Tito's journey teaches us that with patience, compassion, and a little bit of luck, the perfect match can be found even after the toughest of trials. So, here's to Tito, the survivor, and his new person, the hero. May their bond grow stronger with each passing day and serve as a reminder to cherish the love and loyalty that our four-legged friends bring into our lives. Totals number of days spent in the shelter: 69

Six-week-old Poppy and her littermates arrived at Pet Network in June. Although our veterinary staff is always prepared for complex medical cases, the extent of little Poppy’s condition was distressing. Poppy was battling an upper respiratory infection (URI), an all-too-common disease that is rampant among shelter cats and kittens. If left untreated, URIs can lead to life-threatening complications. Poppy was immediately diagnosed with corneal ulcers in both of her eyes as a result of the untreated infection. One eye had already ruptured and the other was severely infected. The decision was simple: Poppy would have the best chance at a happy life if both of her eyes were removed. Our Director of Shelter Medicine, Dr. Marlene Tremblay, and her incredible team worked diligently and delicately to give Poppy the medical care she needed to survive. Sweet Poppy awoke from surgery, purring, wrapped in warm blankets, and enjoying the loving care of our attentive staff. Within the week she was home with her new family and big brother, Theo, another Pet Network alumnus!

When Pet Network’s field unit arrived on the site of an overcrowding situation in rural Northern Nevada, they found BG; neglected, injured, and afraid. Despite the pain, BG let our medical team examine and transport him without complaint. All of our staff were immediately drawn to his sweet personality. We worked overtime to ensure his stay with us would be as comfortable as possible. Pet Network's medical team repaired BG’s open wound and saw an immediate improvement. Freed from pain and fear, and on the road to recovery, BG’s personality began to shine through. His doting, gentle, and adventurous nature won over his new mom, Katie, and shortly thereafter she adopted him. BG's scars have healed and you would never know of his ordeal by looking at him. This is the level of care invested in every animal that comes through our doors.