This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Food, Shelter, & Love Program, but Horseshoes & Hand Grenades only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
I’m an animal lover. My husband is an animal lover. My kids are animal lovers and so are my in-laws who live next door. Between the two houses and seven acres we have dozens of horses, eight dogs, two “house” cats, a few barn cats, a bearded dragon, and a beta. That’s a lot of animals! Out of those, five of the dogs, and the two “house” cats belong to my household. Some might call having that many dogs and cats living together crazy – I call it family.
You know what else? Most of those animals are rescues that we adopted from the local animal shelter or rescue groups in the area. Some as puppy’s some as adult dogs, and the cats were adult cats as well. They all had to be integrated with the rest of the herd without us really knowing their background. You’d never know that they didn’t all grow up together so for you non-believers out there, it can be done!
Miss Petunia my Bully and Peanut, one of my rescue cats…the best of friends.
Many people consider cats but aren’t entirely sure how to make the transition from just dogs to dogs and cats. Everybody thinks the two just don’t get along, but that’s not the case at all. Our most recent adoption was Cleo, a five year old Maine Coon. She’s a beauty but she was also the most difficult to integrate as she had come from a home where she was the only fur-child. She wasn’t a fan of the dogs at first, but after a little time, and after trying some of these integration tips, you would never know it now! Dogs and Cats can live together in harmony, if the right introductions are made so don’t let that old myth keep you from adopting that special kitty!
Miss Cleo, my big (18lb) beautiful shelter cat.
You know what else helps? Making sure you’re taking care of your new family members nutritional needs. Stressful events can cause occasional digestive disorder or even affect their skin & coat and what’s more stressful than being housed at a shelter for days or weeks and then plopped into a new home with five dogs that all want to meet you?! I’d pull my hair out too! Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin can help that transition by providing proper nutrion for that stressful situation. In fact, That’s why I love Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program®. In 2013, Hill’s expanded its Food, Shelter & Love® program – through which it provides Science Diet® brand food to more than 800 shelters nationwide – to create the Disaster Relief Network. Helping these amazing animals stay healthy until their forever home finds them is a mission this girl can definitely get behind!
In addition to proper nutrition, grooming, exercise, and regular vet care, all your new furry friend needs is love and you’ll have an amazing companion for years to come (and quite possibly a bestie for your canine friends too)! To find out more about what Hill’s is doing be sure to check out their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. To find a Food, Shelter, & Love Shelter near you where you can volunteer or adopt a companion of your own use the Hill’s pet shelter locator.
Do you have pets? What kind? Have you ever adopted a rescue animal or volunteered at a shelter? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
May 12, 2015 at 9:25 amMy dog is a rescue and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He is crazy, but he fits us perfectly.
Amanda says
May 12, 2015 at 2:40 pmWe adopted our dog years ago and it was truly the best decision we have ever made. I couldn’t agree more that adopting is the way to go!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
May 12, 2015 at 2:41 pmWe rescued our catahoula, Carter, almost 5 years ago. He’s such a love… I cannot imagine life without him!
Susan Quackenbush says
May 12, 2015 at 5:35 pmWe have several dogs and two cats in our house and it took quite sometime for them all to finally integrate as a family. Our newest puppy, Rascal, seems to have acclimated the quickest though. I think it helps having other dogs around and seeing them interacting with the cats. Lead by example 🙂
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
May 12, 2015 at 7:42 pmMost of my pets were adopted at a shelter because I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving any animals there. I wish I had more room to adopt more but I live in a small apartment. Thanks so much for sharing.
Franc Ramon says
May 13, 2015 at 1:48 amI used to have a dog in my hometown but don’t have one now on my pad. They really need special care and attention.
Elizabeth O. says
May 13, 2015 at 2:30 amWe didn’t have a pet since our Shih Tzu died. You are one big happy family!
Rosey says
May 13, 2015 at 2:37 amMy grandma had both, and they did get along famously. 🙂 I would love to have a pet but it’s not in the cards, hubby won’t budge on it.
Dogvills says
May 13, 2015 at 12:27 pmAll our animals are rescued too. We find it is important to do that. Adopting is the way to go and I wish more people did that
Deb Barnes - Zee and Zoey says
May 13, 2015 at 3:34 pmI’ve lived in a household like yours as well – many called it a “zoo,” but like you, I preferred to call it a house full of love. Great post!
Dhemz says
May 14, 2015 at 5:51 amsuch a great cause! We got our dog from a pound too, and from then on he’s been part of our family.
Joan DeMartin says
May 14, 2015 at 7:30 pmLucky you to have all those gorgeous animals! Thanks for the information about the Hills programs.
Emilee says
September 29, 2015 at 7:39 pmI believe it helps getting other canines around as well as seeing all of them interacting with the actual cats. Business lead by instance.