During the holidays many of us are swept up in a whirlwind of activities including trimming trees, opening presents and spending time with friends and loved ones. Once the twinkly lights are extinguished, the gifts are distributed and the kids go to sleep with full bellies and warm hearts, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year that’s passed and make resolutions for the upcoming year.

As I look back on 2012, I feel the need to reiterate how truly honored and grateful I feel to be a part of a company devoted to the health and well-being of companion animals. Our products speak for themselves but they all include one important ingredient you won’t find on the label – heart. From our customer service agents to our management team to our dedicated Field Representatives, everyone here at Life’s Abundance plays a part in fulfilling our mission … to help dogs and cats lead longer, healthier and happier lives.

As far as my personal role in the Life’s Abundance mission, I’m thankful for the opportunity to speak with you via emails, conference calls and through blog posts like this. I appreciate the opportunity to keep the lines of communication open, not only to share my thoughts and insights in the hopes you’ll benefit, but also to update you on the work of the foundation that bears my name.

As you probably know, the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation is a non-profit organization that gives thousands of dollars to small, worthy animal rescues, each of which are committed to saving abused and neglected animals from the desperations of homelessness and natural disaster. Because of your generosity and continued business, our non-profit was able to help fund the everyday activities of small animal rescues and provide emergency aid to animals affected by the Colorado wildfires and Hurricane Sandy.

While the work of the foundation is a vital part of Life's Abundance, our central commitment is devotion to the people that use our products: you inspire us. Without your support and feedback we would not be the company we are today, and from the very core of my being, I thank you. I consider my role as Executive Director of New Pet Product Development and Education both a privilege and a great responsibility, and I am determined and committed to make the very best of the upcoming year. By monitoring discoveries in nutritional science, I will continue to improve our innovative health formulations and create new, cutting-edge products to help improve the health and longevity of companion animals. With the combined efforts of our strong, motivated team - made up of our dedicated staff here at headquarters and all of you out in the field - we can surely make this new year more successful than ever before.

On behalf of everyone here at Life's Abundance, I wish you and your family joy, health, and success in 2013.

Thank you so much for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

The inclusion of animals in medical settings is nothing new – in fact, dogs and other animals have been visiting hospitals and other medical care facilities for over 150 years. The benefits of using therapy dogs in facilities where comfort and affection may be in short supply have become strikingly evident in recent years – and the need for these canine volunteers has grown exponentially. In fact, many people have asked me what character traits make for a good therapy dog. Since it’s a wonderful way to help someone in need, I’m glad to use this forum to discuss what makes a good therapy dog and give you an introduction to getting your dog started in this most noble of vocations.

Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, is a wonderful opportunity for you to share your pet with people. Dogs that are registered therapy animals visit schools, hospitals, prisons, libraries, nursing homes, and any other facility where interactions with pets help people. Pet therapy activities vary widely - from simply having a dog sit in the room with a patient to more “hands on” interactions including petting, brushing, walking, playing fetch, doing tricks or something - and all of these have been shown to help people take their mind off their own problems.

Animals can reach people in a special way because they can make people feel safe and loved unconditionally. Despite the fact that animals don’t use words, the human-animal bond is powerful and children or patients who are afraid feel braver and stronger when they are around a pet. Studies show that patients in hospitals that are visited by pets have lower blood pressure, heart rates and stress levels. Even though cats, birds, horses, rabbits and other small animals make wonderful therapists, I want to focus this post on dogs and what characteristics make them good therapy candidates.

There are some general characteristics to consider when you are trying to determine if your dog is cut out for therapy work. Therapy dogs are most successful when they enjoy interactions with people, allow strangers to pet them, can walk on a leash without pulling, can remain calm around distractions, listen to their handler and are comfortable with children and medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, canes or walkers. They also need to be comfortable with rough handling and jerky movements, as children and sick people may not be able to be gentle. Dogs that are brave, like to nudge your hand for attention or put their head in your lap usually are amazing therapy workers.

Generally speaking, most programs require that your dog must be above one year of age, have proof of rabies vaccination or titers and proof of a current fecal exam that is negative for infectious organisms. To become a registered therapy animal, your dog must usually undergo a temperament evaluation to make sure his or her personality is a good fit for the program. Even though the requirements vary with the program, the certification process also usually involves two or three observed visits to see how your dog does when faced with strange sights and smells.

I am familiar with several national not-for-profit programs that certify dogs for pet therapy: Therapy Dogs International (www.tdi-dog.org), Therapy Dogs, Inc. (www.therapydogs.com) or Delta Society Pet Partners (www.deltasociety.org). You can look online to see if these organizations have a local chapter in your area. When you register with one of these associations, you and your dog are protected by liability insurance when you visit, so it is a really good idea to become certified pet therapy partners. Your dog does not have to be purebred to be certified, but usually for liability purposes, wolves or wolf hybrids cannot be certified.

A therapy dog is only half of the team. You, as the handler, are just as important in the equation, and it is a good idea to ask yourself if you would make a good therapy partner for your dog. Most pet therapy associations require a minimum number of visits per year, to follow their rules and regulations, carry a membership card and vaccine records when visiting and take your dog in to see your family veterinarian yearly for a physical and a fecal exam. Many therapy animal organizations offer benefits, including primary accident and liability insurance and, in some cases scholarships, but bringing the smile to the face of a sick child or providing comfort and affection to the elderly is a unique and unforgettable benefit you’ll get nowhere else.

So what is your experience with pet-assisted therapy? I would love to hear your story, so chime in and leave a comment on this blog if you have one to share.

Thank you so much for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Sometimes just meeting the basic necessities can be the greatest gift of all.

Along with a safe place to live, a reliable source of food is the most vital of needs. Unfortunately, too many in this country live with food insecurity, going day-to-day without knowing when – or if – their next meal will come.

In times of hardship, individuals step forward to lend a helping hand. No other small group of dedicated people is more devoted to helping their neighbors than Community Sharing. It’s our foundation’s great pleasure to assist them in achieving their goals.

Founded in 2004, Community Sharing is a non-profit outreach agency which provides food and support to hundreds of families, including their companion animals. They do not interact directly with dogs and cats, they do work to prevent them from going hungry. Thanks to their deep sense of obligation to local residents and their pets, Community Sharing maintains a storehouse where they distribute much-needed meals and supplies.

In addition to the services they provide to help keep dogs and cats fed, healthy and happy, Community Sharing achieves a great deal on behalf of people, too. What began as a food pantry service has been expanded to include other services like providing clothing; assistance with evictions, utility shut-offs, and other emergencies; referrals to other agencies; legal advocacy; and tutoring for eligible residents. This compassionate group strives to assist people in need while simultaneously respecting their dignity and helping to promote their future self-reliance. Perhaps their true gifts are not the individual meals or the access to services, but what these things taken altogether represent … the possibility of families being able to stay together.

In its first operation of this kind, the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation shipped an entire pallet of Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food to a rescue organization. Not in the habit of doing anything halfsies, our foundation delivered 765 pounds of dry kibble for hungry dogs and cats to Community Sharing. With a distribution program already in place, they represented the ideal recipient for our first large-scale food donation. And we couldn’t be more pleased with the results!

With our gift, nearly two dozen dogs and cats enjoyed healthy, wholesome meals for a full eight weeks. Even during the two-month span, people who fed Life’s Abundance to their pets reported several noticeable health benefits. For example, one donor family has two dogs who are contending with numerous health issues – Roxy, a nine-year-old Labrador-Boxer mix, and Abby, a 12-year-old Labrador – conditions that are only worsened by lack of food. According to their pet parents, both canines showed increases in energy levels and shinier coats. One of the cats who received our premium health food – Moses, a 13-year-old with liver problems – also demonstrated increased vitality after only a couple of weeks on the new diet. And these are just a couple of stories relayed by those who benefited from our foundation’s first-ever food donation.

From all of us here at Life’s Abundance headquarters, we deeply appreciate and respect the extraordinary example set by this committed network of rescuers … there’s no better way to celebrate the season of giving than by lending a hand to a neighbor who’s struggling.

As you know from previous posts, the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a variety of animal rescue groups. Since its inception, we have provided a total of more than $120,000 to exceptionally worthwhile, small-to-medium-size rescue organizations all across America.

Our foundation owes all of its triumphs to the continued patronage of our customers and individual donors. Every time a purchase is made at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits goes directly to funding the foundation. And more than 95% of your contributions directly aid the organizations that improve the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals. Thanks to readers just like you, thousands of dogs and cats are now leading better lives … lives of abundance, you might say!

Check back next month for another dose of good news from the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation. And, happy holidays!

If you would like to make a donation to the Dr. Jane's HealthyPetNet Foundation, you can do so by clicking the above logo and complete at checkout or you can send a check to The Dr. Jane's HealthyPetNet Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 1425, Palm City, Florida 34991. Or, if you would like more information about the foundation, please email [email protected]. 

As required by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, we furnish our Registration Number CH22693 and the following statement: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

A delightful variety of playful toys that will keep your furry feline happily occupied during the holidays. The toys include whimsical play things just waiting to be swiped and chased. We also included a bag of Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat. The toys and treats are nestled in a lovely reusable basket with a colorful ribbon and a cute holiday card that you can personalize. (Toys may vary.) RETAIL VALUE $21.00! LIMITED QUANTITY

Only $12.95 Hurry!  Supplies are limited!

This festive basket contains an entertaining plush toy that squeeks! Plus, an assortment of our most popular treats. Wholesome Hearts (low fat heart-shaped sensations), Gourmet Dental Treats (honey peanut butter recipe), Antioxidant Health Bars (oatmeal and apple recipe), a bag of Tasty Rewards (savory jerky treats) and a Porky Puff (pork treat). All nestled in a lovely reusable basket with a colorful ribbon and a cute holiday card that you can personalize. Makes a wonderful gift for a canine friend. (Toy may vary.) RETAIL VALUE $32.00! LIMITED QUANTITY

Only $17.95

Hey there!  I'm Hugo!  Mom calls me her "Handsome Boy!"  I LOVE her!!  Most days you can find me lounging around while Mom brings home the bacon.  But sometimes, you can find me at the San Diego Vintage Flea Market where there is all kinds of cool goodies!  The next event is in the spring and I am looking to get out there with "Frankie" (the other dog in the family) and see all the new people and great vintage stuff!  If you are in the Southern California area come on over and say HI !

Country of Origin: The Affenpinscher originated in Germany, with examples of the breed dating back to the seventeenth century. The name “Affenpinscher” is derived from the German word for monkey ('Affe'). Affenpinschers were established to hunt and eliminate rodents, leading to their high activity level and energetic demeanor.

Size: The Affenpinscher has a shoulder height of 25-30 cm (9.75-11.75 in) and 3.1-3.6 kg (7-8 lbs). It is a small dog with a square body and large chest. The Affenpinscher has a short nose and undershot jaw with black eyes and a short, arched neck. The ears and tail are often docked.

Coat: The Affenpinscher has a coarse, swirled coat--generally solid black coat, but sometimes brown or gray. Tan or red markings may be present. The Affenpinscher coat is shaggy, at approximately an inch in length, and the hair is longer but less thick on the face and legs. The Affenpinscher has a low level of shedding.

Character: Affenpinschers are intelligent, friendly, loyal, alert, spunky and lively. They are highly defensive of their food, toys, and territory. The Affenpinscher will take the reins to defend its loved ones when necessary, though due to its small size it is not recommended as a guard or watch dog. The spunky, fearless Affenpinscher makes a great companion.

Temperament: The Affenpinscher has a personality similar to most terriers (though it is categorized under the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup). The Affenpinscher gets along fine with children, other Affenpinschers, and other dogs or household pets, especially those they have been raised alongside. Affenpinschers may be alarmed by unknown visitors. The Affenpinscher enjoys playing and occasionally getting into trouble, like the monkey after which it is named! While generally quiet, the Affenpinscher can become aggressive when agitated and may occasionally pick battles with larger dogs.

Care: The hair on the Affenpinscher should never be clipped, as it ruins the coat. The coat may need to be plucked periodically by a professional dog trimmer. Frequent grooming--two to three times a week—is recommended due to the long coat. Like other short nosed breeds, the Affenpinscher may face respiratory issues in very hot weather. The Affenpinscher can live ten to twelve years and has an average litter size of two. Stray hairs around the eyes should be removed immediately.

Training: Training for the Affenpinscher must be consistent and firm. It learns most commands fairly quickly, but may take some time to housebreak. Some variety in training is recommended to keep the Affenpinscher interested.

Activity: Affenpinschers enjoy quick, short walks several times a day. Regular playtime keeps Affenpinschers happy. The Affenpinscher appreciates indoor playtime, but an outdoor play area is ideal. The Affenpinscher also enjoys hikes, though it should be watched carefully due to its daring nature.