<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Helpful Info – Famous Fido Rescue</title> <atom:link href="https://famousfidorescue.org/category/helpful-info/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://famousfidorescue.org</link> <description>Advocacy, Wellness & Learning Center</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:40:30 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Famous-Fido-Rescue-Logo-160x160.jpg</url> <title>Helpful Info – Famous Fido Rescue</title> <link>https://famousfidorescue.org</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Did You Know? Donating Through Your IRA Can Help Animals in Need</title> <link>https://famousfidorescue.org/did-you-know-donating-through-your-ira-can-help-animals-in-need/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gloria Lissner]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:40:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Get Involved]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Helpful Info]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://famousfidorescue.org/?p=29690</guid> <description><![CDATA[As the year comes to a close, many of us start thinking about taxes, charitable contributions, and ways to make a lasting impact. But did you know that you can use your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to support causes that matter to you, while also reaping some significant tax benefits? It’s something not everyone knows [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the year comes to a close, many of us start thinking about taxes, charitable contributions, and ways to make a lasting impact. But did you know that you can use your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to support causes that matter to you, while also reaping some significant tax benefits?</p> <p>It’s something not everyone knows about, and we wanted to bring it to your attention before the year wraps up. Donating directly from your IRA, through a <strong>Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)</strong> or utilizing your <strong>Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)</strong>, can be a powerful way to make a difference for the animals at Famous Fido Rescue, all while potentially lowering your taxable income.</p> <h3>What is a QCD and How Does it Work?</h3> <p>A <strong>Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)</strong> is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA to a qualified charity, like Famous Fido Rescue. If you’re 70½ or older, you can give up to $100,000 per year to a charity like ours through a QCD. The best part? These funds won’t be taxed as income, which can help reduce your tax bill while making a real impact on the lives of animals in need.</p> <h3>How About RMDs?</h3> <p>Once you reach 73, the IRS requires you to take <strong>Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)</strong> from your traditional IRA each year. If you don’t need these funds, you can donate them directly to a qualified charity like us! By donating your RMD through a QCD, you won’t have to pay taxes on the amount donated, and the gift goes directly toward helping animals who need it most.</p> <h3>Why Should You Consider Donating Through Your IRA?</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Tax Benefits</strong>: Donations through QCDs can reduce your taxable income, which might help you lower your overall tax burden.</li> <li><strong>Help Animals in Need</strong>: Your contribution helps support the critical work we do at Famous Fido Rescue — from providing shelter to medical care for animals in need.</li> <li><strong>Simple and Efficient</strong>: It’s easy to do! Just contact your IRA custodian to arrange for the QCD, and your gift can go directly to the animals.</li> </ul> <h3>Make a Difference Today</h3> <p>Your IRA can be the perfect tool to help us continue our mission of rescuing and caring for animals like the kittens and Prince. Donating through a QCD or your RMD can make a significant difference, all while offering you important tax advantages.</p> <p>As the year comes to a close, please consider making a donation that will leave a lasting legacy. Every dollar you give goes toward saving lives, providing medical care, and ensuring a better future for animals in need. <a href="fido@famousfidorescue.com" class="broken_link"><strong>Contact us today</strong></a> if you have any questions about how to donate through your IRA — we’re here to guide you every step of the way!</p> <p>Thank you for your support, and we wish you a happy and fulfilling end to the year!</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Lilly’s Miraculous Reunion: The Lifesaving Power of Microchips and Hope</title> <link>https://famousfidorescue.org/lillys-miraculous-reunion-the-lifesaving-power-of-microchips-and-hope/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gloria Lissner]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:53:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Cat Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Daily Basis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Helpful Info]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://famousfidorescue.org/?p=25406</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Importance of Microchipping and Keeping Your Pet’s Information Up to Date There is no greater relief than being reunited with a beloved companion who has gone missing, and a recent reunion at Famous Fido Rescue reminded us of the incredible importance of microchipping. (Upon intake, we checked Lilly's microchip which revealed a lot [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start" style="max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-1"><div class="flex-shrink-0 flex flex-col relative items-end"> <div> <div class="pt-0"> <div class="gizmo-bot-avatar flex h-8 w-8 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full"> <div class="relative p-1 rounded-sm flex items-center justify-center bg-token-main-surface-primary text-token-text-primary h-8 w-8"><strong>The Importance of Microchipping and Keeping Your Pet’s Information Up to Date</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="group/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="29c8f0c7-16a1-4d04-a7c3-7d5f6746e17e" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]"> <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"> <p>There is no greater relief than being reunited with a beloved companion who has gone missing, and a recent reunion at Famous Fido Rescue reminded us of the incredible importance of microchipping.</p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25409" src="https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-200x267.jpg 200w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-225x300.jpg 225w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-400x533.jpg 400w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-500x667.jpg 500w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-600x800.jpg 600w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-700x933.jpg 700w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030288.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #999999;">(Upon intake, we checked Lilly’s microchip which revealed a lot of information to make her reunion possible.)</span></p> <p><strong>Meet Lilly</strong> – an 11-year-old cat with a remarkable story. Lilly went missing from her family 10 years ago. For a decade, her original guardian never gave up hope, continuing to update the contact information on her microchip year after year, hoping that one day she would come back home.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25408" src="https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" srcset="https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-200x149.jpg 200w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-300x224.jpg 300w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-400x298.jpg 400w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-500x373.jpg 500w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-600x447.jpg 600w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-700x522.jpg 700w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-768x572.jpg 768w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-800x596.jpg 800w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289-1024x763.jpg 1024w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030289.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo of Lilly from 10 years ago!)</span></p> <p><strong>This week, that long-awaited reunion finally happened.</strong> Lilly was found abandoned after someone moved out of an apartment and left her behind. She was brought to Famous Fido Rescue, where we scanned her for a microchip. Because her chip was kept up to date, we were able to contact her dad, who had spent years wondering what happened to her. The moment they were reunited was filled with joy and relief – a reunion made possible only because Lilly had been microchipped and her family never stopped hoping.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25410" src="https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030292-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030292-200x267.jpg 200w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030292-225x300.jpg 225w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030292-400x533.jpg 400w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030292-500x667.jpg 500w, https://famousfidorescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000030292.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #999999;">(For Lilly’s dad, there was no greater joy than bringing her back home.)</span></p> <p>Lilly’s story shows us how critical microchipping is. It’s not just about getting the chip implanted; it’s about <strong><em>registering</em> it and <em>keeping your contact information up to date.</em> </strong>Without these steps, the chance of reunion dramatically decreases.</p> <p>If you come across an animal without an obvious home, <em>please</em> take them to a vet or rescue to be scanned for a chip. Post about them on lost animal websites, social media platforms, and put up flyers in your area. Make the effort to keep them safe while you search for their family. An animal like <strong>Lilly could have easily slipped through the cracks after being abandoned, but thanks to the person who took the time to get her scanned and our ability to connect with her original guardian, she is now back in the arms of someone who loves her deeply.</strong></p> <p>At Famous Fido Rescue, every animal is microchipped to ensure they always have a way back home. We encourage every guardian to do the same – and take it a step further with name tags, information stitched into a collar, Apple AirTags, or any additional measures that might help your cat or dog find their way home if they ever get lost.</p> <p>It’s also essential to take precautions:</p> <ul> <li>Keep cats indoors, where they are safe from harm.</li> <li>Always use a leash when walking your dog to prevent unexpected accidents.</li> <li>Make sure your gates are securely closed and consider locking them to avoid accidental escapes.</li> </ul> <p>These small actions can make the difference between losing a companion forever and experiencing the joy of a reunion. Lilly’s story is proof of how love, preparation, and hope can overcome even the longest separations. Microchip your animals, keep their information up to date, and take every precaution to keep them safe. Your furry family member’s future might just depend on it.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The Lifesaving Importance of Microchipping and Proper Identification for Our Furry Companions</title> <link>https://famousfidorescue.org/the-lifesaving-importance-of-microchipping-and-proper-identification-for-our-furry-companions/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gloria Lissner]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:33:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dog Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Helpful Info]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://famousfidorescue.org/?p=20920</guid> <description><![CDATA[In a world where our furry companions are cherished members of the family, ensuring their safety should be a top priority for guardians. One crucial aspect of cat and dog safety often overlooked is proper identification, which includes microchipping and visible tags on collars. Let's delve into why this seemingly small detail can make [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start" style="max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-2"><p>In a world where our furry companions are cherished members of the family, ensuring their safety should be a top priority for guardians. One crucial aspect of cat and dog safety often overlooked is proper identification, which includes microchipping and visible tags on collars. Let’s delve into why this seemingly small detail can make a world of difference.</p> <p>First and foremost, microchipping provides a permanent form of identification for our furry family members. Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip is a tiny implant injected under the skin that contains a unique identification number. This number is linked to the guardian’s contact information in a national pet recovery database. However, simply microchipping your cat or dog is not enough; it’s imperative to ensure that the microchip is registered with up-to-date contact details.</p> <p>But why is identification so crucial? The unfortunate reality is that our companions can easily go missing, whether it’s due to slipping out of retractable leads, escaping through open windows or doors, or finding gaps under gates and over fences. These situations can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving guardians frantic and desperate to find their beloved companions.</p> <p>Without proper identification, the chances of reuniting with a lost furry family member diminish significantly. They could end up miles away from home, disoriented and vulnerable. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive and prepared for such scenarios. Taking preventive measures, such as securing windows and doors and supervising outdoor time, can reduce the risk of your furchild wandering off. However, accidents can still happen, which is why having robust identification measures in place is crucial.</p> <p>In the event that your companion does go missing, time is of the essence. Immediately posting on social media platforms, neighborhood apps, and websites dedicated to reuniting lost companions with their guardians, such as <a href="https://petfbi.org">petfbi.org</a>, can greatly increase the chances of a successful reunion. These platforms have a wide reach and can mobilize the community to keep an eye out for the missing animal.</p> <p><strong>Moreover, if you come across a lost cat or dog, resist the urge to take them to a shelter immediately.</strong> While shelters play a vital role in reuniting lost pets with their guardians, keeping the animal safe at home while actively searching for their guardian is often the best course of action. Checking for a microchip and scanning for tags can provide vital information to facilitate a swift reunion.</p> <p> </p> <p>Famous Fido Rescue is fundraising to implement an ID tag engraving station at the rescue to help the public and recent adoptees. Help us get our ID tag engraving station by clicking the donate button below. It’s a lifesaving resource!</p> <p> </p> </div><div style="text-align:center;"><a class="fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type" target="_self" href="https://famousfidorescue.org/donate"><span class="fusion-button-text">DONATE TO HELP US GET AN IDENTIFICATION STATION</span></a></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Declawing: Understanding the Detrimental Effects on Cats Well-being</title> <link>https://famousfidorescue.org/declawing-understanding-the-detrimental-effects-on-cats-well-being/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gloria Lissner]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:50:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Animal Welfare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cat Care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Helpful Info]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://famousfidorescue.org/?p=15545</guid> <description><![CDATA[As individuals who share our lives with feline companions, it is crucial to consider the welfare of our beloved cats. In recent years, declawing has come under intense scrutiny due to its inherent cruelty and the detrimental physical and mental impact it has on cats. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As individuals who share our lives with feline companions, it is crucial to consider the welfare of our beloved cats. In recent years, declawing has come under intense scrutiny due to its inherent cruelty and the detrimental physical and mental impact it has on cats. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why declawing should be avoided and shed light on the inhumane nature of this practice.</p> <ol> <li> <p>Inherent cruelty: Declawing involves the amputation of a cat’s claws, which is a painful and invasive procedure. Imagine having the tips of your fingers or toes removed; it would undoubtedly cause immense pain and distress. Cats are sentient beings who experience pain and suffering, and subjecting them to such a procedure is inherently cruel.</p> </li> <li> <p>Loss of natural behavior: Cats rely on their claws for numerous essential activities, such as climbing, scratching, and hunting. These behaviors are deeply ingrained in their nature and serve both physical and psychological purposes. Declawing denies cats the opportunity to engage in their instinctive behaviors, leading to frustration, confusion, and a diminished quality of life.</p> </li> <li> <p>Negative physical consequences: Declawing is not simply the removal of the claw; it involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. This can result in chronic pain, balance issues, and altered gait, as well as an increased risk of long-term joint problems. Inflicted with pain and discomfort, declawed cats may develop defensive aggression as a result of feeling vulnerable and defenseless.</p> </li> <li> <p>Behavioral issues: Declawed cats may develop a range of behavioral problems as a result of the physical and psychological trauma they experience. They may exhibit increased aggression, inappropriate elimination outside the litter box, and heightened levels of stress and anxiety. These behavioral issues can strain the bond between humans and cats and significantly impact the cat’s overall well-being.</p> </li> <li> <p>Alternatives to declawing: Instead of declawing, there are humane alternatives available to address unwanted scratching behavior. Regular nail trimming, providing suitable scratching posts, using deterrents like double-sided tape or citrus scents on furniture, and employing positive reinforcement training techniques can help redirect a cat’s scratching habits without causing harm.</p> </li> </ol> <p><strong>Declawing is a cruel and unnecessary procedure that causes immense physical and psychological suffering to cats.</strong> As compassionate individuals, it is our duty to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our feline companions. By choosing alternatives to declawing and promoting education and awareness, we can ensure that cats can live fulfilling lives with their natural behaviors intact, free from unnecessary pain and distress.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>