Contact: Donna Martin
281 253 2941
Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® Provides Fun Way for Willowbrook/Northwest Houston, TX Residents to Raise Critically Needed Funds for
Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research
Houston, TX August 28, 2009 – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting all Willowbrook/Northwest Houston residents to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s by participating in the annual Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®. Heartland at Willowbrook will be the site of the Memory Walk (One Mile) on October 10, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. In addition, participants are invited to visit the Forget-Me-Not Craft Fair benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memory Walk site.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.
“There has never been a greater need for Willowbrook/Northwest Houston citizens to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Memory Walk,” said Donna Martin, an Alzheimer’s Association event spokesperson. “As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and funds raised will provide support services to the residents of Texas living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to critically needed research.”
The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is an empowering event that gives participants an opportunity to be Champions and take action in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is nationally presented by Genworth Financial.
About the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®:
The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
About the Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; to advocate for policy change; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
For more information and to register visit www.alz.org, Texas, The Woodlands, Sign Up for the Northwest Houston Mini Walk, 10/10/09.
NEW MEMBER NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06/5/2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jade Richardson
PAWS-itive Companions
832-207-1856
pawsitivecompanions@gmail.com
www.pawsitivecompanions.org
PAWS-itive Companions JOINS PET SITTERS INTERNATIONAL
PAWS-itive Companions has been accepted for membership in Pet Sitters International (PSI), an organization of more than 7,900 independent professional pet sitting services throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1994, PSI is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters.
For pet owners, in-home pet sitting provides a unique alternative to boarding facilities—or relying on family or neighbors to check on pets. Pet sitters come to the home daily and animals are able to keep their regular routines for meals, walks, medication and one-on-one care and attention. Owners report that their pets experience less stress and adjust better to their owners’ absence when the pets remain in their normal environment.
PSI offers members access to bonding and liability insurance and educational resources such as PSI’s Accreditation Program and annual Quest convention. According to PSI President Patti Moran, Pet owners consider their ’fur children‘ part of the family and the demand for quality care continues to increase, “Our membership consists of trusted pet care professionals serving an average of 126 clients each and performing an estimated 8 million pet sitting engagements each year,” Moran said.
With membership in PSI, PAWS-itive Companions, has reinforced its dedication to offering professional, quality services and increasing their knowledge of the pet care industry. David Robles and Jade Richardson and PAWS-itive Companions are available for pet sitting in North and Northwest Houston. Call (832) 207-1856 for an appointment. For additional information about Pet Sitters International, visit www.petsit.com.
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PRESS RELEASE: PET DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DURING HURRICANE SEASON
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Jade Richardson, PAWS-itive Companions, VP and Prof. Pet Companion
Phone: (832) 207-1856
E-mail: pawsitivecompanions@gmail.com
Web site: www.pawsitivecompanions.org
For Immediate Release: June 2009
PAWS-itive Companions offers disaster tips for pet owners
Preparing for disasters can save your pet’s life
Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere and can take many different forms. If a disaster strikes, do you have a disaster plan? PAWS-itive Companions encourages all pet owners to create a hurricane disaster plan.
Planning for hurricane disasters is the best way to protect your family, and as a pet owner, your disaster plan must include your pets.
Allison Cardona, director of disaster response for the American Society for the Protection Against Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), said that most people don’t believe that a disaster could ever happen to them, but people need to know what natural disasters are possible in their geographic regions, have a disaster plan in place and practice their plan.
If a hurricane is about to make landfall, there isn’t time to figure out what to bring and where to go. People should already know where they are going and have the supplies on hand.
“The best way to survive a disaster is to prepare for a disaster,” Cardona said. “People need to research pet-friendly hotels and shelters and create portable disasters kits for all the people and all the pets in their family.”
When disasters strike, people can be displaced from their homes for just a day or for several weeks. It is essential to a pet’s well being to compile the following supplies in a portable container and keep the container in an accessible location:
• A crate for each pet that is large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around in.
• Food and water dishes.
• A file on each pet that contains health history, vaccination dates and a recent photo.
• A leash and collar with all pertinent information on the tags readily available. This will include pet’s name, rabies tag and contact phone number – remember to include your cell phone number since you will not be at home.
• An ample supply of food, water and medication for the pet with specific feeding and medication instructions written out in clear handwriting.
• Remember that you cannot predict Mother Nature. You may be evacuated much longer than you had originally thought. Pack enough supplies for an extended stay. If you don't need them, great! You can keep them on hand in case of another emergency situation.
• A muzzle and harness is a good idea in case behavior becomes less than desirable for the place you are staying. The pets may be put into close contact with many new pets they do not know and they may have to be cared for by people they do not know.
• Flashlights, batteries, trash bags, baby wipes, newspapers and paper towels should be included if pets either get sick or go to the bathroom while in their crate.
It’s best to also formulate a plan in case disaster strikes while you are away from home and cannot reach your pets.
“Ask someone who is already familiar with your pets, especially their hiding places, to care for your pets if you are unable to reach them,” said Cardona.
That “someone” could be a trusted neighbor or a professional pet sitter. PAWS-itive Companions is a member of Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters. PSI members have access to the most extensive benefits, including PSI’s Accreditation Program which includes extensive and thorough training on disaster planning.
Whether evacuation is necessary or not, be sure that pet’s stick to their normal routine to help restore normality. Cardona suggested that a comfort item (a favorite toy or blanket) be brought for each pet to help them relax and adjust to their new, temporary environment.
Once returning home, Cardona suggests that pets be allowed time to acclimate themselves to their surrounding since things could be extremely different from the last time.
“Start small, allow pets to explore small areas with supervision and then gradually expand the area,” advised Cardona.
A proactive approach to disaster planning is the best way to ensure the safety of everyone and every pet.
Visit www.petsit.com, www.aspca.org or www.hsus.org for more information on disaster planning.
(Note to Editors: For more information on PAWS-itive Companions, please visit www.pawsitivecompanions.org or call (832) 207-1856. All media requests should be directed to Jade Richardson. For further information concerning the professional pet-sitting industry, please visit Pet Sitters International at www.petsit.com.
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