The Pawz Protector

30/11/2025

They're beautiful. They're intelligent. They're spunky.

And that's why you should never buy one.

Many decades ago, I bought a betta. And I kept him in a plastic little hexagon the size of a Starbucks grande.
Thinking about it now, I feel so much remorse.

We believed what we were told.

"Ah, they live in puddles. They don't need any space. And they just breathe the air."

Nobody tried to tell us they should be in warm water. No heaters or pumps sold with the "betta kits." No 5 gallon minimum.

"Here's a vase. Perfect for your desk."

Shelves stocked with lonesome, often sick, fish. And we bought and treated them like tchotchkes.

Now, I have "rescued" one from Facebook Marketplace -- I hope in some way, making up for my ignorance all those years ago.

And it pains me every time I'm in a pet supply store or the local supermarket. Those tiny cups with nearly lifeless bodies.

But I won't buy them.
Buying is not rescue.
It dooms another to take their place.

So -- don't buy -- ever. Complain to managers when you see sick fish. Rescue/adopt when you can. And please educate your friends, who still believe all the lies we were told.

26/11/2025

Many cases first came to light in the 1970s when seabirds and turtles were found injured by tightening rings. Land animals like squirrels and hedgehogs now face the same risk.

Cutting the loops before disposal removes a needless threat.

21/11/2025

09/11/2025

08/11/2025

The Audubon Society and wildlife rehabilitation centers often warn that birds like Cedar Waxwings can mistake artificial berries for food — leading to fatal intestinal blockages.
Real or dried berries feed life; plastic ones only imitate it.
This season, decorate with nature, not against it. 🌿❤️
✨ Choose real fruit, pinecones, or seed garlands — safe beauty for all.

07/11/2025

06/11/2025

11/10/2025

Pets like to go where it’s warm, so those of you with floor vents just something to be mindful of.

27/09/2025

Synthetic aromas are largely made up of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which float through the air, are inhaled, and then enter the bloodstream. These highly popular aromatic liquids are actually chemicals, including benzene, lactones and aldehydes, all of which have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, neurological disorders, and/or allergic reactions, including eye, skin and respiratory symptoms.

🐾 Our animals often spend their days stuck inside our homes, unable to get away from these airborne pollutants; if your goal is to remove damaging chemicals from your family’s living environment, the first place to start is by unplugging plug-ins. To learn more about cleaning up your home to improve your furry family’s health, check out our new book The Forever Dog. Available at: www.foreverdog.com

27/09/2025

08/08/2025

Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a cat if they are choking so you can act quickly in a worst-case scenario.