YAH is famous!

As part of a feature for Adopt-a-Dog Month, Young at Heart was featured on WGN news on Oct. 16. Two YAH representatives (as well as animal reps Fredd and Bear) appeared on WGN to promote YAH, the Sanctuary, and our upcoming Howl-o-Ween Dog Party on Oct. 24 from 3-5 p.m. at Chasin' Our Tails. Click here to watch the video!

Fusing Animal Rights and Technology

This blog marks the beginning of a new blogging process for Young at Heart - from now on, in addition to the usual entry, you can expect:

• Regular postings (around the beginning of each month)
• A brief update on YAH activities and
• A featured dog and cat in need of good homes.

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WHAT'S NEW WITH YAH?

Past events-

Sept. 26: 2009 Mutt Mosey

Thank you to everyone who supported and participated in the 2009 Mutt Mosey! Located at Twin Lakes Golf Course & Recreation Area, the event was a huge success and raised more than $11,000 dollars! This money will go towards the creation of a Senior Pet Adoption Center and Sanctuary.

Upcoming events-

Oct. 3: Best Friends Pet Care Monthly Adoption Day

Stop by Best Friends Pet Care between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to adopt a senior pet! More information is available on YAH's Web site.

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THE BLOG: FUSING ANIMAL RIGHTS AND TECHNOLOGY

A recent article published by the Chicago Tribune described Nintendo's latest venture - a video game geared toward humans and their pets. The "Wii Fit Plus," available for purchase on Oct. 4, will expand upon the original "Wii Fit" workout activities as well as offer several new perks: including the ability to weigh yourself along with you pet. Though it doesn't offer any pet-specific workouts, the "Wii Fit Plus" will track both you and your pet's progress as you continue to weigh yourselves on a regular basis. In becoming "workout buddies," you and your pet can establish a closer relationship and stay healthy at the same time.

Nintendo's "Wii Fit Plus" is just one example in a growing movement to use human resources - such as technology - to promote animal welfare. Last spring, a group of animal lovers on Twitter organized "paw pawties" to raise money for animal charities. Creating Twitter accounts for their pets, these individuals encouraged other Twitter users to pledge money and support animal rights, engaging in "mini-message marathons," trivia contests and scavenger hunts. The animals behind the "pawties" - a rescue cat named Romeo and a 14-year-old dog named Dougal - are planning to expand upon their Twitter success with Webcasts and e-books (with the help of their human companions, of course).

Closer to home, Young at Heart has also benefited from technology outreach. Through e-mail lists and Web sites such as this blog and meetup.com, YAH has been able to garner support and keep followers updated on current events, fundraisers and happenings. As the e-mail list continues to grow, YAH can measure its progress as efficiently as the "Wii Fit Plus."

Have something to add? Comment here or send your suggestions to blog@yahpetrescue.com.

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ADOPT US!

My name is... Tequila

I'm... a girl, 8 years old and a Lab/German Shorthaired Pointer mix

My favorite thing to do is... romp around the yard or snuggle

Learn more about me!

My name is... Anya

I'm... a girl, 10-12 years old

My favorite thing to do is... snuggle into a lap and get loved up

Learn more about me!

Photos courtesy of yahpetrescue.com