During the tour at each city stop so many rescue ambassadors share their own personal stories on how the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue Program has helped them continue to rescue animals in need.  The most common comment we receive it “Thank you…we would not be able to continue rescuing animals without the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue Program.”   As a dog trainer and performer for over 21 years it breaks my heart to hear, so many sad stories of homeless pets and neglect.  But, on the other hand, it is amazing to hear how so many pet lovers jump right in and Help, Volunteer, and Give to support homeless pets and that is so promising to hear as we race to cure “homeless pets”.

The Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour and Rally to Rescue Program has been helping, supporting, and donating to small pet rescue groups for over 6 years.   From my experience this program is the Cadillac of all rescue programs, as 45% of all animal welfare rescue organizations do the majority of pet rescue and need this support.

It is exciting to travel with my rescue dog, Viola – the Pro Plan Rally Across America Mascot, and showcase her talents and commands she has learned in my family.  She truly went from homeless to celebrity and it is exciting to show how a true stray dog can become so well-mannered and a loyal companion.    As a dog trainer and animal rescue advocate, one of my main goals it to help every pet owner understand that every pet can be a great companion.  Having a great furry companion starts with understanding your pets basic needs (starting with a 100% complete balanced diet like Pro Plan… to getting the right pet supplies to succeed), and then teaching your pet the 5 basic obedience commands every pet should know.   My training philosophy is find a dog training method and dog trainer which shows a positive change in your dog’s behavior in a relatively short period of time.   This should start with you being in a leadership role and building to a friendship role.   Pet ownership is all about starting with picking the right pet first, then adding the right exercise program, and then becoming the leader which earns your pets friendship.

Thank you pet lovers for helping save so many lives.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

 Pro Plan Rally Across America

PS…This blog is dedicated my great Frisbee Dog, companion, and amazing partner…Ariel Ally.  You taught me how to be me.

Don’t miss the “Doing More” for pets pet rescue stories contest winner soon to be announced on the website, www.rallytorescue.org.    America’s pet lover’s have voted all year and it is so exciting to see which heart warming, inspirational story was America’s favorite this year.

Yes, finale of the tour is right here in St. Louis, Missouri during the St. Louis Pet Expo at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, MO.     Last year, more than 10,000 people and their pets in attendance who enjoyed pet expo so don’t be late.  Come on out and enjoy the fun.    Yes, that means bring your dog, too.  Here aer some of the fun things you can learn: pet education guest speakers, discounted vaccinations,  information on pet rescue, vendors, an agility course, and a pet “talent show.”

Exhibitors include: canine museums, veterinary and chiropractic services, breed organizations, rescue groups, pet hospitals, photographers, canine treats, humane societies, dog training, pet resorts and day care, jewelry, pet care, and many more.

Admission and parking is free.

Don’t forget to stop by and meet Viola – the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour Mascot.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

Viola, my dog and the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue Mascot, was also a big festival hit.  We demonstrated some basic obedience commands that ever rescued dog should know with loads of pet lover’s watching.  When Viola was not showing off her special traits and tricks she was relaxing on our table and still drawing a crowd.  The most asked question over the weekend was what kind of dog is she.  Well, as a rescue dog goes our best guess is a Cattle Dog mix.  Many responses were boy she is just the right size.  Viola just loves meeting and greeting pet lovers and helping us reach our Pro Plan Rally to Rescue mission of finding  400,000 homeless pets a forever home by the end of the year.

As the 7th stop on the tour the voting booth was buzzing all weekend long.  The Colorado community welcomed the Pro Plan Rally Across America  Tour with open arms and one of our most successful voting stops.    Don’t forget to tell all of our friend to vote at or main page, www.rallytorescue.org, until Oct 1 and help feed homeless pets.

 The sampling tent was a big hit with the Denver crowd, especially with our newly reformulated Pro Plan Select formula diet for dogs.    This diet is formulated to be a great choice for dogs needing a more hypoallergenic diet, as it leaves out the top three allergens in dogs which is corn, soy, and then wheat for dogs.     Our newly reformulated Pro Plan Select (in the white bag with the green seal) is also more easily digestible diet for dogs with a sensitive digestive tract with the smaller kibble and two whole meats in the first four ingredients.      So, don’t forget the try the newly reformulated Pro Plan Select Turkey or Salmon diets for your dog in pet speciality stores.

As a dog trainer of performance dogs here are a few tricks which I learned about feeding your dog.

• Dogs who eat fast…try adding a lot of tap water (make it soupy) to your dog’s food, cool water in the summer and warm water in the winter, to slow down your dog’s eating.  Dogs do not typically chew all of their food, as they are scavengers and tend to woof their food down.  Don’t worry as long as the dog eats the food within 15 minutes the food will still stay crunchy.  With this method you can not free feed, so try feeding twice a day.  The faster the dog eats the more water I add.  Trust me it does slow them down on their eating.
• Here is a trick I learned about helping a dog lose weight.  One, increase your dog’s exercise.  Two, subtract 30% of your dog’s dry dog food diet and substitute baby carrots, chopped up apples, or no-salt green beans.  Just remember to not add more then 30% of your dog’s dry diet daily and also place these nutritious veggies in their bowl with their dry kibble and try adding water and feeding right away.
• If you dog has a lot of gas try feeding a more hypoallergenic diet like our newly reformulated Pro Plan Select diet of Turkey or Salmon which offers no corn, soy, or wheat.  You should usually see a decrease in their digestive upset and gasyness.  If you do not then you might want to consider taking a trip to your vet and have your dog checked out.
• Here is a great way to teach your dog to come when called….If you feed your dog twice a day then place one meal of dry kibble in your pocket, and while going for a walk with your dog on a leash, use their own kibble as treats and teach them to walk with you for their food.  In the wild wolves hunt (work and learn) faster when they are hungry.  So, do not waste your training opportunity by placing both meals in their food bowl for free.  If you have any food left after your walk then place that in their food bowl when you return.

Good luck and don’t forget to vote for your favorite pet rescue story and help choose the winner of the Doing More for Pets, Pet Rescue Stories contest.

Signing off for now,

Melissa Heeter and Viola

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

So, if you are looking for something fun to do on Labor Day Weekend what better place to spend your holiday weekend but in Denver, CO. 

I know that Viola has been just waiting for this amazing city tour stop.  With the beautiful weather and our joint effort of raising awareness of the necessity of finding homeless pets a forever home and the exciting festival – A Taste of Colorado we will be even closer to our mission.

If you cannot join us this weekend remember to vote directy on the www.rallytorescue.org website for your favorite Doing More for Pets, Pet Rescue Stories Contest and help one of the Rescue Groups win $5,000 in Pro Plan to feed even more homeless pets in need.

Get your kids, and come on out and support our Rally to Rescue Mission.

 Finding forever homes for as many homeless pets is our goal.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

The weather turned into beautiful with more than 5,000 spectators and just as many dogs.   It was a fun-filled day with over 160 vendors and lots of pet activities.   Being the 6th stop on the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour it was exciting to be part of the Because Your Dog is Worth It, Too day which continues to grow each year.

The Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories contests was also a big hit at this event, but remember there is only to stops let, so do not to vote.  Voting is easy.  Just vote from the home page and help honor these inspirational pet rescue stories and their caring rescue groups.

Viola just loves the LOreal Because Your Dog is Worth It, Too Day as she knows she is worth it, too.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

If you are near Cranbury, NJ you won’t want to miss this extraordinary event.  There is truly something for everyone.  With over 5,000 supports and almost as many dogs this event is surely one of the east coasts favorite pet events of the year.

For a complete list of vendors, entertainment, and times visit the official website, http://www.yourdogisworthittoo.com/ .

Don’t forget get out the vote and vote for our favorite and most inspirational pet rescue story in the Doing More Pet Rescue Stories Contest, onsite at the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour’s RV.    Do your part for homeless pets by visiting booth and don’t forget to pickup your Pro Plan Select – All Natural diet formula.

Viola and I are thrilled to come back and take part in this wonderful event.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

Several thousand pet lover’s visited the event with their two legged and four legged kids.   Some families even brought home a new four legged family member.

However, this event offed many ways pet lover’s could support homeless pets which helps the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour reach our “2010 Mission” of finding forever homes for over 400,000 homeless pets by the end of the year.

• Rally to Rescue Tour Stop
• adoptions on-site
• pet contests
• pet interactive activities
• vendors
• silent auction
• drawing raffles
• professional pet speakers

Thank you San Diego for helping the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour become a successful part one of your most popular pet events.

Viola and I always enjoy visiting San Diego.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

You never know you might just find your next lifetime companion Cardiff 101 Dog Days of Summer and Canine Festival.  There will be so many things to do onsite like: a rabies & micro chip clinic, along with the Rally to Rescue Campaign small pet rescue groups who will all offer adoptions onsite.  Don’t forget the fun zone for the two legged kids.  So, come on out this Saturday and support homeless pets from 10am-4pm and enjoy some FREE outdoor family fun.   

The “Doing More” for Pet Rescue Stories Contest is kicking off in San Diego.  So, don’t forget that you can vote for your favorite pet rescue story and help one small pet rescue group win $5,000 in pet food, which helps more homeless pets receive food.  If you are not ready to adopt another furry friend, then there are many ways to help support homeless pets you can “Do More” by giving through donating funds or pet supplies or volunteering your time to a pet rescue group.  

If you are looking for more information about this event click here.  http://www.cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com/ . 

You can follow our tour and rescue mission goals at www.rallytorescue.org. 

Get active and support pet rescue by “Doing More”…Adopt, Help, Give…you just may have your next loyal companion. 

Check out www.dogchannel.com and watch my rescue dog, Viola, demonstrate the three commands that every rescue dog should know. 

Here is the direct link, http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-videos/rescued-dog-tips/train-a-dog-not-to-bolt.aspx.  Also, check out the two links below for the second and third video training links.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

The Super Pet Adoption Event and the Irvine Animal Care Center share the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour and Rally to Rescue Campaign’s mission of adopting 400,000 homeless pets by the end of the year.  With the event and our ambassadors helps were are definitely closer to reaching our rescue mission.   The Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour enhanced the atmosphere and over all rescue mission. 

Viola’s homeless to celebrity status was just taken to another great level.  Check out Viola’s debut on www.dogchannel.com as she helps me promote our rescue mission by clicking on this link http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-news/2010/05/14/pet-rescue-rally-reaches-across-u-s.aspx .   Also, keep a look out as Viola demonstrates three (3) of the most important training tips (which may save your dogs life) that every rescued dog should know soon to be featured on www.dogchannel.com in about 3 weeks.

Calling all pet lovers, if you are ever in the LA area stop by and take a look at the Irvine Animal Care Center is one of the best state of the art animal shelters around.

As summer is upon us please remember to provide your pets fresh water daily, proper shade, and safe housing during the summer heat.   With the warm summer comes more outdoor activities, so don’t forget that your dog needs to work up slowly on their summer exercise program.  Any exercise program should start with a health vet check, proper hydration before, during and after exercise, a slow increase of 10% of your exercise time, good nutrition, and proper rest of two days off a week. 

When a homeless pet is rescued, in their new forever home, their trust, appreciation, and loyalty are unrivaled.   So, together let’s find forever homes for as many homeless pets as possible.   Adopt… Help… Give…anyway you can.

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

Viola, the Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour Mascot, went from homeless to celebrity overnight and will be in town to show pet lovers the top 5 commands every rescued dog or cat should know.  These 5 training commands are easy to implement and are life saving tips for any dog or cat to learn.  Maybe you are having difficulty with your dog or cat at home, soooooo come on out to the Orange County Super Pet Adoption event June 6 and take advantage of my “Ask the Trainer” shows and free pet training advice.

It’s back.  Yes, the Doing More for Pet Rescue Voting Contest kicks off on the Irvine stop.  Yes, here is another way you can help small pet rescue groups save more lives.  Come on out and vote for your favorite pet rescue story and help one of our rescue ambassadors win $5,000 in Pro Plan pet food to feed their homeless pets.  Each year amazing and inspiring pet rescue stories are submitted on how a pet has overcome adversity with the help of one of our pet rescue ambassadors.  The top 10 stories are chosen and America gets to vote for their vote story onsite or on our www.rallytorescue.org website.  The winning story will receive $5,000 in Pro Plan to help feed more homeless pets in that inspirational pet rescue group.  Don’t worry about the other amazing stories as one of our 500 rescue groups they all receive support from Pro Plan each year.  So, don’t forget to vote, and tell your friends to vote for your favorite inspirational pet rescue story.

Visit the IACC’s website (www.irvineshelter.org) for more information about the event or how you can help support homeless pets.

Special Preview Event

Come on out and visit our preview rescue event Saturday, June 5th, 12-4pm, to catch the Rally to Rescue bus at Petco on 430 N Euclid St Anaheim, CA 92801.  Free giveaways, product samples & coupons, “Ask the Dog Trainer”, and more!

Save a life…Help…Give…Volunteer…

Melissa Heeter, Head Dog Trainer

Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour

PS.

The Irvine Animal Care Center (IACC) is the proud recipient of the 2007 Shelter of the Year award presented during the Purina’s Pro Plan’s 53^rd Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards, by Dogs in Review and Bow Tie, Inc.  The shelter was selected for the award based on their innovative programs and disaster relief efforts during the Southern California wildfires last fall.