Welcome to the Pet Rescue by Judy Blog, where we share heartfelt adoption stories, valuable foster tips, and essential volunteer guides. Our mission is to connect animal lovers in Central Florida, particularly around Sanford, FL, with the resources and information they need to make a difference in the lives of pets in need.
In our blog, you will find:
- Inspiring adoption stories that highlight the journeys of pets finding their forever homes.
- Practical tips for fostering pets and making the experience rewarding for both you and the animals.
- Guides for volunteers, detailing how you can help and the impact you can make in our community.
- Information on pet-friendly places in Central Florida, perfect for enjoying time with your furry friends.
Join us in our efforts to promote pet adoption and responsible pet ownership. Together, we can create a loving community for pets and their humans.
Game Night With a Foster Pet: Keeping Animals Calm During Hockey Season
The title of this page nods to a busy stretch of NHL matchups, with Ottawa, Montreal, Detroit and San Jose all on the schedule. For many households in Sanford and across Central Florida, hockey nights mean a full living room, a loud television and plenty of snacks on the coffee table. If you share your home with a newly adopted dog or a foster cat, those evenings can feel very different from the animal's point of view. A little planning lets everyone enjoy the game, including the pets.
Sound and sudden excitement
Goal horns, crowd noise and people jumping off the couch can startle animals, especially rescues who are still learning that their new home is safe. Keep the volume moderate and give your pet a quiet retreat away from the main room, such as a crate covered with a light blanket or a bedroom with a familiar bed and water bowl. Many foster carers find that a fan or soft background music in that room helps mask sharp noises.
Watch the snack table
Game-day food is one of the most common household hazards for pets. Cooked chicken wing bones can splinter, and sauces often contain onion, garlic or a lot of salt, all of which can upset or harm dogs and cats. Chocolate, grapes and anything sweetened with xylitol should also stay well out of reach. Ask guests not to share plates with the dog, however hopeful those eyes look, and clear leftovers before settling in for overtime. If your pet does swallow something worrying, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic promptly.
Guests and introductions
Visitors who don't know your animal's history may reach for a pat too quickly. Let shy pets approach on their own terms, and keep doors closed so a nervous foster can't slip outside when friends arrive. A short walk or play session before the puck drops helps burn off energy, so your dog is more likely to nap through the second period.
If you're considering bringing a rescue into a lively household, our fostering guide covers settling-in routines, and you can meet animals looking for homes on our adoption page.
Also on this site: Major Donors · Crédits · Austin Past and Present