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August is National Clear the Shelters Month

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Every August, communities across the country come together for National Clear the Shelters Month, a movement dedicated to finding loving homes for pets in need. Shelters and rescues open their doors with special adoption events, waived or reduced fees, and extended hours to make it easier for families to adopt.

Why Clear the Shelters Matters

Animal shelters often operate at or beyond capacity, especially during the summer when kitten and puppy litters peak. Sadly, overcrowding can make it difficult for staff to provide the care each animal deserves. Clear the Shelters Month helps ease that burden by connecting pets with permanent homes.

Beyond space and resources, adoption changes lives. Every animal adopted makes room for another in need, giving them a second chance. And for families, bringing home a shelter pet means gaining a loyal companion who offers unconditional love.

The Impact of Adoption

Since its start in 2015, the Clear the Shelters initiative has helped more than 1 million pets find homes. Each adoption story reflects the heart of this mission—whether it’s a senior dog finding comfort with a retired couple, a shy kitten learning to trust with a new family, or a rescue pup becoming a child’s best friend.

Adopting from a shelter also:

  • Saves lives by reducing euthanasia rates.
  • Supports local communities by easing shelter overcrowding.
  • Encourages responsible pet ownership through spay/neuter programs and education.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Adopt: Visit your local shelter or rescue to meet the pets waiting for homes.
  • Foster: Provide a temporary home to give animals a break from the shelter environment.
  • Donate: Food, toys, blankets, and financial contributions make a big difference.
  • Volunteer: Shelters always need extra hands to walk dogs, socialize cats, or help at adoption events.
  • Spread the word: Share posts on social media to help connect pets with potential adopters.

A Perfect Time to Find Your New Best Friend

If you’ve been considering adding a furry friend to your family, August is the perfect time to adopt. Not only will you be giving a shelter pet like Church above the loving home they deserve, but you’ll also be part of a nationwide movement of kindness and compassion.

To adopt a pet in August where prices are lowered or eliminated, please visit your local shelter or rescue.

8 Amazing Ways Dogs Can Read People (Better Than You Think!)

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We already know dogs are smart—but it turns out, they might understand humans better than we realize. From sensing bad intentions to remembering a scent forever, here are some fascinating (and heartwarming) ways dogs pick up on behaviors we often miss.

1. They Know When Someone’s Being Mean

A study in the Journal of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews showed that dogs can tell when someone treats you unfairly. Researchers tested this by having an actor stand next to a dog’s owner, who was struggling to open a sealed container. One actor helped, one stood by passively, and one refused to help at all.

When offered treats afterward, dogs gladly accepted from the helpful person, were mostly okay with the passive one, but avoided the person who refused to help. In other words—dogs remember who’s kind to their favorite human.

2. They Can Spot a Liar

In a Japanese study, dogs learned quickly not to trust someone who had tricked them. First, a person pointed to a container with treats. The dogs happily ran to it. But the second time, the person pointed to an empty container. When that same person later pointed to the treat container again… the dogs didn’t buy it. Once lied to, they weren’t fooled twice.

3. They Never Forget Their Owner’s Scent

Your scent is imprinted in your dog’s memory for life. When they catch a whiff of you—even after years apart—it triggers the “happy” part of their brain. Scientists have compared it to how a favorite perfume or cologne can instantly remind a human of someone they love.

4. They Read Facial Expressions

In an Austrian experiment, dogs were shown photos of unfamiliar people with happy or angry expressions. They consistently avoided touching the angry faces, even without knowing the people. This shows dogs understand the emotional meaning behind human expressions—even from strangers.

5. They Can Smell Bad Intentions

If your dog growls or avoids certain people, it may be because they sense your subtle, subconscious signals. You might be smiling and polite, but your body gives off tiny cues—like changes in scent caused by stress hormones—that your dog picks up instantly.


And yes, they really can smell fear. In one study of 694 people, anxious individuals were bitten more often by intimidating dogs than confident, calm people.

6. They Read Body Language (Like a Pro)

Dogs are masters of reading movement. Just as they watch other dogs to determine safety, they also pick up on every gesture we make. Even tiny shifts in posture, the way we hold our head, or how fast we move can give them important information about our mood or intentions.

7. They Can Detect Serious Illness

A dog’s nose is powerful enough to detect certain cancers, diabetes-related changes, and even diseases like malaria and Parkinson’s. Some trained dogs can predict seizures or migraines before they happen—literally saving lives.

8. They Know Which Dogs They Like (and Which They Don’t)

Just like with people, your dog’s reaction to another dog often comes down to body language and scent. If another dog’s stance feels threatening or their scent signals something “off,” your pup might bark, growl, or keep their distance.

Trust Your Dog’s Instinct

Dogs are incredible observers of the world—and of us. They’re not just reacting to what we say, but to how we move, smell, and feel.

So the next time your dog reacts strongly to a person or another dog, remember—they might just be picking up on something you can’t see.

5 Reasons to Adopt a Mixed-Breed Dog

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All of these dogs pictured above are mixed breeds rescued from local shelters.

Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? Don’t overlook mixed-breed dogs — they’ve got a lot going for them! These lovable mutts provide all the joy and companionship that purebreds do, but also offer some distinct advantages.

From genetic diversity — which often translates to lower healthcare costs — to the joy of taking in a dog who might otherwise be overlooked, mixed breed dogs come without the astronomical fees associated with purebred dogs.

With today’s shelters overflowing with mixed breed dogs, adopting a ready-to-home dog may be the perfect choice for you and your family.

Here are five reasons to adopt a mixed-breed dog!

1. Lower Healthcare Costs
Mixed-breed dogs often benefit from what’s known as hybrid vigor, which means they’re less likely to inherit the genetic disorders common in certain purebred lines. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, respiratory issues, or heart disease are often linked to the overbreeding of purebreds.

With a mixed-breed dog, there’s typically a wider gene pool, resulting in a healthier immune system and a lower risk of inherited health problems. This can translate to fewer vet visits, lower medical bills, and a happier, more active pup — all of which add up to peace of mind and long-term savings.

2. Unique Looks
No two mixed breeds are alike — and that’s part of the charm! Whether it’s a dachshund-shaped body with golden retriever fur, or a spotted coat with pointy ears and soulful eyes, mixed-breed dogs are truly one-of-a-kind.

You won’t find their exact look anywhere else, making your dog completely unique and unforgettable. Their quirky combinations and unexpected features often spark conversations at the dog park, and they become known not just for their personality, but also for their signature style.

3. Sweet, Surprising Personalities
Mixed breeds are known for their well-balanced, lovable temperaments. Because they’re not bred for specific roles (like guarding or herding), their personalities tend to be a blend of affectionate, playful, loyal, and calm traits.

You might adopt a mixed-breed dog who loves couch cuddles and long hikes — the best of both worlds. And since many shelter dogs are older than puppies, you often get a clearer sense of their behavior and preferences upfront, so there are fewer surprises and more alignment with your lifestyle.

4. A Second Chance at Life
Shelters are filled with incredible mixed-breed dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities — no long applications or sky-high price tags required. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the popularity of certain purebreds, the truth is: mixed-breed dogs have just as much (if not more) to offer.

Many mixed-breed dogs end up in shelters through no fault of their own. This second chance can be life-changing for them — and for you. Rescued dogs often show incredible gratitude, and the bond that forms is deep and unshakable.

5. You’re Saving More Than One Life


Adopting a dog doesn’t just impact the one you bring home — it also frees up space in the shelter, making room for the next animal in need. This creates a ripple effect: more animals get care, more families find pets, and more lives are saved. Plus, your adoption fee goes back into the shelter or rescue organization, helping provide food, medical treatment, and support for other dogs waiting for homes. In short, you become part of something bigger than yourself — a chain of compassion that keeps on giving.

The Bottom Line:
Mixed-breed dogs make incredible pets — loyal, lovable, and totally unique. If you’re ready to add a furry friend to your life, start at your local shelter. The perfect pup might be waiting for you right now.

Summer Safety Tips for Pets

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Hot weather can be dangerous for our furry friends, and it’s always a good idea to keep reminding ourselves how to prevent our pets from heat exhaustion, an expensive vet visit, or worse.

Follow these simple tips to keep your pets cool, healthy, and safe this summer. Need a safe place for your dog to cool off like Boomer? Try our doggie daycare! We have the only water park in the East Bay meant for dogs!

1. Keep Pets Indoors

Pets can overheat quickly, just like people. When it’s hot, limit outdoor time—especially during the middle of the day—and make sure they have a cool space indoors with air conditioning or fans. Overheating can lead to serious health issues.

2. Never Leave Pets in the Car

Even on mild days, a parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Every year, pets suffer or die from being left in cars. Always leave them at home where it’s safe and cool.

3. Visit the Vet

Schedule a check-up in spring or early summer. Make sure your pet is protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworm—these are more common in warmer months. A quick visit to the vet now can prevent bigger problems later.

4. Walk During Cooler Hours

Avoid walking dogs in the heat of the day. Early morning or late evening is best. Hot pavement can burn their paws, and they can overheat quickly. Always carry water and watch for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or slowing down.

5. Provide Shade and Water

If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water and a shady place to rest. Dehydration and heatstroke can come on fast in hot weather.

6. Know Heat-Sensitive Breeds

Some dogs—like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus—are more vulnerable to heat due to their short noses. Older pets, puppies, and overweight animals also need extra care. Watch them closely in warm weather.

7. Don’t Shave Their Coat

It may seem like shaving your pet will keep them cool, but their fur actually helps regulate body temperature. A light trim is fine, but don’t remove their coat entirely. When in doubt, talk to a groomer.

8. Avoid Stagnant Water

Swimming can be fun, but ponds or lakes with still water may contain toxic algae. Stick to clean water sources like sprinklers or running streams, and always rinse your pet after swimming—especially in saltwater.

9. Keep Pets Safe During Fireworks

Loud fireworks can frighten pets and cause them to run away. Keep pets indoors during celebrations, and make sure they have a quiet, safe place to hide. Check your yard for firework debris the next day.

10. Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen

Pets can get sunburn too, especially on hairless or lightly pigmented areas like the nose, ears, belly, and groin. Use sunscreen made for pets, and keep them out of direct sunlight during peak hours.

11. Avoid the Beach Unless Prepared

If you bring your pet to the beach, provide shade and lots of fresh water. Sand and saltwater can be harsh—rinse your pet off after swimming, and keep an eye out for signs of overheating.

12. Watch Out for Chemicals

Avoid letting pets walk on recently treated lawns or drink from puddles near sprayed areas. Also, check for coolant leaks from cars—antifreeze is sweet-tasting but deadly. Use pet-safe products whenever possible.

13. Keep ID Tags and Microchips Updated

If your pet gets scared and runs off, proper ID can help them get home. Make sure they wear a tag with current info and consider a microchip for added security.

14. Learn the Signs of Overheating

A relaxed Hungarian vizsla enjoys the cool shade of a table amidst vibrant greenery in a tranquil garden setting

Watch for heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, red or purple gums, or your pet lying down and refusing to move. These are signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke—get them to a vet right away.

15. Cool Treats for Hot Days

Make dog- or cat-friendly frozen treats at home using ingredients like peanut butter, broth, or wet food. These “pupsicles” or “catsicles” are a fun and easy way to help pets cool down.

Final Reminder:

If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Keep them safe, cool, and hydrated all summer long—they depend on you!

Have a safe and healthy summer from all of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

Fourth of July Holiday Tips

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The Fourth of July weekend kicks off this Friday, which makes for a long weekend of celebrations. We are lucky to live in Livermore, home to many fun and family-friendly Fourth of July activities right in our own backyard. Or, we can make a short trip to the mountains or the beach!

However you decide to celebrate the Fourth of July, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wishes each of you a fun, safe, and festive Fourth of July. Please enjoy the holiday even more with our Fourth of July Holiday Tips.

Keep Your Pet Safe on the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is filled with crowds, music, action, fireworks in some places, and a variety of tasty food and drink.

At this time of year, it’s especially important to remember that not all of our pets enjoy the festivities and are easily spooked; some are even traumatized.

While you enjoy the Fourth of July celebrations, please make safety a primary consideration for your pets, as fireworks, strangers, and loud noises are a trigger for many animals, creating stress, anxiety and overcrowded shelters.

Place your pet in a crate or locked room with food and water, comforting toys, chewies, soft music or a quiet TV show. Thundershirts are often a great tool for dogs who experience much stress.

If you go out, ask a responsible person to check on your pet. Having someone there to calm a stressed dog can do wonders for a reactive pet. Just make sure they return the pet to the closed crate or room.

Keep your dogs at home for any Fourth of July activity. Even the most secure pooch can be easily stressed or escape if you are distracted. Hot pavement or heat create health hazards to our beloved canines. Make the Fourth a time for you and your friends and family, securing your pet at home.

DID YOU KNOW? ***************

The day after the Fourth of July is the most crowded day at the shelters, as frightened pets who aren’t secured safely in a room or crate often get scared and run off.

Watch the video below to learn ways to keep your pet out of the shelter on the Fourth of July.

Take Measures to Track a Lost Pet

If your pet does get lost, you should take these measures to find it.

  • Call and visit your local shelter daily.
  • Put lost and found posters around the neighborhood and beyond. Dogs can roam for miles, increasing the travel distance.
  • Offer a reward for the safe return of your pet.
  • Post on Nextdoor and all social media platforms.
  • Ask everyone to share the news that your pet is missing. Give details about what your pet looks like, what its name is, and ways to get it back or advice on not chasing it in the event it may run further away.

Keep Dogs and Cats Away from Holiday Food

Holiday food is oh, so good, but can cause diarrhea, vomiting, an expensive hospital visit, or even death to a dog or cat.

Avoid sharing even the littlest bit of food with your dog and ask your guests to not share food either.

You never know how a pet is going to react to a holiday treat or if it may contain something in it that causes allergies or is toxic to your dog or cat.

If you have a side yard, room, or crate, it’s best your pet is unable to roam around during your Fourth of July holiday party. Even the most attentive hosts can be distracted by the most cunning dog or cat who is just as tempted to enjoy the food and drink.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Top Three Benefits to Owning a Pet

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For the pet lover, owning a pet brings many benefits-from having someone to come home to after a long day at work to the morning snuggles and cuddles that help us begin our day, our pets bring us more than just joy, comfort, and laughs. They boost our health and improve our social lives, which is no surprise to the millions of people who own pets.

This month’s blog reflects on just three of the many benefits to owning a pet.

Pets Improve our Mood

Any pet lover knows that the worst day at work can be eased by coming home to your dog or cat who is always eager and excited to see you. Just the mere touch, snuggle, or wiggly tail can put a person in a better mood. And who doesn’t laugh at the countless TikTok videos of funny animal clips?!

Sad, depressed, anxious? Get a pet! According to Help.guide, pets increase our seratonin and dopamine levels, leaving us with feelings of peace and security and lowering anxiety and depression.

It’s a fact that “Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets” (source).

But only those without pets need to read a study to understand how owning something that loves you unconditionally can improve your mood even at the lowest of times.

Pets Improve our Health

Great dog owners understand their dog’s needs to go for a walk, and that walk benefits the owners as well. In a world that celebrates 10,000 steps a day, walking is a great way to get in those steps, burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and improve sleep.

Looking for more information about how walking a dog can improve your health? Click this health article by Denise Lum.

Pets Make Us Social

People with pets tend to interact with others more than people without pets. I once noticed my neighbor walking his cat on a leash and commented how unusual this was and how happy his cat seemed to be. This neighbor, whom I’ve never spoken to or seen again, and I struck up a conversation that would not have occurred beyond a simple, “Hi,” if he was doing anything other than walking his cat.

Our family owned a Flemish Giant Rabbit, and we had neighbors and dogs come up to our gate all of the time to ask about this huge Bunny. Every neighbor, delivery person, contractor or landscaper who came over has a picture of Teddy on their phone.

Just yesterday, I commented on my neighbor who had just gotten a new puppy. We chatted briefly about the joys and challenges of puppyhood!

My neighbor is very thoughtful about sending me images of my cat peering in on him in his bedroom. She is an escape artist and my neighbor reaches out with his takes on what it looks like on his end to have our little Houdini cat acting like the neighborhood Peeping Tom.

Pets allow people to strike up conversations they may not otherwise have started if it wasn’t for a pet. According to a study conducted by Harvard and the University of Australia, “…people with pets were 60 percent more likely than people without pets to easily meet other folks in their communities.”

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Loves All of Your Pets

No matter what your reasons are for getting a pet, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa loves your pets! We can attest that your pets provide us laughter and joy. Coming to work is the best part of our day!

If you would like more information on our doggie daycare, dog or cat boarding, or board and stay programs, please reach out to us! Our friendly and helpful staff is here to answer all of your questions!