• Cleaning products should be stored in a lockable cupboard or closet.
• If you have open shelves in your kitchen or pantry, store hazardous items up high where your pet can’t jump.
• Auto products be kept in the garage and in a secure storage space.
• Use your phone to research houseplants at the store before buying them. Any houseplants that are toxic to pets should either be disposed of or kept on high shelves.
• Never leave the kitchen while cooking or baking and clean up as you go so pets don’t eat food that is toxic to them.

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Has your pet been poisoned?

Not sure if your pet has ingested a potential toxin? Toxicity signs can vary depending on the poisonous substance, but there are some common signs to watch for.

• Lethargy or sluggishness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Stumbling or staggering
• Di­fficulty breathing
• Tremors or seizures

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Planning Ahead with Pet Medical Insurance

Pets are unpredictable, and accidents can still happen even when you are taking the best precautions. Over the past two decades, Trupanion has paid over $8 million towards pet poison and toxicity claims so it’s a good idea to take control ahead of time and have an emergency medical plan in place. Along with taking note of the nearest animal hospitals, a good pet insurance policy can help you tackle surprise medical costs. Having this in place will let you focus on what really matters in times of crisis — taking care of your pet.

State Farm is working with Trupanion, a leader in high-quality insurance for cats and dogs, to help protect your pet from new and unexpected illnesses and injuries. Discover how a pet insurance policy can be there for your pet during their lifetime. Talk to a State Farm agent or get a free, no-obligation quote online today.

State Farm^® is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022 by building State Farm Neighborhood Assist bigger. This year, the program will award 100 $25,000 grants (vs. 40 grants in previous years) to nonprofit organizations to help fund neighborhood improvement projects. Additionally, we’re doubling the number of cause submissions to 4,000.

Submissions for this year’s program will be accepted starting February 16 at 1 p.m. ET and will end once 4,000 submissions are received. The voting phase will follow from April 27-May 6, where the public can vote for their favorite causes from the list of 200 finalists. The 100 winners will be announced June 7. For more information, please visit https://www.neighborhoodassist.com.

State Farm and Trupanion are offering pet owners the gift of pet safety this season with simple tips to keep your furry family happy and healthy.

Oh, Christmas Tree: If you celebrate with a live Christmas tree, make sure it is secure so it doesn’t fall. Keep tree water clean and fresh but don’t add aspirin, sugar, or other additives to the tree water. If you prefer an artificial tree, don’t let your pets chew on the branches or on any ribbons or tinsel.

Candle Cat-astrophe: Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, blow candles out!

Poisonous Pretty Plants: Mistletoe and holly can be mildly toxic to pets when ingested. Poinsettias can cause mouth irritation if chewed on. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. If you have holiday plants, consider placing them in rooms or locations where your pets don’t have access.

Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach.

Leave the Leftovers and Skip the Sweets: Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. Bones, fatty and spicy human foods, and chocolate should not be fed to animals.

No Cocktails for Kitties or Canines: If your holiday celebration includes adult beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them.

A Place for Peace and Quiet: With all of the holiday activity, guests, and parties, it isn’t just people that get stressed out. Give your pet his or her own quiet space to retreat to away from all of the activity. If your pet is excitable or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed.

You want to enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer with your furry friends but the unexpected can happen. If your pet does become sick or injured, you want to get your furry family member the medical care they need. Consider how pet medical insurance can be there for your pet when they need it most.

Fast Facts

• According to data from Trupanion, there is an increase of 294% in veterinary emergencies because of pets eating chocolate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Ingestion of foreign material (ribbons, tinsel, wrapping, and more) is 10% higher than the daily average on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Burns to pets are 64% higher than daily average on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

You may recognize the name of the furry focus of today’s interview, as he’s been the focus of several of our stories. Tavi is a 1-year-old Canine Companions for Independence puppy. State Farm^® sponsors the nonprofit organization that provides professionally trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities at no charge. Tavi, which means “good” in Hebrew, was kind enough to sit down with us recently to catch up on what’s been going on, what it’s been like being raised in a foster family and what he thinks about going to service dog school.

Q: You recently turned 1…or is it 7? We forget how dog-years work. Anyway, how did you celebrate?

A: My hooman parents bought me a puppy birthday cake – peanut butter flavor, so yummy!! My State Farm sponsor family had this big celebration at CityLine campus with cookies and cupcakes (they should have been pupcakes) for all the friendly faces who have been supporting me. I also showed off my sit, down, visit and other commands I have learned!

Q: Sounds like quite the party! Who taught you those commands and why?

A: My Birds taught me, and I know what you’re thinking, dogs are supposed to chase birds, but these Birds are different. My Birds are hooman and have a bunch of classes they attend to make sure I’m ready to go on to service dog training in February. They’ve got to teach me about 30 different commands, which I guess is a lot, but I don’t really understand numbers too well, so who knows? One of the biggest things I’m getting out of my training is learning more self-control, which can be ruff.

Q: Talk about your future plans. What’s next for you?

A: Well, once or twice a month, we go to this puppy class where I get to see other dogs like me and we do more structured practice. It’s kind of a big deal, because it’s supposed to get me ready for service dog school. That’s where me and the other dogs learn to help people who can’t do things for themselves. I’m excited to go, even though I’m going to miss my Birds. I’ll still get to visit them, though, which is great!

Q: Thanks for sitting down with us, Tavi. Anything else you’d like people to know?

A: Just that I’m thankful to the Birds, Canine Companions and State Farm for giving dogs like me the chance to help people who need it. It’s a really great deal, and I’m proud as a puppy to be a part of it. Oh, and also that you don’t always need to ask us dogs “Who’s a good boy??” We know it’s us!

Ask Before You Pet

Brooklyn Mobley is State Farm employee in Dallas who’s legally blind and is accompanied to work by her service dog, Liam. The two shared some handy tips on how folks should interact with service dogs and their owners.

1. Ask the handler/owner if you can pet the dog. Don’t be offended when you hear “NO” because the dog is working.
2. Speak to the handler/owner and not the dog. You would be surprised at how many people talk to the dog first!
3. If you ask the handler/owner if they need assistance and they decline, trust that they don’t need help.
4. Respect the handler/owners’ time. When they are at work, they can’t stop to answer frequent questions about their dog.
5. Service dogs are often on a strict diet. Don’t give them treats or try to feed them without permission from the handler/owner.

In 2020, State Farm paid nearly $157 million dollars for over 3,185 dog-related injury claims. The highest month for number of claims and amount paid for those claims was March, at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. Experts fear another disruption—this time cause by the easing of restrictions for activities outside the home—could lead to a spike in dog bite incidents.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week® is April 11-17, 2021. The National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition - State Farm, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Insurance Information Institute (Triple I), American Humane, and dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell are urging people to take steps to prevent a surge in dog bites as the weather warms, lockdowns ease, and life returns to normal.

As pet owners return to the work place or school, pets will be left home alone. Behavioral issues such as separation anxiety could result in aggressive and destructive behavior. This could be a particular problem for dogs adopted during the pandemic. Many shelters and rescues experienced an increase in pet adoptions and fostering. People were home, feeling lonely, and had time for a new dog. Unfortunately, many of these adopted or fostered dogs have gotten the impression that normal life is quarantine life. Now is the time to get your dog ready for the transition to post-pandemic life.

DOGTV promotional offer

DOGTV is a streaming channel created for dogs to help relax and entertain them when home alone or in anxious situations. To enroll in a free 30-day trial, visit www.dogtv.com and use the code CALMDOG. View the video above to learn more.

Tips for successful dog interactions

Just like humans, dogs are individuals, and every dog has a unique personality. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on the breed of dog someone owns. While a dogs’ breed may dictate how they look, how a dog reacts in a situation isn’t guaranteed by breed or type. It’s important to remember that even well-trained dogs can bite if they are put into the wrong situation.

• Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you don’t have a pet medical insurance policy in place to cover illness or injury, talk to your State Farm agent or go online to learn how a Trupanion policy can help with medical expenses.
• If your dog has only been interacting with your family this past year, don’t rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and give plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior.
• Gradually start arranging play dates with other dogs and people as allowed, and carefully increase the amounts of time and freedom together. This will help your dog get used to being with other canine companions again.
• Be responsible about approaching other people’s pets. Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you.

Upcoming dog bite prevention webinars - Click images to view details:

2020 has been a record high for adoptions. It’s also been a record low for surrendered and abandoned dogs. All in all, a bang up year for man’s best friend.

Demand was so high for dog and cat companionship, many shelters at one point had waiting lists! But it wasn't alwasy so.

To Me, You Are Perfect

A white and tan pit bull, Dash was one of the longest residents of the Maricopa County Shelter in Arizona. Older pit bulls are often shelter veterans, as many adopters are looking for small dogs and puppies.

Molly Romine, a State Farm® HR employee and shelter volunteer, knew Dash would be a great addition to someone’s home. Molly and other volunteers organized the 12 Dogs of Christmas adoption push which included Dash in Dec. 2018.

The shelter’s 12 longest-term residents were all pit bulls ranging in age from two to 10. The team spruced up their kennels with eye-catching decor, gave the pups holiday make-overs, and shared social media posts to gain attention. The shelter also offered stockings full of donated leashes, collars, and free training sessions.

“I worked a couple of hours a night to get these dogs a home for the holidays,” shared Molly. “It was a lot of hard work but it was worth it to see Dash and all the other dogs adopted just before New Year’s Eve!”

Helping local shelters during Covid

Volunteering has been difficult during Covid due to social distancing and other safety measures. But there are other ways to give back. Owner surrendered and abandoned pet numbers are starting to creep back up. There are plenty of pets available for adoption at your local shelter.

“If you’re not sure adoption is for you, consider fostering! It’s a short term commitment with long term impacts,” Molly recommended. “If you foster a pet, you are giving that animal a much needed respite from the stressful shelter environment. You can also provide the shelter with helpful intel. Maybe the dog is great with kids but scared of car rides. This can really help match the pup with the right family.”

Is your home feeling a bit empty due to covid? Reach out to your local shelter to see if you can fill it with dogs or cats for a long “howliday” weekend of fostering and cuddles.

Join the conversation on Yammer!

After this year, we can all use a silver lining. Odds are you, or someone you know, have adopted a new pet this year.

2020 has been a record high for adoptions. It’s also been a record low for surrendered and abandoned dogs. All in all, a bang up year for man’s best friend.

Demand was so high for dog and cat companionship, many shelters at one point had waiting lists! But it wasn't alwasy so.

To Me, You Are Perfect

A white and tan pit bull, Dash was one of the longest residents of the Maricopa County Shelter in Arizona. Older pit bulls are often shelter veterans, as many adopters are looking for small dogs and puppies.

Molly Romine, a State Farm® HR employee and shelter volunteer, knew Dash would be a great addition to someone’s home. Molly and other volunteers organized the 12 Dogs of Christmas adoption push which included Dash in Dec. 2018.

The shelter’s 12 longest-term residents were all pit bulls ranging in age from two to 10. The team spruced up their kennels with eye-catching decor, gave the pups holiday make-overs, and shared social media posts to gain attention. The shelter also offered stockings full of donated leashes, collars, and free training sessions.

“I worked a couple of hours a night to get these dogs a home for the holidays,” shared Molly. “It was a lot of hard work but it was worth it to see Dash and all the other dogs adopted just before New Year’s Eve!”

Helping local shelters during Covid

Volunteering has been difficult during Covid due to social distancing and other safety measures. But there are other ways to give back. Owner surrendered and abandoned pet numbers are starting to creep back up. There are plenty of pets available for adoption at your local shelter.

“If you’re not sure adoption is for you, consider fostering! It’s a short term commitment with long term impacts,” Molly recommended. “If you foster a pet, you are giving that animal a much needed respite from the stressful shelter environment. You can also provide the shelter with helpful intel. Maybe the dog is great with kids but scared of car rides. This can really help match the pup with the right family.”

Is your home feeling a bit empty due to covid? Reach out to your local shelter to see if you can fill it with dogs or cats for a long “howliday” weekend of fostering and cuddles.

Join the conversation on Yammer!

Raising a puppy isn’t easy. They may be cute, but they require lots of attention and are a big responsibility. Imagine putting in the love and commitment to raising a puppy only to give it up 18 months later. State Farm employees Robin and Tony Bird are doing just that…and they couldn’t be happier.

For thousands of people with disabilities, a service dog allows them to live life independently. State Farm is excited to sponsor a service dog through Canine Companions for Independence. The non-profit organization provides professionally trained assistance dogs at no charge. Service animals are highly trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Since 1975, Canine Companions has placed over 6,600 service dogs.

“We’re very happy about our partnership with State Farm and believe it is the perfect opportunity to engage employees around a positive, ‘good neighbor’ cause that can make a transformational difference in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities,” said Bryan Harding from Canine Companions.

The sponsorship is also providing a unique volunteer opportunity for Robin and Tony. They volunteered and were selected to raise the Canine Companions puppy, sponsored by State Farm.

“We had been looking for some ways to give back, and animal charities are one place where we often gravitate,” said Robin. “With 34 combined years with State Farm, Tony and I are aware of the many ways State Farm gives back. This is such a unique way to give back to the community in a personal and highly impactful way. We couldn't be happier to be selected as puppy raisers.”

A Good Boy

State Farm employees were presented with the chance to name the puppy and while “Jake” may have seemed like a logical name, the puppy wasn’t born in a “J” litter. To help track the hundreds of puppies born into the program, each litter is assigned a letter of the alphabet. The State Farm puppy was born in the “T” litter so the name needed to be short and begin with the same letter.

Tex. Tip. Toast. All are fun and cute names, but this puppy was going to grow up to do good things. It needed a good name because it was part of the Good Neighbor family.

Meet Tavi.

In Hebrew, tavi means “good” and it couldn’t be a better name for him. Tavi is a male Labrador retriever/golden retriever cross and since he is yellow, he is already wearing khakis! Born on Aug. 17, Tavi will leave the nest and meet the Birds in mid-October 2020.

In his first 18 months, the Birds will help Tavi learn basic obedience, social skills and manners. After that, he will move on to professional training with Canine Companions staff where he will learn advanced commands like turning on and off lights and picking up dropped items.

Giving a Dog a Job

It is expensive to breed, raise and train each Canine Companions assistance dog. Volunteers and donations are necessary in order to continue providing assistance dogs at no cost to recipients.

Each year, Canine Companions for Independence hosts DogFest. The dog-friendly event celebrates the human-animal bond and raises money for a great cause. Like most events this year, DogFest has gone virtual. While there will be less fur, the fun won’t stop!

Join other pet lovers for DogFest Texas on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11:00 a.m to noon, CDT and help give a dog a job. There are a variety of ways to participate:

• Register and fundraise to support a great cause. Registration is FREE. All funds go toward training assistance dogs for people in need. You can even form a team to help Canine Companions raise funds!
• Participate in fun activities on the DogFest Texas Facebook event page. You can even share how your dog brings you joy with this downloadable sign.
• Make a donation! Your generous support helps give the gift of freedom to people with disabilities. All donations made to Canine Companions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

For thousands of people with disabilities, a service dog allows them to live life independently. State Farm is excited to sponsor a service dog through Canine Companions for Independence. The non-profit organization provides professionally trained assistance dogs at no charge. Service animals are highly trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Since 1975, Canine Companions has placed over 6,600 service dogs.

“We’re very happy about our partnership with State Farm and believe it is the perfect opportunity to engage employees around a positive, ‘good neighbor’ cause that can make a transformational difference in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities,” says Bryan Harding from Canine Companions.

The sponsorship is also providing a unique volunteer opportunity for Robin and Tony. They volunteered and were selected to raise the Canine Companions puppy, sponsored by State Farm.

“We had been looking for some ways to give back, and animal charities are one place where we often gravitate,” said Robin. “With 34 combined years with State Farm, Tony and I are aware of the many ways State Farm gives back. This is such a unique way to give back to the community in a personal and highly impactful way. We couldn't be happier to be selected as puppy raisers.”

A Good Boy

State Farm employees were presented with the chance to name the puppy and while “Jake” may have seemed like a logical name, the puppy wasn’t born in a “J” litter. To help track the hundreds of puppies born into the program, each litter is assigned a letter of the alphabet. The State Farm puppy was born in the “T” litter so the name needed to be short and begin with the same letter.

Tex. Tip. Toast. All are fun and cute names, but this puppy was going to grow up to do good things. It needed a good name because it was part of the Good Neighbor family.

Meet Tavi.

In Hebrew, tavi means “good” and it couldn’t be a better name for him. Tavi is a male Labrador retriever/golden retriever cross and since he is yellow, he is already wearing khakis! Born on August 17, Tavi will leave the nest and meet the Birds in mid-October 2020.

In his first 18 months, the Birds will help Tavi learn basic obedience, social skills and manners. After that, he will move on to professional training with Canine Companions staff where he will learn advanced commands like turning on and off lights and picking up dropped items.

Giving a Dog a Job

It is expensive to breed, raise and train each Canine Companions assistance dog. Volunteers and donations are necessary in order to continue providing assistance dogs at no cost to recipients.

Each year, Canine Companions for Independence hosts DogFest. The dog-friendly event celebrates the human-animal bond and raises money for a great cause. Like most events this year, DogFest has gone virtual. While there will be less fur, the fun won’t stop!

Join other pet lovers for DogFest Texas on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11:00 a.m to noon, CDT and help give a dog a job. There are a variety of ways to participate:

• Register and fundraise to support a great cause. Registration is FREE. All funds go toward training assistance dogs for people in need. You can even form a team to help Canine Companions raise funds!
• Participate in fun activities on the DogFest Texas Facebook event page. You can even share how your dog brings you joy with this downloadable sign.
• Make a donation! Your generous support helps give the gift of freedom to people with disabilities. All donations made to Canine Companions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Budgeting for pet expenses such as food, grooming, or day care is straightforward. Planning for an accident, illness, or injury is not. The last thing any pet owner wants to decide is whether they can afford to treat their beloved dog or cat for illness or injury. Medical insurance for pets makes the decision easier, allowing for the care they need, when they need it most.

Trupanion’s high-quality medical coverage is designed for the life of the pet. Trupanion pets are never penalized for being “unlucky” and incurring claims. Nor do they raise rates just because a pet ages. Trupanion is the only provider that can pay the veterinary invoice at the time of check-out, often in seconds, eliminating the need for pet owner reimbursement. The option to enroll puppies and kittens from birth, with as few pre-existing conditions as possible, means even better coverage.

“Pet health issues can be unexpected and expensive,” says Ken Heidrich, Agency Vice President at State Farm. “Pet medical insurance helps reduce the stress of veterinary medical bills, allowing families to focus on their beloved pet. We’re excited to expand our alliance with Trupanion and offer this product as a way to help even more customers prepare for and recover from the unexpected.”

Customers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can now enroll for Trupanion medical insurance online through statefarm.com®. While the short-term focus of this expansion is the online channel, work is underway to enable expansion of the agent channel in all other states.

“We are thrilled to help State Farm better serve all of their customers by making Trupanion’s high-quality medical coverage available for their pets,” said Margi Tooth, Chief Revenue Officer for Trupanion. “Designed with input from veterinarians, our comprehensive product coverage, 24/7/365 customer service and ability to pay veterinarians directly at the time of checkout, provide what we believe is the best value proposition in the industry.”

Trupanion is the leading provider of medical insurance for pets, insuring more than 500,000 cats and dogs in North America.

Trupanion will provide all pet medical insurance policy servicing. Underwriting or claims decisions will be at the sole discretion of Trupanion. Policyholders can access their pet medical insurance account and make changes to deductibles through the Trupanion website.

Pet owners can sign up for medical insurance for their pet by visiting the State Farm website at www.statefarm.com/insurance/pet. In addition, pet owners in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Missouri, and Oregon can visit directly with a State Farm agent to sign-up for coverage.

In the News:

• New York Times: A Rare Economic Bright Spot in the U.S. Health System: The Vet’s Office (08/10/20)
• Forbes: Virtual Vets Are Raking In Funding—Is Pet Telehealth The Next Big Thing? (08/06/20)

Trupanion Contacts:

Media: Michael Nank,michael.nank@trupanion.com  206-436-9825

• Investors: Laura Bainbridge, Head of Corporate Communications, InvestorRelations@trupanion.com  206-607-1929

Budgeting for pet expenses such as food, grooming, or day care is straightforward. Planning for an accident, illness, or injury is not. The last thing any pet owner wants to decide is whether they can afford to treat their beloved dog or cat for illness or injury. Medical insurance for pets makes the decision easier, allowing for the care they need, when they need it most.

Trupanion’s high-quality medical coverage is designed for the life of the pet. Trupanion pets are never penalized for being “unlucky” and incurring claims. Nor do they raise rates just because a pet ages. Trupanion is the only provider that can pay the veterinary invoice at the time of check-out, often in seconds, eliminating the need for pet owner reimbursement. The option to enroll puppies and kittens from birth, with as few pre-existing conditions as possible, means even better coverage.

“Pet health issues can be unexpected and expensive,” says Ken Heidrich, Agency Vice President at State Farm. “Pet medical insurance helps reduce the stress of veterinary medical bills, allowing families to focus on their beloved pet. We’re excited to expand our alliance with Trupanion and offer this product as a way to help even more customers prepare for and recover from the unexpected.”

Customers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can now enroll for Trupanion medical insurance online through statefarm.com®. While the short-term focus of this expansion is the online channel, work is underway to enable expansion of the agent channel in all other states.

“We are thrilled to help State Farm better serve all of their customers by making Trupanion’s high-quality medical coverage available for their pets,” said Margi Tooth, Chief Revenue Officer for Trupanion. “Designed with input from veterinarians, our comprehensive product coverage, 24/7/365 customer service and ability to pay veterinarians directly at the time of checkout, provide what we believe is the best value proposition in the industry.”

Trupanion is the leading provider of medical insurance for pets, insuring more than 500,000 cats and dogs in North America.

Trupanion will provide all pet medical insurance policy servicing. Underwriting or claims decisions will be at the sole discretion of Trupanion. Policyholders can access their pet medical insurance account and make changes to deductibles through the Trupanion website.

Pet owners can sign up for medical insurance for their pet by visiting the State Farm website at www.statefarm.com/insurance/pet. In addition, pet owners in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Missouri, and Oregon can visit directly with a State Farm agent to sign-up for coverage.

In The News

• Forbes:  Virtual Vets Are Raking In Funding—Is Pet Telehealth The Next Big Thing? (08/06/20)

Trupanion Contacts:

• Media: Michael Nank,michael.nank@trupanion.com  206-436-9825

• Investors: Laura Bainbridge, Head of Corporate Communications, InvestorRelations@trupanion.com  206-607-1929

Here are their stories...

Aria the American Bull Dog

Wanting a family dog is a common request from kids and the Terraneau crew was no different. Josh Terraneau, Riverside, CA State Farm agent, and his wife decided it was finally time and brought the whole family to the shelter to find their new family member, an adorable puppy.

"The moment our family walked through the local shelter and met Aria...it was kismet," said Josh. "My youngest son was 18 months at the time and Aria began sniffing him. It was obvious there was a natural connection and curiosity to one another."

The family asked if Aria could be let outside to play to see if they were a good fit. Josh describes the moment of seeing Aria running around the yard as witnessing the dog "blossoming." At that moment, the Terraneau family knew they had found their puppy.

As the one year anniversary of Aria's adoption nears, Josh shares, "I cannot imagine my family without her. She's just such a big part of our family"

Santa Paws and Fido

A passionate owner of five dogs and an advocate for dogs and safety, Linda Newell, a San Diego, CA State Farm agent, works hard to educate her community. She teams up with local veterinary offices and school educators to teach children about dogs. She distributes an activity book, Fido! Friend or Foe to the children.

"I love meeting the members of my community – the dogs and their owners," said Linda."And it's so important to teach the kids about dogs and how to be safe."

Linda also teams up with Santa Paws during the holidays. Together they provide her new customers, who are dog owners, with doggie goodie bags, and the opportunity to get a holiday photo with their pets.

Hundreds of people take advantage of this unique opportunity including a local military wife whose husband was deploying in a few days. The special picture gave her family comfort while her husband was overseas serving our country during the holidays.

The Playful Golden Retriever

State Farm Agent Shea Ferraro describes his golden retriever, O'Malley, as a friendly dog who loves people and the pool. He attributes her friendliness to early socialization with other dogs and people. Since an early age, O'Malley would frequent dog parks, dog beaches, and dog-friendly restaurants. During the summer, you can find O'Malley swimming in their pool. O'Malley enjoys catching a ball in her mouth, and then placing her head on the ledge of the pool. She waits there until someone is ready to toss her the ball for hours of endless fun.

Kensie the Pit Bull

Kensie the pit bull was shaking in fear in the animal shelter. Fortunately, Rob Bills, a Mission Viejo, CA State Farm agent, was with his family looking to adopt a new dog. Rob already was the owner of two loyal pit bulls and he knew he could give Kensie the home she deserved.

"She appeared physically and emotionally wounded," shared Rob. "She only weighed 30 pounds; very underweight for her age and size."

After years of caring for his new family member, Kensie weighs 50 pounds and trusts humans again. Rob says caring for three dogs is a great deal of work, but it's also "wonderful and very rewarding."

While walking your dog with a retractable leash, Rob Bills suggests owners be mindful of releasing the leash too suddenly.

He has observed face-to-face dog confrontations that could pose safety concerns for dogs who are still in training or are not yet socialized. Instead, Rob suggests dog owners talk first to determine whether the dogs can meet and play.

Owner of two dogs, State Farm Agent Andy Popka stresses the importance of getting to know your pet. In particular, by learning his dog Rowdy's body language, he knew which situations Rowdy perceived as threatening. For example, Rowdy used to run to a specific dog bed at their home any time he saw a person wearing a hat and sunglasses. Learning these signs from Rowdy, and their other dog, enabled Andy to tailor their training.

Insuring the underdog and more

"All dogs can be 'great dogs,' regardless of breed, if they are properly cared for, loved and trained," stated Agent Rob Bills.

State Farm determines risk based on a dog's bite history rather than breed. Thus, State Farm does not exclude insuring households solely based on breed.

Interested in reading more about dogs and State Farm, click here to enjoy a Huffington Post blog, Insuring the Underdog.

While dogs may be man’s best friend, there are steps you can take to help your dog be a better neighbor.

Being a Good Pet Neighbor is a free online course. It is a collaborative effort between world-renowned animal behavior expert Victoria Stilwell and State Farm.

State Farm believes responsible pet ownership is key to reducing dog-related injuries. This new course is the company's latest effort to educate people about dog body language and safely interacting with dogs.

The three-lesson, 35-minute course is designed for both new and experienced dog owners. It is available online through the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior. Lessons teach and reinforce what it means to be a good pet neighbor in the home, yard, and community.

“I founded the Victoria Stilwell Academy to teach both dog owners and aspiring dog trainers how to provide their dogs with very best," said Stilwell from her Atlanta headquarters. "Partnering with State Farm to deliver a course specifically aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership through training, awareness and education was obvious win-win."

What's Included in the Free Online Course?

You will learn immediate and long-term solutions in the course. This include how to:

• Manage barking

• Secure pets in the yard properly

• Play safely and enrich your dog's life

• Introduce your dog to other people and animals

• Understand your insurance policy coverage

As a bonus, you can access a second, online course called Building Your Dog's Confidence. This course helps you understand how confidence shapes a dog's behavior and ways to build your dog's confidence.

It’s Not the Breed

Dog ownership does not come without risks. State Farm is one of the few insurance companies that does not have a breed restriction list. It does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned.

In 2018, State Farm paid $123 million dollars for 3,280 dog bite and injury claims. Many dog-related injuries occur in the home and involve family members. Most dogs will never bite but it is important to remember that any dog can.

Just like humans, dogs are individuals. Every dog has a unique personality. While a dog's breed may dictate what the dog looks like, how it reacts to people or situations isn’t guaranteed by breed or type. Many factors may result in a dog biting or injuring a person. These include heredity, health, pain, training, fear and aggression.

Most bites are a perfect storm of situation and circumstance. Often a dog's physical and vocal language is misunderstood or missed. Avoid putting your dog into situations that could result in a fearful, anxious, or aggressive response.

“I met Katie when she came over to meet my roommate’s pup, Cole. We hit it off right away and I asked her to the movies.”

The relationship blossomed - and in 2011 the pair wed.

“Marrying Katie was a packaged deal. I got a wonderful wife and her Labrador border collie mix, Riley,” smiled Stephen. "I became an instant dog dad.”

Life marched on. Stephen worked as a contractor. Katie, an accountant. “Great with numbers, wise with money - that’s Katie.” So it didn’t surprise Stephen when Katie arranged a meeting for the couple to discuss their financial goals with State Farm® agent Rose Goheen.

“I knew Katie before she met Stephen, because I helped write her homeowners insurance,” said Rose. “She was analytical, logical, and practical. She wanted to ensure they had a strong financial foundation.”

During the meeting, they discussed life insurance. That didn’t sit well with Stephen. “I thought the whole thing was a waste of time and money,” he said. "I told Katie, ‘We’re young! We’re healthy. We don’t need this.’”

Katie won the debate. They took out two term policies. Life marched on.

In 2014, the Millers celebrated the birth of their first child, a son named Chase. Shortly after, they met Rose for another financial review.

“Stephen and Katie did it right. Life insurance matters. It is important to look at policies to determine a comfortable figure for your budget and changing circumstances,” said Rose.

Three years later, the Millers welcomed their second child, Reid. “It was an exciting, busy time,” said Stephen. “But we had health concerns about Katie.”

A few months after giving birth to Reid, doctors found a tumor near Katie’s stomach. Following surgery and testing, it was determined to be Ewing’s Sarcoma. The rare cancer, which occurs in and around the bones had metastasized to other parts of Katie’s body.

“The word cancer…it’s numbing,” said Stephen. “But Katie never lost her light.”

With the help and support of family, friends and her medical team, Katie fought the disease hard. But the cancer continued to spread. On July 28, 2018, Katie passed away at the age of 30.

Her final request was to remember the good times, remember her.

“We continue to do that every day,” said Stephen. “I started a nonprofit called ‘Katie’s Crew.’ Its purpose is to raise awareness and support for cancer research. We will win this fight.”

Stephen says Katie’s legacy is all around him. And, her forward thinking, to ensure they had life insurance means the family is secure and protected.

“Chase, Reid, Riley and I can stay in our house. I’m so grateful for that sense of the familiar during this unbelievably hard time,” said Stephen. “Because Katie thought ahead, Chase and Reid can go to college. Their education is taken care of. We also have the financing to take vacations, and do fun activities. I know Katie would want that. Because of life insurance coverage, our boys are protected. My wife was right all along.”

And, as life continues to march on, Stephen says the joy Katie brought to the world continues to be recognized and celebrated by those near and far.

“She taught us so much. Taught us how to appreciate the small things, laugh whenever possible and love always,” said Stephen. "Her legacy will never be forgotten.”

State Farm is a member of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week® (April 7-13, 2019) Coalition. The insurer joins the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), and American Humane to draw attention to dog bites and ways to reduce injuries to people and pets. State Farm is also one of the few insurance companies in the country that does not have a breed restriction list and does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned. Under the right circumstances any dog might bite.

Information from the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition

• American Veterinary Medical Association estimates there are approximately 78 million dogs in U.S. homes and each year 4.5 million people are bitten or injured by dogs. “Even the gentlest dog can bite if they are in pain, feel threatened, or are competing for resources such as food or space,” said Dr. John de Jong, AVMA President. “Not only is it important to understand how dogs behave, it is important to understand how a dog may interpret our behavior.” AVMA’s ‘Jimmy the Dog’ video series lets preschoolers look at how a dog might interpret different scenarios.
• Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) reports that dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for nearly one third of all homeowners liability claim dollars paid out in 2018, costing $675 million. An analysis of homeowners insurance data by the I.I.I. found that the number of dog bite claims nationwide decreased to 17,297 in 2018, compared to 18,522 in 2017– a 6.6 percent decrease. The average cost per claim increased by 5.3 percent. The average cost paid out for dog bite claims was $39,017. in 2018, compared with $37,051 in 2017.
• American Humane says that dog bites are a double tragedy affecting both people and animals. “A dog bite can have a devastating effect not only on the victim, but on the dog, who may be euthanized,” says Robin Ganzert, PhD, president and CEO of American Humane. Because of the high risk involving dogs, babies, and children, American Humane offers a free online booklet called Pet Meets Baby that provides families with valuable information on introducing a new child to a home with a dog.

Professional perspective from Dr. Marty Becker and Victoria Stilwell

State Farm believes that educating dog owners about being responsible will help reduce dog-related injuries. The insurance company focuses on educating people and pet professionals about dog body language and safely interacting with dogs by working with two of the most prominent experts in the field of dog training and veterinary medicine; celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell and America’s Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker.

“Dogs don’t just bite ‘out of the blue’. Most bites are a perfect storm of situation and circumstance, but because dogs’ physical and vocal language is frequently misinterpreted or signals are missed, people often put themselves or others at risk and dogs are blamed as a result,” says Stilwell. “Education is the only way to reduce dog bite incidents in this country, which is why I am proud to stand alongside State Farm and other members of the coalition, to raise awareness about this issue and to educate people about dog bite prevention.”

“As a society we increasingly consider dogs to be family members and rely on them for unconditional love,” says Dr. Becker. “A clearer understanding of canine behavior and how our own actions can make us safer is essential if we want to continue to benefit from the presence of dogs in our daily lives.”

Tips on being a responsible dog owner

• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, even if it is a family pet. Children are often bitten by dogs in their own household.
• Make sure your pet is socialized so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
• Walk and exercise your dog on a leash to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.
• Regular veterinary visits are essential to regulating the health of your dog. A sick or injured dog is more likely to bite.
• Be alert. If someone approaches you and your dog, caution them to wait before petting the dog. Give your pet time to be comfortable with the stranger.
• Understand and respond to changes in your dogs’ body language. Look at the eyes, ears, tail, and posture to know when your dog may be happy, fearful, or angry.

“Veterinarians, pet professionals, and pet owners alike want animals to have happy, healthy, full lives,” says Fear Free founder and CEO Dr. Marty Becker. “The problem is that humans and animals don’t speak the same language. When an animal is scared or in pain, we can’t explain that we’re helping them, so we have to show this through gentleness and species-appropriate actions.”

Since 2016, Fear Free has provided online and in-person education to more than 40,000 veterinary professionals, pet professionals, and pet owners. Fear Free programs provide pet owners and professionals with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional well-being.

“Understanding your pets’ emotions can improve their health and happiness and reduce the risk of injury to them and to people,” says State Farm assistant vice president Joe Strupek. “If State Farm can help responsible pet owners and pet professionals with resources to improve the quality of life for pets, we also improve the quality of life for pet owners. Then we truly are helping life go right for every family member – two-legged and four.”

Veterinary or pet professionals can learn more about becoming Fear Free Certified® by visiting fearfreepets.com. Pet owners can visit fearfreehappyhomes.com to access courses, articles, and videos to learn how to improve the physical and emotional health of their pets at home. Fear Free Happy Homes members also get access to monthly deals and a directory of Fear Free Certified Professionals.

State Farm and Animals

State Farm is one of the few insurance companies that doesn’t have a breed restriction list and doesn’t exclude insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned. State Farm is involved in other programs to help four-legged family members and the people who care about them.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week – National Dog Bite Prevention Week is April 7-13, 2019. To draw attention to the importance of responsible pet ownership and educate people about interacting with dogs, State Farm and members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition come together each year to share tips on reducing dog-related injuries.

Kindness is Powerful - Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell teaches children the value of kindness to people and animals. Sponsored by State Farm, the program also educates kids about how to interact with dogs.

State Farm Arson Dog Program – Since 1993, State Farm has been providing funding for the acquisition and training of more than 400 arson dog teams across North America. The program helps law enforcement locate evidence of arson at fire scenes.

Neighborhood of Good - Neighborhood of Good connects people with their passion, such as animals, through volunteerism. Together, we can turn caring into doing.

Animal Care and Veterinary Insurance – State Farm’s Animal Care Services Policy provides property and liability business coverage for veterinarians, groomers, trainers, kennels or pet stores.

2,700 miles from home. A highway slathered in snow and ice. The temperature far below freezing.

As 81-year-old Bill Briggs braced the steering wheel, he knew this Alaskan drive would be difficult. But he was determined to get his granddaughter Ellen and her trusty pooch Annie home for the holidays.

“My granddaughter finished a medical internship in Alaska this past December,” said Bill. “I didn’t want her traveling alone in these conditions.  I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I’m used to slicker than slick.”

But as the trio began their trek on the Alcan Highway, Bill and his crew found themselves in a terrifying situation.

“I was about 70 miles out, with poor visibility,” Bill explained. “Before I knew it, the road curved – and my back tire caught the shoulder of the highway.”

In a matter of seconds, Bill’s SUV turned into an erratic Tilt-A-Whirl, spinning out of control, eight feet down an embankment and into the path of an unforgiving tree.

The family closed their eyes. Ellen clutched Annie--bracing for the impact.

And then there was silence.

“I saw it happen”

On that Saturday morning State Farm agent Glenn Marlin found himself driving behind a mid-sized SUV. “It was snowing so hard I could not see the license plate," said Glenn. But I remember thinking, ‘I bet this driver isn’t from around here...’”

Minutes later, the State Farm agent watched in horror as the SUV spiraled off the road and out of sight. “I thought they rolled it,” said Glenn. “I immediately pulled over and ran to the scene.”

A Close Call

Peering over the embankment, Glenn saw the vehicle had skidded to a halt. “I ran down and helped the family out of their SUV,” he said. “Thankfully everyone was okay - but the vehicle wasn’t. It had two flat tires, and there was no way to get it out of that hole.”

Glenn dialed roadside assistance, and helped the family with their claim. "The hardest part was explaining where we were,” he said. “We were on the outskirts of town and not many cars pass this way. It took about three hours for the wrecker to arrive."

"I'm so glad Glenn was there," said Ellen. "It was freezing, and Grandpa and I would have been all by ourselves. Not to mention my dog Annie was scared to death.”

As the sun began to set – Glenn waited with the family, inviting them to hunker down in his truck until help arrived. Over hot coffee and conversation, the group talked, reminisced and even shared a few laughs.

“It’s a real nice thing he did,” said Bill. “When you’re facing a frigid situation alone – it means so much when someone stops to lend a hand.”

“Bill was great,” added Glenn. “After 80 plus years, he has terrific stories.  I wish we lived closer.”

Later that afternoon the tow-truck arrived. Glenn and the family exchanged information, wished each other well and parted ways.

“I never expected my Saturday to go like that,” said Glenn. “And you know what? It was 100 percent worth it to help this family.”

A Time to Reflect

In hindsight, Bill says there’s much to be thankful for on that fateful day. He and his family were not hurt, their SUV would get repaired, and he was also reminded of this age-old lesson:

A random act of kindness goes a long way.

“What are the chances it would be Glenn who stopped?” Bill smiled. “He was knowledgeable, accommodating and above all else, this stranger – is now a friend.”

“I’m here to help,” added Glenn. “And I’m happy to do it. Pay it forward for others – and let the cycle of kindness continue.”

Click on the + in the interactive image below for more on the impact of "random acts of kindness."

Located in New Jersey, the no-kill rescue is home to pit-bulls in need of loving homes.

Aladdin’s owner and Lilo’s Promise Community Outreach Coordinator, Michele Schaffer-Stevens says the soft items are a source of comfort for dogs in need.

“Having something like a homemade blanket makes a world of difference verses a concrete floor,” said Stevens. “It’s a touch of home for a dog who is waiting for its forever home.”

Aladdin knows what that’s like. In 2013, weighing just 18 pounds and missing teeth…he came into Michele’s life.

“He’d been treated so poorly by a human being. A pit-bull of his size should be about 48 pounds,” Stevens explained. “I took him in and cared for him. Today, Aladdin is a healthy, happy therapy dog who works in schools, with disaster victims, and hospice patients.”

The six-year-old pit-bull is also an ambassador for dog safety programs – and has worked with State Farm to promote responsible pet ownership.

“These are amazing, resilient animals,” said Stevens. “We love to pay it forward in the community, and working with State Farm amplifies our ability to create good in this world.”

The fleece blankets made for dogs in need are part of the State Farm Neighborhood of Good®. The initiative, focused on the power of volunteering, encourages people to donate their time and talent to make a difference in their local communities.

To promote animal welfare, special volunteer events took place across the country. People were encouraged to visit a local State Farm Neighborhood of Good tent to make a fleece blanket for a rescue dog.

In New York City, the creative opportunity caught the attention of many passing by.

“It felt so good to be part of this effort,” said Kionna McClary. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you are creating a positive impact. Just five minutes can make a difference for an animal in need.”

McClary worked at the tent in New York City – assisting people as they created the soft blankets.

“This was a great learning opportunity for children and adults alike, said McClary. “Many asked how they can continue to stay involved. That’s when I told them about the Neighborhood of Good website.”

The website, www.NeighborhoodofGood.com® connects people to local causes in their community. By typing in their zip code and selecting their interest from a drop down menu, visitors can find a volunteer opportunity close to home.

“There’s something out there for everyone,” said McClary. “Whether that’s pets or music or the environment – it’s about discovering your passion and giving back.”

Interests on the Neighborhood of Good website include, (but aren’t limited to) education, arts and culture, technology, disaster and community services, animals and family services. For people with multiple interests - there’s an “All” category too.

“Many remarked how good it felt to volunteer,” said McClary. “Knowing they were making an impact for an animal in need was the highlight of their day. I’m excited to for more people to visit Neighborhood of Good to continue turning the power of caring into the act of doing.”

And for the dogs at Lilo’s Promise – Stevens says, the gift of a soft blanket, as they wait to find a loving home…is priceless.

“We are truly grateful for the kindness of volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them. A little love, goes a long way.”

• To view dogs available for adoption at Lilo’s Promise, visit: www.lilospromise.com
• To find volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood visit: www.NeighborhoodofGood.com

For a full list of what could be dangerous for your pet to consume, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

“Without a doubt, my fiancé Al and I knew Daisy needed to be our ring bearer,” said Erba. “She was the first dog Al and I had together. By caring for Daisy, we learned a lot about ourselves. She holds a special spot in our hearts."

But Daisy isn’t your ordinary pooch. Today, she fights crime in New York as a State Farm Arson Dog.

"Her ability to investigate and identify possible causes of fire is critical,” said her partner, Detective John Peters. “For example, Daisy discovered accelerant at a scene initially ruled an accidental death. The case became a homicide.”

So how did this loveable Labrador become a crime fighting K-9 and a ring bearer on Erba’s big day?

The journey began in 2011.

“When I was a college sophomore, I started volunteering with the organization Paws With A Cause,” said Erba. It trains dogs to help people with special needs.” An animal science major at Michigan State University, Erba says no one questioned her decision to care for a puppy. Or even bring it with her to class. But her biggest support system?

Erba’s then-boyfriend Al Heritier. "He was really cool with it. We raised her as a team," Erba smiled. That responsibility brought us closer together." As Daisy grew, her path to becoming    a disability assistance dog took a new turn.

"She displayed a different set of personality traits," said Erba. "Those qualities included her energy and innate sense of curiosity - which made her well suited to be a State Farm Arson Dog instead."

A New Beginning

Daisy and Maddy parted ways in 2012...but their relationship did not end there. “Al and I keep touch with Detective Peters and Daisy,” she said. “In fact, when we were vacationing in New York, we got together with them. It was a great experience.”

While raising Daisy, Maddy also created a Facebook page to chronicle their adventures. After Daisy joined forces with Detective Peters, he chose to keep it going. Titled, Daisy the Arson Detection Dog, the page shares fun and informative updates about their investigative work.

So, when Maddy and Al chose to wed on May 27, 2017 – they knew Daisy needed to be part of their big day. As an arson dog who serves and protects her city…it was only fitting she should serve and protect their rings. (Click here to watch Daisy walk down the aisle - People.com).

“She was there at the start of our relationship. Having her in our wedding signified the next chapter,” said Erba. “It shows how far Al and I have come and the bright future that lies ahead…not just for us, but for Daisy too.”

Career paths can take unplanned twists and turns…for canines too.

This was the case for three sisters – Duchess, Darby and Pearl. Paws with a Cause (PAWS) bred the sisters to be Assistance Dogs.

The road to careers for the adorable, feisty sisters began with separation at eight weeks and placement in loving foster homes for a year.

The pups were homeschooled to learn basic commands, tasks and obedience. They got to show off their skills to their friends in weekly classes at PAWS. But, it was not all work, there was plenty of time to play for the high energy siblings.

As they approached their second birthdays, the girls returned together at PAWS for more training. They worked hard, but had fun learning advanced tasks like retrieving, picking up objects and opening doors. Like all young adults, the sisters had to master their classes so they could one day become Assistance Dogs.

But, it turned out the three girls, with their rambunctious natures and joy for everything, just weren’t suited for this line of work. Fortunately, PAWS prepared for this with a Plan B.

The Nose Knows

Once again, the girls went their separate ways to explore new career paths. Pearl moved to a foster home in Maine to learn how to detect bed bugs. But after several months, she discovered bed bugs weren’t her calling. Her real talent was sniffing out accelerants.

Meanwhile, at their foster home in Indiana, Duchess and Darby made the same discovery. Three sisters with the same gift!

Supported by State Farm, the girls happily reunited in August 2015 for four weeks of formal Arson Dog training in Alfred, Maine. It was there they became canine crime fighters and found their forever partners.

Graduation was a proud, joyful day for the sisters, even though it meant they would be leaving each other permanently. The girls are living their happily ever after’s in neighboring states.

• Fire Marshal Ben Gouldman & Duchess (Stafford, Virginia)

• Lt. Brian Dalrymple & Pearl (Richmond, Virginia)

• Fire Marshal Danny Hill & K9 Darby (New Bern, North Carolina)

PAWS can’t accomplish their work without help. Because of the increasing demand for Assistance Dogs, PAWS has a foster program for individuals interested in caring for and training a puppy, with the ultimate satisfaction of returning the dog to PAWS to become an Assistance dog. If you want more information regarding the foster puppy program, please visit www.pawswithacause.org.

Dog bites are one of the most preventable injuries to children. But without a basic understanding of dog body language and how to be a responsible pet owner, children are repeatedly put into harm’s way. In fact, the most common age for dog bite attacks is children between 5-12 years old.

Kindness is Powerful is a new joint effort to educate children on dog safety. State Farm is teaming up with celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, kindness ambassador Megan Blake with Super Smiley, and Leah Brewer with 2013 Hero Dog of the Year, Elle the pit bull.

Kindness is Powerful focuses on teaching the value of kindness, positivity, and how to be responsible around dogs. The campaign also focuses on children and providing messaging around the need for education on dog bite prevention. Dogs trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program participate by conducting demonstrations and sharing information about working dogs.

What will event attendees learn about?

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, from the Animal Planet show “It’s Me or the Dog,” provides important information about how dogs see people and interact with us.

Ambassadors of Kindness Super Smiley and Megan Blake demonstrate how being kind and respectful to dogs can result in a life-long friendship with your pet.

The importance of a dog’s body language and proper etiquette to employ when approaching dogs is demonstrated by Leah Brewer and Elle the pit bull.

Kindness is Powerful works with local organizations (YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, community organization, schools, etc.) to host Kindness is Powerful events for elementary and junior high age school children.

For more information:

• All Dog Breeds Deserve a Chance

• Victoria Stilwell: Information and Resources to Help Reduce Dog Related Injuries

• Elle the Pit Bull webpage

• State Farm Canine Assist Team Starting 5

Bloomington, IL (May 2, 2016) — The National Interagency Fire Center reported 68,151 wildfires in the United States last year, scorching more than 10 million acres of land. A staggering 86%, more than 59,000 wildfires, were caused by people, whether intentional or as a result of human negligence. As the largest property and casualty insurer in the country, State Farm is actively working with organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to educate the general public about arson, provide law enforcement with tools necessary to investigate crime, and help communities prepare for wildfires. Prevent Wildfire Arson – Spread the Facts Not the Fire is the theme for 2016 Arson Awareness Week (May 1-7, 2016).

When battling a wildfire, firefighters must utilize a variety of resources at different stages of the fire to ensure the fire is out and the threat is eliminated. Fighting arson is no different and State Farm is committed to helping to provide the necessary resources so that communities are educated and prepared for a fire.

Providing Education and Grants to Help Communities Prepare for Wildfire

For the third year, State Farm is sponsoring National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 7, 2016) with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) by providing $500 grants to 125 projects that reduce wildfire risk, advance general wildfire preparedness, and minimize post-fire impact. The 2016 National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Recipients are individuals and groups of all ages from 36 states.

Top 5 states for wildfires in 2015

1. Texas - 9,272 wildland fires that burned 184,418 acres
2. California - 8,745 wildland fires that burned 893,362 acres
3. North Carolina - 3,828 wildland fires that burned 15,220 acres
4. Alabama - 3,198 wildland fires that burned 47,380 acres
5. Missouri - 3,161 wildland fires that burned 29,893 acres

Training the Best Noses to Sniff Out Arson

As the nation's largest homeowner insurer, State Farm is well aware of the severity and impact of arson on businesses and public safety. To help law enforcement and fire investigators find evidence of arson and serve as a deterrent for future arsonists, State Farm began funding the acquisition and training of accelerant detection canine teams in 1993. Since that time, the State Farm Arson Dog Program has placed more than 360 teams in communities across the United States and Canada. Because canines have a superior ability to discriminate among scents, an accelerant detection canine can investigate a fire efficiently, providing invaluable assistance to investigators when it comes to locating potential evidence of arson.

Donating Vehicles to Police and Fire Departments for Arson Investigations

Many fire departments lack the necessary vehicles to efficiently and effectively investigate fires. This proves to be particularly difficult when departments are in rural jurisdictions. State Farm works with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program to donate vehicles to police and fire departments so arson investigators can safely travel to fire scenes.

Recycled Rides is a community service program in which members of the National Auto Body Council collaborate to repair vehicles donated by insurance, rental car, salvage and auto auction companies to individuals and service organizations. Since 2007, over 1,000 vehicles have been donated by through the Recycled Rides program.

To raise awareness about the problem of arson and improve the ability of police and fire departments to investigate fires in rural and wild land areas, State Farm and Recycled Rides have already or will be donating vehicles to the following departments:

• New Bern Fire and Rescue in North Carolina for use by Fire Marshal Danny Hill and K9 Darby. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Caliber Collision in Raleigh, NC.
• Eastern Sierra Arson Task Force for use by Fire Investigator Jeff Schwing and K9 Remington throughout southeast California. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Caliber Collision in Fresno, CA.
• Ocala Fire Department in Florida for use by Roseanne Moreland and K9 Gracie. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Jenkins Collision Center in Ocala, FL.
• Maine Specialty Dogs for use by trainer Nicole Dyer to transport arson dogs to training. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Gerber Collision & Glass in Elkhart, IN.
• Beaver Falls Fire Department in Pennsylvania will receive a vehicle later this summer for use by Fire Investigator David Seidl and K9 Patty. Vehicle repairs and modifications are being made by Scotsman's Collision in Mt. Sinai, NY.
• State Farm grant for $9,850 to the Fire Investigative Strike Team of Fresno County (F.I.S.T.) to help purchase a vehicle for Fire Investigator Lee Wilding and K9 Tessa in central California.

Earlier this year, Cliff Paul made the State Farm® National Bureau of Assists starting five. We are now pleased to announce the State Farm Canine Assist Team starting five. These five amazing canines, and their human coach Victoria Stilwell, each bring very special and powerful assisting skills to this elite team.

Coach Victoria Stilwell

Every team needs a great coach. As a world-renowned dog trainer, TV personality and author, Victoria Stilwell fits that bill. This is not the first time State Farm has turned to her for leadership, most recently she served as the company’s spokesperson during National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

Best known as the star of the Animal Planet TV series, “It’s Me or the Dog,” Victoria is a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement dog training methods. She is also committed to increasing awareness of puppy mills, dogfighting, animal abuse, pet overpopulation, and other animal-related causes.

She documented the training of eight new, accelerant detection canine handlers and their canine partners. Her experiences at the State Farm Arson Dog Program training school resulted in a new web series called “Arson Dogs” and is available to watch on the Positively.com website or on Victoria’s YouTube Channel.

Super Smiley® the Ambassador of Kindness

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Super Smiley! Every team needs a cheerleader and the Canine Assist Team is no exception. In fact, the team has a SUPER cheerleader…Super Smiley, the Ambassador of Kindness! A two-time shelter dog, Super Smiley has now found his ”fur-ever” home with actress Megan Blake, The Pet Lifestyle Coach®.

Megan and Super Smiley are on a mission to help all shelter pets get adopted and spread the super message about being kind to animals and people. A certified therapy dog with Pet Partners and a HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response dog, Super Smiley provides comfort and support to people affected by disasters. He also teaches inner city and at-risk children the value of kindness through the Kindness with Super Smiley® Humane Education Program.

All great players have their highlight reels; watch him in “Inner Mutt Super Hero” and “Super Smiley Flash Mob – A Dogumentary”

In addition to being on the Canine Assist Team, Super Smiley has been the Official Spokes-Dog for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. He even co-hosts his own award-winning animal advocacy/adventure radio show, “A Super Smiley Adventure,” on the Pet Life Radio Network.

According to Super Smiley, “Hero Dogs save lives and change lives! Look down at the dog looking up at you now and hug your personal Hero Dog. Then remember that at shelters right now, your Hero Dog may be waiting.”

Alik H218: Defender of Freedom IN MEMORIAM

Though he is retired from his official duties as a Military Working Dog (MWD), Alik H218 continues to serve. He is now a Goodwill Ambassador raising awareness of the contributions of our nation’s Military and Contract Working Dogs by attending special events and visiting schools, organizations and businesses.

After serving eight years with the United States Air Force Security Forces as a Patrol/Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD), Alik was medically retired in 2012, and adopted by Ruby and Wade Ridpath.

Ruby and Alik are now partnering with sculptor Austin Weishel to raise funds for the creation of the Colorado War Dog Memorial. The memorial celebrates all working dogs. Learn more at www.wardogmemorialcolorado.com.

“The dogs didn’t sign on the dotted line, yet, they work in the harshest of environments alongside our troops and some have given their lives for our country and freedoms. They didn’t ask for the job, but they do it willingly and selflessly,” says Ridpath.

“Our Police K-9s, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol dogs, Search and Rescue dogs, Arson dogs, TSA dogs - to me they’re all war dogs. They’re just fighting a different type of war.”

MWD Alik H218 passed away Saturday, May 23, 2015. We are saddened by his passing. He was a true warrior. His accomplishments represent the sacrifices military working dogs make when protecting and assisting our troops.

Elle the Pit Bull: High Fives for Friendship

After meeting Elle, the 2013 American Humane Association Hero Dog, State Farm knew it had found a wonderful ambassador. Elle and her owner, Leah Brewer, educate people about responsible dog ownership and teach children about dog bite prevention, while also helping dispel myths and fear of pit bull dogs.

Since 2010, they have been working as a team with Therapy Dogs Incorporated. They visit nursing homes and schools. Their reading program called “Tail Wagging Tales” helps students practice reading in a non-judgmental environment. Students read to Elle and when ready, they read and make presentations in front of their class.

“Elle doesn’t care if the student is a beginning reader or doesn’t like to read in front of people,” says Brewer. “She calmly sits by their side with a non-judgmental ear and offers a reassuring paw when needed.”

Educating children about the proper way to interact with dogs and the importance of being a loving and responsible owner are critical to reducing dog bites. Leah and Elle are perfect examples of this message.

“I remind children that even though they know Elle, she is a dog and because of that, they should always ask first before petting her. Instead of a hug, Elle gives her trademark HIGH FIVE FOR FRIENDSHIP.”

Xena the Warrior Puppy

For Xena the Warrior Puppy being a most improved puppy meant physically improving. She was near death. Rescuers found her living in solitude, weighing just 4 pounds, covered in scabs and near starvation. After five months of rehabilitation with an animal rescue employee in Decatur, Georgia, she made a miraculous recovery and was ready to be adopted.

In nearby Johns Creek, autism was keeping eight-year old Jonny Hickey closed off from much of the world. While Jonny could speak, social interaction was awkward and unfamiliar situations triggered outbursts. It was difficult for his mom, Linda, and other members of the family to get Jonny to say more than a few words, let alone show any affection.

That changed on February 11, 2013, when Jonny Hickey met his forever friend, Xena the Warrior Puppy. On their first day together, Xena climbed into Jonny’s lap and kissed him all over his face. Their bond was immediate. Jonny began talking. He learned confidence, and has become more outgoing with his social interactions.

Together, Jonny and Xena the Warrior Puppy now raise awareness about autism and cruelty to animals through videos and their Facebook page. Their efforts have also been recognized by multiple organizations including winning the 2013 ASPCA Dog of the Year and the 2014 American Humane Association Emerging Hero Dog of the Year.

Jasper: Dysautonomia Defender

When a dog comes into a family, parents often have to remind their child that it is a responsibility. However, in Lukah’s case, it was a chance for her to become more independent. She suffers from dysautonomia - a rare and debilitating disease that causes frequent and severe seizures and loss of consciousness.

In July 2014, Lukah and her family got the call: Canine Partners for Life matched her with Jasper, a black lab trained to alert Lukah of her dysautonomia symptoms. In October, they made the 12-hour drive from Illinois to Pennsylvania to get Jasper. In the 6 months that they have been together, the two formed a bond that Lukah’s mother, Andi, calls incredible.

“She’s learned to listen to him, yet he doesn’t speak. She understands him, yet he doesn’t say words. She hears him clearly, yet he doesn’t have a voice,”

Andi wrote in her blog, Looking for Lukah. Andi and Lukah are now starting Doggone Disabilities, a non-profit organization, to help other families raise money for their own service dog through approved service dog organizations.

As a rural Kansas town deals with a tragedy, K-9 Tana and her handler, Kansas State Fire Marshal Chief Investigator Rose Rozmiarek, try to determine fact from fiction after a fatal home fire. Follow the story of K-9 Tana and other accelerant detection dogs from their training in Maine to careers and years of service in their communities as Arson Dogs.

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With Who Let the Dogs Out blaring in the gymnasium and the friendly Neigh Bear dancing to the music, State Farm Fire Claim Representative Carolyn Pitre and her band of puppeteers take the stage at LaSalle Elementary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in hopes of preventing dog bite injuries with children.

For nearly 15 years, this dog bite program has taught thousands of children dog safety. It all started with an old refrigerator box and the handy State Farm educational booklet “Fido – Friend or Foe?” Over the years, with the help of Carolyn’s dad, the puppets have earned a real stage and continue to develop their program. As a former school teacher, Carolyn feels right at home in front of 200 pre-K to first graders and loves carrying on this message year after year.

“It’s all about education and prevention. I’ve worked some really bad dog bite claims over the years, and we want to do our part to educate little ones on safety with dogs,” states Carolyn.

Careful Clara (Karen Hope), Safety Sam (Troy Alfred) and Watchful Willy (Barry Hunter) teach the kids all types of dog etiquette and safety. The kids learn how to let the dog smell their fist first like a “hand shake,” and how to roll up into a ball in case a dog does attack. With help from Cassandra Whitty and Marvin Snyder, the practice session helps to ensure that all the kids are prepared to interact safely with dogs. Karen, Troy, Barry, Cassandra and Marvin all know the facts about dog safety and share the knowledge they’ve learned on the job at State Farm.

Whether a dog is a family friend or a stray on the street, the kids of LaSalle Elementary leave the State Farm puppet show each year with knowledge that could save their life.