The micro chip clinic went off very well. While the number of participants was slightly less than those that had initially signed up, we still did well. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Vicki and John from Alex's House for all of their help and expertise!
For those of you who may have missed this clinic, another one will probably be planned sometime after the first of the year. If you are interested in having the procedure done sooner, please call me during normal business hours, and I will be happy to give you the phone number for Alex's House. Vicki and John said they will be happy to assist anyone interested, at the same low price charged at our clinic. You will just need to take your pet to them. They live near Rosalia, so it is a pretty short drive.
Thanks again to all who came out!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Microchip Clinic, Coming Soon!
If you haven't already signed up, I would like to encourage everyone who has a dog or cat to get your name on the list for our upcoming Microchip Clinic on the 7th of December.
It will be held at Memorial Hall, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The clinic is being co-sponsored by Alex's House, a new dog rescue facility near Rosalia - and the Community Foundation of Greater Butler County. The Foundation is a public, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2001 to assist those individuals and organizations in need, in the community.
The Foundation, in conjunction with Alex's House, has been generous enough to assist the people in Greenwood County with implanting microchips in their pets for the very low cost of $10.00.
Typically, having this procedure done for your pet can cost upwards of $75.00 (including the cost of chip resgistration). Registration in this clinic will be done for free, on site, after the implant procedure is completed. The chips are being provided at a discount price, by a company called 24PetWatch. You can go the the companies website at: www.24petwatch.com to learn more about the company, and the other valuable services they offer.
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and is implanted with a needle & syringe in the fleshy area, between the back of the head and the top of the shoulder blades on the animal. In most cases, the procedure is no more painful than a routine injection. The chip lasts a lifetime, and the registration data base is Nationwide.
I would like to encourage everyone in our area to sign up for this wonderful program. The price is a real bargain, and the peace of mind in knowing that your pet will returned home to you if it should for some reason become lost, is well...priceless.
Please call me at (620)750-0302 to sign up, or if you would like more information!
It will be held at Memorial Hall, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The clinic is being co-sponsored by Alex's House, a new dog rescue facility near Rosalia - and the Community Foundation of Greater Butler County. The Foundation is a public, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2001 to assist those individuals and organizations in need, in the community.
The Foundation, in conjunction with Alex's House, has been generous enough to assist the people in Greenwood County with implanting microchips in their pets for the very low cost of $10.00.
Typically, having this procedure done for your pet can cost upwards of $75.00 (including the cost of chip resgistration). Registration in this clinic will be done for free, on site, after the implant procedure is completed. The chips are being provided at a discount price, by a company called 24PetWatch. You can go the the companies website at: www.24petwatch.com to learn more about the company, and the other valuable services they offer.
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and is implanted with a needle & syringe in the fleshy area, between the back of the head and the top of the shoulder blades on the animal. In most cases, the procedure is no more painful than a routine injection. The chip lasts a lifetime, and the registration data base is Nationwide.
I would like to encourage everyone in our area to sign up for this wonderful program. The price is a real bargain, and the peace of mind in knowing that your pet will returned home to you if it should for some reason become lost, is well...priceless.
Please call me at (620)750-0302 to sign up, or if you would like more information!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Gift Worth Giving!
No...it's not diamonds! But it is just as valuable! It is the love and laughter that goes with inviting a new dog or cat into your home.
I won't bore you today with statistics. I'm sure most of you have heard them recited over and over again. But did you know that a pet can extend your life? Not to mention that adopting one from a rescue group, or your local animal pound, can definitely extend theirs!
As you look at the pictures posted here today, I ask each and everyone of you to try and look more closely at their faces. Each one of them, at some point in their young life, was loved and wanted. Now, they languish in our local pound, wondering what happened?
Some have been physicaly abused. Some have been abandoned. Some have simply wandered too far away from home, and got lost. But each and every one of them is full of love and hope! They only want to be with someone who will offer them what they most desire: Love and companionship.
So as we gather for this Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday period, let us not forget the forgotten. Let us remember that these lost souls didn't ask to be here. They didn't set about their small lives to be left behind. Once, they were were wanted. Once, they were loved. Once, they entrusted their very survival to their keepers, only to be betrayed. And yet, even now, they harbor no ill will or malice. They just keep wagging their tails, hoping for the day when they will be chasing that ball, getting that belly rub, or giving that face licking!
This year, as you sit pondering a gift that will bring smiles to you and yours for years to come, remember that the most precious gift is not a big screen TV or a diamond ring. It is a life filled with love.
Now that is a gift worth giving!
I won't bore you today with statistics. I'm sure most of you have heard them recited over and over again. But did you know that a pet can extend your life? Not to mention that adopting one from a rescue group, or your local animal pound, can definitely extend theirs!
As you look at the pictures posted here today, I ask each and everyone of you to try and look more closely at their faces. Each one of them, at some point in their young life, was loved and wanted. Now, they languish in our local pound, wondering what happened?
Some have been physicaly abused. Some have been abandoned. Some have simply wandered too far away from home, and got lost. But each and every one of them is full of love and hope! They only want to be with someone who will offer them what they most desire: Love and companionship.
So as we gather for this Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday period, let us not forget the forgotten. Let us remember that these lost souls didn't ask to be here. They didn't set about their small lives to be left behind. Once, they were were wanted. Once, they were loved. Once, they entrusted their very survival to their keepers, only to be betrayed. And yet, even now, they harbor no ill will or malice. They just keep wagging their tails, hoping for the day when they will be chasing that ball, getting that belly rub, or giving that face licking!
This year, as you sit pondering a gift that will bring smiles to you and yours for years to come, remember that the most precious gift is not a big screen TV or a diamond ring. It is a life filled with love.
Now that is a gift worth giving!
Monday, September 15, 2008
If life is good - why not share it ?
October has been designated as Adopt-a-dog-month for the American Humane Society. As you look at the pictures here of the dogs now at our pound, my question for any of you browsing through this site is: If life is good, why not share it with a loving soul in need of a chance at a good life?
The brutal truth is that in shelters and pounds across the country, thousands of wonderful dogs like those shown here have little or no hope of a second chance. Many have been previously abused, most have been neglected in some way, and now - through no fault of their own - they have been simply discarded, like yesterdays old newspaper.
Once wanted because they were cute and cuddly little puppies, they now waste away in a 3x4 foot cage. Their crime? They grew up.
It is hard to find homes for adult dogs. They most often will require special attention and training because of the lack of either they have had perviously. For many people, this is more trouble than they want to deal with.
As an owner of an adopted pound dog - I can only say that is has been worth every last minute of it! To see my dog grow and fully develop her personality has been a pleasure beyond words. It was no harder to train her than it was my pure-bred, and just as much fun! As in life, you get out of something only what you are willing to put into it - and that includes training your pet to be a good family member.
No dog is too old to learn, and with the right amount of love and effort, each of the dogs on this site can be a valued and faithful companion for years to come. So give one of these beautiful and loving animals a second chance at a good life. They deserve it. And remember...compassion isn't something reserved only for two-legged animals!
The brutal truth is that in shelters and pounds across the country, thousands of wonderful dogs like those shown here have little or no hope of a second chance. Many have been previously abused, most have been neglected in some way, and now - through no fault of their own - they have been simply discarded, like yesterdays old newspaper.
Once wanted because they were cute and cuddly little puppies, they now waste away in a 3x4 foot cage. Their crime? They grew up.
It is hard to find homes for adult dogs. They most often will require special attention and training because of the lack of either they have had perviously. For many people, this is more trouble than they want to deal with.
As an owner of an adopted pound dog - I can only say that is has been worth every last minute of it! To see my dog grow and fully develop her personality has been a pleasure beyond words. It was no harder to train her than it was my pure-bred, and just as much fun! As in life, you get out of something only what you are willing to put into it - and that includes training your pet to be a good family member.
No dog is too old to learn, and with the right amount of love and effort, each of the dogs on this site can be a valued and faithful companion for years to come. So give one of these beautiful and loving animals a second chance at a good life. They deserve it. And remember...compassion isn't something reserved only for two-legged animals!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Just add love!
Every now and again when I am out with my two dogs, I am complimented on how well behaved they are, or how well they mind. Naturally I am proud of them, even though they refuse to pick up their own toys and....sorry, I digress! The next thing that happens is usually a question regarding training. You know, how do you get them to stop peeing on everything, running away, or chewing up my favorite shoes and the kids toys?
The short answer? Just add love. The training will almost take care of itself. Sounds too simple? Well, maybe a little. But love is an integral part of any training program. If your dog is afraid of you, afraid of the leash, or any number of other things...your task will be a little harder. Maybe even a lot harder, depending on which one of those items I just mentioned scares your dog.
So lets start with a few basic training tips, and maybe even dispel a few dog myths in the process.
1. Myth - If you don't train your dog young, by the time it is 4 years old, it's too late!
Answer: False. Just like there is no date stamped on the bottom of your foot, that says you can't learn a new trade or skill by the time you are twenty, your dogs learning time is also open. Does it become harder? Sometimes. Dogs are like people. They like what they like, and can learn bad habits. They also can become stuck in their old way of doing things. They are products of their environment - just like us.
It is important to try and train your pet early in life. It makes for a happier, more well adjusted dog. Or cat. But if you need to retrain them later, just remember that you might have to un-teach them some of those bad habits you chose to ignore in the past. Kind of like teaching guys to put down the toilet seat when they are fifty, instead of when they are five!
Start slow. Maybe ten or fifteen minutes a day...everyday. Use praise every time they do what you want. And be sure to use a lot of positive physical contact. Petting, rubbing behind their ears, even a good belly rub. You can use treats in the beginning, but be careful. Too much of anything is bad for their health. Soon, just the praise and petting will be enough. Remember, in training your older pet - age is not a factor as much as patience and love. Your dog wants your praise and positive attention more than it wants food.
2. Myth - Collars are the best for training your dog.
Answer: False. I have never been a big fan of collars in the first place. They are usually too tight, or too loose. And they can cause injury to the air passages in a dogs throat...or in rare cases, death by strangulation. I prefer a harness. I have rarely seen a dog slip out of a well adjusted one, and have never heard of a dog being strangled to death by one. More importantly, you actually have better control of the dog with a harness. Pull on a dogs collar with a leash, and you can hear it choke or gasp for air. A dog spinning and jerking around at the end of a leash attached to a collar, can spin itself right out of it, or break it's neck trying. Not so with a harness. I can't even begin to tell you how many dogs I have caught, only to have the owner later tell me it "slipped out" of its collar. Slipped out of its harness? Not so much. Twice in the past two years to be exact. And neither one was properly adjusted.
3. Myth - Dogs that are afraid of things like firecrackers, will always be afraid of them.
Answer: False. Dogs learn from us. If we act like they should be afraid of something, then they will be. Remember that while a dog will feed off the positive energy you emit, they will also feed off the negative as well. In this case, it is the negative re-enforcement we gave them the first time they jumped into our lap, shaking like a leaf, when they heard their first fire-cracker. Remember how you hugged them close and said, "Awwwww....poor little Fluffy!". Bad owner! Bad! You just told them they were right to be afraid! So what would have been the best reaction? None. Just sit there, read your book, sip your drink, and act like you didn't hear a thing. Give them a favorite chewy or toy to distract them if you wish, then go back to what you were doing. Eventually, when they see that you are calm, even in the face of WW III going off outside, they will be more calm as well. Just turn up the TV and ignore it.
4. Myth - Dogs can't really understand what we are saying. All they hear is "Blah, blah, blah!".
Answer: False. Wanna see my two dogs haul butt for the back yard like two felons in a prison break? Just ask them about "Tony, their doggie friend". Ask them if they want to go for a ride, and you best not be standing in front of the door when you do it! Tell them it's time to go to bed, and they are already lying on my pillow before I get there! Trust me, your dog can understand plenty. You just have to teach them, and give them an incentive to learn. Not much point in learning if your never going to get off that chain in the back yard, is there?!
So, here are a few tips.
1. Start early, start late. But train your dog, and it will learn. Use praise, affection, and patience.
2. Be consistent. The words "off" and "down" have two separate meanings in the dictionary, and they should have two separate meanings at home as well. "Off" means to get off...like the couch. "Down" means to lie down, like flat on the ground. If you tell your dog to get down when he jumps on the couch, its a safe bet it will be confused later when you want it to lay down on the floor. And remember that words like down, sit, stay all have matching hand signals. Use them with the words when you train, and one day, all you will need to do is snap your fingers and point to the ground, and down the animal will go. Try that with little Johnnie!
3. Hands are for loving, petting, rubbing. NEVER for punishing! If you have to hit your dog to get it to listen...YOU are doing something wrong, not the dog! The answer to the question, "Why would a dog bite the hand that feeds it?" is simple. Because that hand also was used to hit it. Slap me with a hand often enough, and the next time one comes towards my face...I'd probably bite it too! Even if it was attached to little Johnnie. Think about it.
4. My dog will get fat if I get it fixed.
Answer: False. That's not to say your dog won't get fat. Only that it was not getting it fixed that caused it. Too many snacks, not enough exercise = fat dog. Spay/neuter + plenty of exercise and proper diet = lean, mean barking machine.
5. My dog would rather be outside than inside.
Answer: Hmmmmm...let me think...sleeping in mud, being eaten alive by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, or sleeping in nice air conditioned house at foot of masters bed, or on his favorite chair. Nope...gonna have to go with "false" on this one too! Your dog may act stupid at times, but trust me. It's just an act! Dogs are companion animals. They have been bred for thousands of years to be by our sides. They are pack animals - and we are its pack. Why does your dog bark all night long, chained to that fine oak tree in the back yard? I dunno...maybe because its lonely?????
Any dog can be a dog to be proud of. They already come equipped to learn anything we want to teach them. All you need to do is just add love!
The short answer? Just add love. The training will almost take care of itself. Sounds too simple? Well, maybe a little. But love is an integral part of any training program. If your dog is afraid of you, afraid of the leash, or any number of other things...your task will be a little harder. Maybe even a lot harder, depending on which one of those items I just mentioned scares your dog.
So lets start with a few basic training tips, and maybe even dispel a few dog myths in the process.
1. Myth - If you don't train your dog young, by the time it is 4 years old, it's too late!
Answer: False. Just like there is no date stamped on the bottom of your foot, that says you can't learn a new trade or skill by the time you are twenty, your dogs learning time is also open. Does it become harder? Sometimes. Dogs are like people. They like what they like, and can learn bad habits. They also can become stuck in their old way of doing things. They are products of their environment - just like us.
It is important to try and train your pet early in life. It makes for a happier, more well adjusted dog. Or cat. But if you need to retrain them later, just remember that you might have to un-teach them some of those bad habits you chose to ignore in the past. Kind of like teaching guys to put down the toilet seat when they are fifty, instead of when they are five!
Start slow. Maybe ten or fifteen minutes a day...everyday. Use praise every time they do what you want. And be sure to use a lot of positive physical contact. Petting, rubbing behind their ears, even a good belly rub. You can use treats in the beginning, but be careful. Too much of anything is bad for their health. Soon, just the praise and petting will be enough. Remember, in training your older pet - age is not a factor as much as patience and love. Your dog wants your praise and positive attention more than it wants food.
2. Myth - Collars are the best for training your dog.
Answer: False. I have never been a big fan of collars in the first place. They are usually too tight, or too loose. And they can cause injury to the air passages in a dogs throat...or in rare cases, death by strangulation. I prefer a harness. I have rarely seen a dog slip out of a well adjusted one, and have never heard of a dog being strangled to death by one. More importantly, you actually have better control of the dog with a harness. Pull on a dogs collar with a leash, and you can hear it choke or gasp for air. A dog spinning and jerking around at the end of a leash attached to a collar, can spin itself right out of it, or break it's neck trying. Not so with a harness. I can't even begin to tell you how many dogs I have caught, only to have the owner later tell me it "slipped out" of its collar. Slipped out of its harness? Not so much. Twice in the past two years to be exact. And neither one was properly adjusted.
3. Myth - Dogs that are afraid of things like firecrackers, will always be afraid of them.
Answer: False. Dogs learn from us. If we act like they should be afraid of something, then they will be. Remember that while a dog will feed off the positive energy you emit, they will also feed off the negative as well. In this case, it is the negative re-enforcement we gave them the first time they jumped into our lap, shaking like a leaf, when they heard their first fire-cracker. Remember how you hugged them close and said, "Awwwww....poor little Fluffy!". Bad owner! Bad! You just told them they were right to be afraid! So what would have been the best reaction? None. Just sit there, read your book, sip your drink, and act like you didn't hear a thing. Give them a favorite chewy or toy to distract them if you wish, then go back to what you were doing. Eventually, when they see that you are calm, even in the face of WW III going off outside, they will be more calm as well. Just turn up the TV and ignore it.
4. Myth - Dogs can't really understand what we are saying. All they hear is "Blah, blah, blah!".
Answer: False. Wanna see my two dogs haul butt for the back yard like two felons in a prison break? Just ask them about "Tony, their doggie friend". Ask them if they want to go for a ride, and you best not be standing in front of the door when you do it! Tell them it's time to go to bed, and they are already lying on my pillow before I get there! Trust me, your dog can understand plenty. You just have to teach them, and give them an incentive to learn. Not much point in learning if your never going to get off that chain in the back yard, is there?!
So, here are a few tips.
1. Start early, start late. But train your dog, and it will learn. Use praise, affection, and patience.
2. Be consistent. The words "off" and "down" have two separate meanings in the dictionary, and they should have two separate meanings at home as well. "Off" means to get off...like the couch. "Down" means to lie down, like flat on the ground. If you tell your dog to get down when he jumps on the couch, its a safe bet it will be confused later when you want it to lay down on the floor. And remember that words like down, sit, stay all have matching hand signals. Use them with the words when you train, and one day, all you will need to do is snap your fingers and point to the ground, and down the animal will go. Try that with little Johnnie!
3. Hands are for loving, petting, rubbing. NEVER for punishing! If you have to hit your dog to get it to listen...YOU are doing something wrong, not the dog! The answer to the question, "Why would a dog bite the hand that feeds it?" is simple. Because that hand also was used to hit it. Slap me with a hand often enough, and the next time one comes towards my face...I'd probably bite it too! Even if it was attached to little Johnnie. Think about it.
4. My dog will get fat if I get it fixed.
Answer: False. That's not to say your dog won't get fat. Only that it was not getting it fixed that caused it. Too many snacks, not enough exercise = fat dog. Spay/neuter + plenty of exercise and proper diet = lean, mean barking machine.
5. My dog would rather be outside than inside.
Answer: Hmmmmm...let me think...sleeping in mud, being eaten alive by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, or sleeping in nice air conditioned house at foot of masters bed, or on his favorite chair. Nope...gonna have to go with "false" on this one too! Your dog may act stupid at times, but trust me. It's just an act! Dogs are companion animals. They have been bred for thousands of years to be by our sides. They are pack animals - and we are its pack. Why does your dog bark all night long, chained to that fine oak tree in the back yard? I dunno...maybe because its lonely?????
Any dog can be a dog to be proud of. They already come equipped to learn anything we want to teach them. All you need to do is just add love!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
What Matters Most!
Life is about choices. We choose every day what matters the most to us, and then either do it, or buy it.
If it's a new car we want or need, we buy it. If it involves making a decision about applying for that new job we want, then we do it...or not. But what about our pets? What decisions do we make with regards to those creatures that often seem to live near us, around us, but in many cases, not necessarily "with" us?
We can choose to be responsible and get the vaccinations they need to be healthy, keep them on the preventive medications they need like heartworm medication or flea control medication, and get those required tags they need to comply with our local laws and regulations...or not.
In the end, I guess it comes down to what matters most to us. A wise old gentleman once told me once, that we as individuals are not so much defined by the choices we make, as we are by the results of those choices, and how those results affect those around us. We can all choose to have a pet. But if as pet owners, we fail to do the things needed to ensure the health and safety of those pets, what does that say about us as individuals? And if pet ownership is a "right", then you should lose it when you abuse or neglect your animals, just as surely as you would lose that license when you drive drunk.
Most reponsible people I know, do the things we might expect them to do. They make sure they have insurance for their automobiles, they take their children to the doctor for their annual vaccinations, they go to their jobs on time and they pay their taxes when required to do so. And, if they own a dog or cat, they make sure their animal is properly vaccinated, tagged, and fed and watered, and they make sure they keep them properly restrained at all times.
Most people who have pets, think of them as a loved and valued member of their family. They show them love, respect, and they understand that for them to grow and realize their full potential, they must be nurtured, just as they would nurture their human children.
Many people however - far too many to be honest - do not understand, or even care about these things. To these people, a dog or cat is just a "thing". A possession much like a chair or one of those many old beat up cars in their yard or drive-way. Their animals are simply one of many things they will own, and not care for.
These people act as though they are perplexed by the constant needs of their pets, and they are often angry and rebellious towards anyone who tries to tell them what is best for their pets. They think it is okay to let their animals run rampant through their neighbors yards, cross busy streets and highways at risk of death, or even let them fend for themselves if they are hungry. And medical care or proper tags? They have no health insurance themselves, and they get by, right? Given the choice between that Playstation 3 or those needed shots...Playstation wins everytime. City tags versus that cable TV? What do you think! And dog or cat food verus that six-pack of beer or pizza? Please! Maybe you know people like this. It's pretty obvious what matters most in their lives...and more often than not, it's not their pets.
No, I don't expect people to choose between the doctor for their kids, or the vet for their dog. I don't expect people to choose between food for their families, or their dog. I know what I am about to say may not be politically correct, or popular with some - but if you are in a position where these choices are ones you face on a daily or weekly basis, then you should not have pets in the first place. Sure, you can choose to have five dogs and three cats with two litters on the way...but if you can't afford to properly care for them, why would you? Do you really think you are doing them a favor by letting them die slowly of thirst and/or starvation, or being eaten alive by fleas or ticks?
Take a look at that water bowl next to the tree your dog is chained to. Is the water (assuming there IS water in the bowl) black and/or moldy looking? Does it have yard debris, bugs or both floating in it? Would you drink it? No? Then why do you think it's okay for your dog to drink it! Does you dog have to walk, stand and sleep in it's own feces? When it rains, does your dog have a dry and mud free place to stand or lie, or does it have to jump on top of it's dog house to try and stay dry - assuming of course it is lucky enough to even have a dog house! Would you like to live under those conditions??? No? Then why is it okay to allow a beloved member of your family to live like that?!
Animals are not old furniture. They are not expendable commodities that you can choose to care for or not, depending on how you feel or how big your check might be this month. Having a bad day? Talk to a friend or the pastor at your church. Don't kick your kitten in the head, or beat your dog with a broom handle. Can't afford to buy groceries? You can get help with that. Can't afford that dog or cat food? Turning your pets loose on the neighborhood garbage cans is not an acceptable solution.
So if you are one of those people that feel your pet is a valued and loved member of your family, I and other responsible pet owners applaud your sacrifice and your devotion. If you are one of those other people who can't understand why your dog barks all night while chained to a tree; who can never quite figure out why they won't come when you call them...even though your idea of love is the back of your hand instead of the palm of it; who thinks that somehow you are being picked on because your dog can't run free through the city while others obey the city laws; who can't afford food or medical care for your pet, but can afford pizza, Playstation or X-Box...then do everyone a favor - and all the dogs and cats looking for a home as well. Don't get a pet if you don't already have one. And if you do have have one...or two, three or four as many people in this latter category seem to have - please...find them a good, loving home and give them a real chance at a decent life!
For in the final analysis, whether you have two legs or four, being loved and properly cared for is, and has always been, what matters most!
If it's a new car we want or need, we buy it. If it involves making a decision about applying for that new job we want, then we do it...or not. But what about our pets? What decisions do we make with regards to those creatures that often seem to live near us, around us, but in many cases, not necessarily "with" us?
We can choose to be responsible and get the vaccinations they need to be healthy, keep them on the preventive medications they need like heartworm medication or flea control medication, and get those required tags they need to comply with our local laws and regulations...or not.
In the end, I guess it comes down to what matters most to us. A wise old gentleman once told me once, that we as individuals are not so much defined by the choices we make, as we are by the results of those choices, and how those results affect those around us. We can all choose to have a pet. But if as pet owners, we fail to do the things needed to ensure the health and safety of those pets, what does that say about us as individuals? And if pet ownership is a "right", then you should lose it when you abuse or neglect your animals, just as surely as you would lose that license when you drive drunk.
Most reponsible people I know, do the things we might expect them to do. They make sure they have insurance for their automobiles, they take their children to the doctor for their annual vaccinations, they go to their jobs on time and they pay their taxes when required to do so. And, if they own a dog or cat, they make sure their animal is properly vaccinated, tagged, and fed and watered, and they make sure they keep them properly restrained at all times.
Most people who have pets, think of them as a loved and valued member of their family. They show them love, respect, and they understand that for them to grow and realize their full potential, they must be nurtured, just as they would nurture their human children.
Many people however - far too many to be honest - do not understand, or even care about these things. To these people, a dog or cat is just a "thing". A possession much like a chair or one of those many old beat up cars in their yard or drive-way. Their animals are simply one of many things they will own, and not care for.
These people act as though they are perplexed by the constant needs of their pets, and they are often angry and rebellious towards anyone who tries to tell them what is best for their pets. They think it is okay to let their animals run rampant through their neighbors yards, cross busy streets and highways at risk of death, or even let them fend for themselves if they are hungry. And medical care or proper tags? They have no health insurance themselves, and they get by, right? Given the choice between that Playstation 3 or those needed shots...Playstation wins everytime. City tags versus that cable TV? What do you think! And dog or cat food verus that six-pack of beer or pizza? Please! Maybe you know people like this. It's pretty obvious what matters most in their lives...and more often than not, it's not their pets.
No, I don't expect people to choose between the doctor for their kids, or the vet for their dog. I don't expect people to choose between food for their families, or their dog. I know what I am about to say may not be politically correct, or popular with some - but if you are in a position where these choices are ones you face on a daily or weekly basis, then you should not have pets in the first place. Sure, you can choose to have five dogs and three cats with two litters on the way...but if you can't afford to properly care for them, why would you? Do you really think you are doing them a favor by letting them die slowly of thirst and/or starvation, or being eaten alive by fleas or ticks?
Take a look at that water bowl next to the tree your dog is chained to. Is the water (assuming there IS water in the bowl) black and/or moldy looking? Does it have yard debris, bugs or both floating in it? Would you drink it? No? Then why do you think it's okay for your dog to drink it! Does you dog have to walk, stand and sleep in it's own feces? When it rains, does your dog have a dry and mud free place to stand or lie, or does it have to jump on top of it's dog house to try and stay dry - assuming of course it is lucky enough to even have a dog house! Would you like to live under those conditions??? No? Then why is it okay to allow a beloved member of your family to live like that?!
Animals are not old furniture. They are not expendable commodities that you can choose to care for or not, depending on how you feel or how big your check might be this month. Having a bad day? Talk to a friend or the pastor at your church. Don't kick your kitten in the head, or beat your dog with a broom handle. Can't afford to buy groceries? You can get help with that. Can't afford that dog or cat food? Turning your pets loose on the neighborhood garbage cans is not an acceptable solution.
So if you are one of those people that feel your pet is a valued and loved member of your family, I and other responsible pet owners applaud your sacrifice and your devotion. If you are one of those other people who can't understand why your dog barks all night while chained to a tree; who can never quite figure out why they won't come when you call them...even though your idea of love is the back of your hand instead of the palm of it; who thinks that somehow you are being picked on because your dog can't run free through the city while others obey the city laws; who can't afford food or medical care for your pet, but can afford pizza, Playstation or X-Box...then do everyone a favor - and all the dogs and cats looking for a home as well. Don't get a pet if you don't already have one. And if you do have have one...or two, three or four as many people in this latter category seem to have - please...find them a good, loving home and give them a real chance at a decent life!
For in the final analysis, whether you have two legs or four, being loved and properly cared for is, and has always been, what matters most!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Welcome to the Wild Kingdom!
Ok…maybe it’s not quite that bad, but we do live in a rural area, and as the weather warms up, we will begin to see more and more of those woodsy critters taking shortcuts through our yards. And our flower gardens!
It is to be expected that some of these encounters with our furry neighbors will be less than pleasant. Which brings me to the point of this article. This will be the first of a three part discussion on animals in our community, both wild and domestic. Hopefully, you the reader will be able to learn something you didn’t know, and find something useful should you come into close quarters with a free-ranging skunk at 9:00 in the morning. So sit back, grab that cup of coffee or herbal tea, and read on.
Just for the record, that little item I just mentioned about the skunk wandering around at 9:00 in the morning, just happened the other day. Last year, I saw two skunks meandering about during daylight hours – generally not a good sign – and four raccoons, also wandering around during daylight hours. All shared one common behavioral trait. They walked as though they were drunk, and appeared to have trouble with their balance when they sat down. A few even fell over. While it was obvious they were sick, what they were sick from was not so obvious.
So here are a few general tips for those who may have a chance encounter with a woodland friend. Whether you are planting flowers in your garden, or taking a short hike through the woods…if you should encounter a skunk during daylight hours behaving erratically, give it a wide berth. If you live within the city limits, call Animal Control. If you are in the great outdoors, head back the way you came and report it to the local Fish & Game Warden.
Now, that is not to say that all skunks you might see during daylight hours are ill. Often, they may just be looking for a new place to hole up, having been driven from their old den by noisy lawn mowers, weed eaters or back-hoes. Also, if we have just had a particularly heavy rainfall, they may just be looking for a dryer place to stay. Generally speaking however, skunks are nocturnal creatures that usually come out at dusk to forage for food, mate and stink up the neighborhood.
Believe it or not, back in the 1800’s, skunks were actually hunted for their fur…which may account for why there were so many single men in those days! Once believed to be a member of the weasel family, more recent genetic investigations have led taxonomists to group all North American skunks and Asian stink badgers into their own separate family.
Skunks are true omnivorous mammals. When they feed at night, they will eat insects, rodents, frogs, crayfish, bird eggs and nestlings, and carrion. They will also eat berries, fruit and other plant material…like those beautiful roses you’ve been cultivating! As the weather and seasonal changes impact food availability, skunks will adapt their feeding habits accordingly. Generally speaking, skunks are opportunistic foragers that will eat just about anything they can find or catch. Including that cat or dog food you left out for Fluffy and Fido.
Skunks carry a multitude of diseases, including rabies and canine distemper, which is why you should always contact your local Animal Control Officer should you observe one wandering around your yard at 9:00 AM.
To wrap up the discussion on skunks, here are the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding skunks:
1. I think I may have a skunk under my house, what should I do?
Answer: Sprinkle a layer of flour by the suspected entrance, and check it during the night for foot prints leaving the hole. Once you see the prints, you can block off the hole to keep it from getting back in. Sprinkle a large amount of moth-balls just inside the entrance before you seal it up, and another generous layer around the outside of the entrance. While not 100% effective, most skunks hate the smell of them, and they usually work 90% of the time.
2. I think a skunk sprayed the side of my house. How do I get rid of the smell?
Answer: If you or your dog are sprayed, you can always try the old fashioned tomato juice bath. That seems to work most of the time for smaller, more confined items like pets and people. Another home remedy that has been reported to be very effective is as follows:
1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap
Once the hydrogen peroxide is mixed with the baking soda, the mixture is unstable and generates oxygen, and thus cannot be bottled or stored. Apparently, oxidation changes the chemical composition of skunk scent so that it no longer smells. When the fresh mixture is applied to items contaminated by skunk odor, the smell diminishes quickly. Any leftover mixture should be diluted several fold with water and poured down the drain. Hydrogen peroxide mixtures can be used safely on pets and people as well as on clothing and furniture. Rinse pets thoroughly with water after treatment.
3. Can I trap a skunk?
Answer: Trapping a skunk is not hard. It’s what to do with it once it has been
trapped that is the problem. If you have a skunk in a regular open mesh trap, it
may be hard to get close enough to pick it up without risking being sprayed. I recommend an enclosed trap, specifically designed to trap skunks. Contact your
local Animal Control Officer and ask for help.
Ok, so enough about skunks. Let’s talk briefly about Raccoons. Typically, Raccoons breed in February and March, but matings may occur from December through June. Raccoons have a large territorial range, and males tend to be especially aggressive during mating season.
The Raccoon diet is extremely diverse. They will eat fruit, berries, grain, eggs, poultry, vegetables, nuts, most insects, rodents, carrion garbage and pet food. Raccoons will den up in hollow trees, drain pipes, in unoccupied buildings, under decks and storage buildings, brush piles and abandoned burrows.
Raccoons can cause substantial damage (particularly to attics and roofs), lawns, fruit trees, garbage cans and trash containers. Raccoons are opportunistic foragers, and will take the easiest meal they can get. They are quite attracted to pet food left outdoors, and will attack pets to get it.
Raccoons are known to carry a wide variety of diseases, including canine distemper, rabies, encephalitis, histoplasmosis, mange, and tuberculosis to name a few. Raccoons also carry a roundworm often referred to as “Raccoon Roundworm”, otherwise known as Baylisascaris. This type of parasite is known as a “Zoonotic” parasite, meaning it not only readily transfers between different species of animals, but also from animals to people. The eggs of this parasite are readily found in the feces or scat of the Raccoon. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions, and with adequate moisture, can survive in the ground for years. Raccoon feces usually are dark and tubular, have a pungent odor (usually worse than dog or cat feces), and often contains undigested seeds or other food items.
It is recommended that homeowners police their yards regularly for all types of animal remains, especially if you have pets of your own. Often, dogs are attracted to the left behind Raccoon remains because of the undigested materials it may contain, and this is where they can become infected with Raccoon roundworm. Generally, Raccoons are infested with ticks and fleas, which are known transmitters of many of the illnesses previously mentioned.
At this point, many people might be thinking that those ugly Opossums are dirtier than the Raccoons…but they would be wrong! Opossums groom themselves like cats, and are considered to be quite clean…as far as woodland creatures go. Here are a few other interesting Opossum facts:
1. They are exceptionally non-aggressive and non-destructive. They will not harm people or pets.
2. They present far less of a health risk than do dogs or cats. Opossums are more immune to many diseases than other animals, and are far less likely to carry rabies.
3. They are beneficial to the environment because they eat insect pests, snails and slugs.
4. Opossums have a remarkable resistance to poisonous snake bites (Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth, Russell’s Viper, and Asiatic Cobra to name a few). None of the Opossums tested showed any effects from these snake bites, other than fang punctures.
5. They are one of the few animals that regularly prey on shrews and moles.
6. Adult Opossums have 52 teeth, more than any other mammal in North America.
7. Contrary to what you may have heard, Opossums do not turn over garbage cans. They also do not dig holes or destroy gardens and shrubs.
Finally, let’s not forget that digging machine, the Armadillo. If you are suffering garden destruction on a biblical scale…it’s probably an Armadillo. Armadillos are not blind, but have very poor eyesight. Their diet consists mainly of grubs, insects and other invertebrates. Some species feed mainly on ants. In general, it is difficult to trap an Armadillo in a regular mesh or wire trap. As mentioned, their eyesight is quite poor, and they have trouble seeing the opening of the trap. A V-shaped funnel made from wood will help them find their way into the trap, if it is baited properly. They do not eat fruit or veggies, and are not attracted to cat or dog food. A small plate of worms & grubs will do just fine! Also, they cannot stand the feel of that wire cage under their feet. They have very long claws, and they tend to get stuck in the open spaces of the wire. If you wish to use a conventional cat trap, cut a small piece of cardboard that will fit in the space before the pressure plate of the trap. Once in, providing the cardboard does not interfere with the pressure plate, the cat trap will work just fine.
Wow! Who knew this rural country living would be so much fun! Skunks and raccoons and opossums, oh my! Oh, and don’t forget the snakes!
What’s that Animal Control fellow’s number again?
It is to be expected that some of these encounters with our furry neighbors will be less than pleasant. Which brings me to the point of this article. This will be the first of a three part discussion on animals in our community, both wild and domestic. Hopefully, you the reader will be able to learn something you didn’t know, and find something useful should you come into close quarters with a free-ranging skunk at 9:00 in the morning. So sit back, grab that cup of coffee or herbal tea, and read on.
Just for the record, that little item I just mentioned about the skunk wandering around at 9:00 in the morning, just happened the other day. Last year, I saw two skunks meandering about during daylight hours – generally not a good sign – and four raccoons, also wandering around during daylight hours. All shared one common behavioral trait. They walked as though they were drunk, and appeared to have trouble with their balance when they sat down. A few even fell over. While it was obvious they were sick, what they were sick from was not so obvious.
So here are a few general tips for those who may have a chance encounter with a woodland friend. Whether you are planting flowers in your garden, or taking a short hike through the woods…if you should encounter a skunk during daylight hours behaving erratically, give it a wide berth. If you live within the city limits, call Animal Control. If you are in the great outdoors, head back the way you came and report it to the local Fish & Game Warden.
Now, that is not to say that all skunks you might see during daylight hours are ill. Often, they may just be looking for a new place to hole up, having been driven from their old den by noisy lawn mowers, weed eaters or back-hoes. Also, if we have just had a particularly heavy rainfall, they may just be looking for a dryer place to stay. Generally speaking however, skunks are nocturnal creatures that usually come out at dusk to forage for food, mate and stink up the neighborhood.
Believe it or not, back in the 1800’s, skunks were actually hunted for their fur…which may account for why there were so many single men in those days! Once believed to be a member of the weasel family, more recent genetic investigations have led taxonomists to group all North American skunks and Asian stink badgers into their own separate family.
Skunks are true omnivorous mammals. When they feed at night, they will eat insects, rodents, frogs, crayfish, bird eggs and nestlings, and carrion. They will also eat berries, fruit and other plant material…like those beautiful roses you’ve been cultivating! As the weather and seasonal changes impact food availability, skunks will adapt their feeding habits accordingly. Generally speaking, skunks are opportunistic foragers that will eat just about anything they can find or catch. Including that cat or dog food you left out for Fluffy and Fido.
Skunks carry a multitude of diseases, including rabies and canine distemper, which is why you should always contact your local Animal Control Officer should you observe one wandering around your yard at 9:00 AM.
To wrap up the discussion on skunks, here are the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding skunks:
1. I think I may have a skunk under my house, what should I do?
Answer: Sprinkle a layer of flour by the suspected entrance, and check it during the night for foot prints leaving the hole. Once you see the prints, you can block off the hole to keep it from getting back in. Sprinkle a large amount of moth-balls just inside the entrance before you seal it up, and another generous layer around the outside of the entrance. While not 100% effective, most skunks hate the smell of them, and they usually work 90% of the time.
2. I think a skunk sprayed the side of my house. How do I get rid of the smell?
Answer: If you or your dog are sprayed, you can always try the old fashioned tomato juice bath. That seems to work most of the time for smaller, more confined items like pets and people. Another home remedy that has been reported to be very effective is as follows:
1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap
Once the hydrogen peroxide is mixed with the baking soda, the mixture is unstable and generates oxygen, and thus cannot be bottled or stored. Apparently, oxidation changes the chemical composition of skunk scent so that it no longer smells. When the fresh mixture is applied to items contaminated by skunk odor, the smell diminishes quickly. Any leftover mixture should be diluted several fold with water and poured down the drain. Hydrogen peroxide mixtures can be used safely on pets and people as well as on clothing and furniture. Rinse pets thoroughly with water after treatment.
3. Can I trap a skunk?
Answer: Trapping a skunk is not hard. It’s what to do with it once it has been
trapped that is the problem. If you have a skunk in a regular open mesh trap, it
may be hard to get close enough to pick it up without risking being sprayed. I recommend an enclosed trap, specifically designed to trap skunks. Contact your
local Animal Control Officer and ask for help.
Ok, so enough about skunks. Let’s talk briefly about Raccoons. Typically, Raccoons breed in February and March, but matings may occur from December through June. Raccoons have a large territorial range, and males tend to be especially aggressive during mating season.
The Raccoon diet is extremely diverse. They will eat fruit, berries, grain, eggs, poultry, vegetables, nuts, most insects, rodents, carrion garbage and pet food. Raccoons will den up in hollow trees, drain pipes, in unoccupied buildings, under decks and storage buildings, brush piles and abandoned burrows.
Raccoons can cause substantial damage (particularly to attics and roofs), lawns, fruit trees, garbage cans and trash containers. Raccoons are opportunistic foragers, and will take the easiest meal they can get. They are quite attracted to pet food left outdoors, and will attack pets to get it.
Raccoons are known to carry a wide variety of diseases, including canine distemper, rabies, encephalitis, histoplasmosis, mange, and tuberculosis to name a few. Raccoons also carry a roundworm often referred to as “Raccoon Roundworm”, otherwise known as Baylisascaris. This type of parasite is known as a “Zoonotic” parasite, meaning it not only readily transfers between different species of animals, but also from animals to people. The eggs of this parasite are readily found in the feces or scat of the Raccoon. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions, and with adequate moisture, can survive in the ground for years. Raccoon feces usually are dark and tubular, have a pungent odor (usually worse than dog or cat feces), and often contains undigested seeds or other food items.
It is recommended that homeowners police their yards regularly for all types of animal remains, especially if you have pets of your own. Often, dogs are attracted to the left behind Raccoon remains because of the undigested materials it may contain, and this is where they can become infected with Raccoon roundworm. Generally, Raccoons are infested with ticks and fleas, which are known transmitters of many of the illnesses previously mentioned.
At this point, many people might be thinking that those ugly Opossums are dirtier than the Raccoons…but they would be wrong! Opossums groom themselves like cats, and are considered to be quite clean…as far as woodland creatures go. Here are a few other interesting Opossum facts:
1. They are exceptionally non-aggressive and non-destructive. They will not harm people or pets.
2. They present far less of a health risk than do dogs or cats. Opossums are more immune to many diseases than other animals, and are far less likely to carry rabies.
3. They are beneficial to the environment because they eat insect pests, snails and slugs.
4. Opossums have a remarkable resistance to poisonous snake bites (Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth, Russell’s Viper, and Asiatic Cobra to name a few). None of the Opossums tested showed any effects from these snake bites, other than fang punctures.
5. They are one of the few animals that regularly prey on shrews and moles.
6. Adult Opossums have 52 teeth, more than any other mammal in North America.
7. Contrary to what you may have heard, Opossums do not turn over garbage cans. They also do not dig holes or destroy gardens and shrubs.
Finally, let’s not forget that digging machine, the Armadillo. If you are suffering garden destruction on a biblical scale…it’s probably an Armadillo. Armadillos are not blind, but have very poor eyesight. Their diet consists mainly of grubs, insects and other invertebrates. Some species feed mainly on ants. In general, it is difficult to trap an Armadillo in a regular mesh or wire trap. As mentioned, their eyesight is quite poor, and they have trouble seeing the opening of the trap. A V-shaped funnel made from wood will help them find their way into the trap, if it is baited properly. They do not eat fruit or veggies, and are not attracted to cat or dog food. A small plate of worms & grubs will do just fine! Also, they cannot stand the feel of that wire cage under their feet. They have very long claws, and they tend to get stuck in the open spaces of the wire. If you wish to use a conventional cat trap, cut a small piece of cardboard that will fit in the space before the pressure plate of the trap. Once in, providing the cardboard does not interfere with the pressure plate, the cat trap will work just fine.
Wow! Who knew this rural country living would be so much fun! Skunks and raccoons and opossums, oh my! Oh, and don’t forget the snakes!
What’s that Animal Control fellow’s number again?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
It's time to show our gratitude!
Typically, I tend to send reminders to the citizens in our community about caring for their pets, and to try and remind my fellow pet owners to be be a little more vigilant regarding the wanderings of those pets.
Today however, I would just like to take a few moments for another purpose. I would like to speak for a little while about those that work behind the scenes, to make the lives of those animals I do wind up taking in to the pound a lot easier.
There are many, many wonderful organizations out there, whose sole purpose is to provide love and homes for the less fortunate animals in our midst. Those animals that have been discarded like an old tire, abused, starved and generally cast aside for whatever reason. Without these organizations, the pain, loneliness and suffering these unfortunate animals go through would be mind-boggling. The one I would like to focus on, is the Lifeline Animal Placement & Protection Organization (LAPP for short), out of Wichita, Kansas.
Perhaps some of my more ardent readers may remember me mentioning how during my first year in this job, I had to put down over two hundred dogs and cats that I simply could not find either the old owners for, or even find new owners for. That is two hundred animals in a town whose population runs less than three thousand. It kept me awake at night, more often than not, trying to figure out how and where I could find an alternative solution to this vexing problem.
As a community, we should all be concerned about the message it sends when we have so many lost and discarded animals in a town this size. Really, whether you own a pet or not, it affects us all. Stray and wandering animals are often left to the mercy of speeding vehicles, angry home owners who often vocalize their dislike of trespassing pets to the extent of wanting to shoot them, and also to other predatory animals. Animals that are dicarded and left to fend for themselves often contract diseases, which they can then pass on to our house pets via feces or perhaps even a bite. In some cases, they might even contract rabies, which they can also pass on to our household pets or our children.
The City of Eureka has a Animal Pound. We are not an Animal Shelter. The difference lies not only in the policies that govern the animals we can pick up, but also the type care the animals might recieve once they are picked up. I am essentially a one-man operation. I feed, clean & care for all the animals I have in the pound by myself. A Shelter on the other hand, might have several people working there, one of whom may be an in house Vet. In many cases, a Shelter has a vet on call 24/7 if they do not have one on staff.
Many Shelters are "No Kill" Shelters. They will keep an animal as long as it takes to find them either a foster home until a more permanent placement can be found, or a new family right away. Animal Shelters are most often "not for profit" organizations, which means they survive on grants from larger organizations like the American Humane Society, the ASPCA and private donations. The Eureka Pound however has very specific limits regarding the amount of time we should keep an animal before it is either returned to the owner, or adopted out. If either of these options fail, euthanization has been our only other option.
Until the wonderful people at LAPP came along that is.
LAPP is a "No Kill" Shelter. I had been calling around, looking for other options last year, when a contact at the Kansas Humane Society in Wichita told me about Patricia "Pat" Morriss, and her wonderful organization. For the past 8-10 months - honestly I've lost track - LAPP has sent numerous volunteers to our fair city to take virtually every adoptable animal we have had. Cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens. Pregnant and old, they have taken them and found them homes with loving families. In several cases, they even arranged to send dogs to places where they recieved much needed Vet care before final placement. And to make what this organization has done for our community even more special - as if what they have done wasn't enough already - in special cases, they have even been kind enough to help out the less fortunate in our community who for health and financial reasons weren't able to keep their beloved pets, by making special trips to take their pets for placement in new homes as well.
Since LAPP has started coming to Eureka, I have only had to euthanize two dogs. Both were animals that I picked up that had severe health issues where euthanization was the only option to stop their suffering. Well over 60 animals have gone through LAPP to new homes. Some animals have gone to Colorado where many cities have a shortage of adoptable pets. In the case of many purebreds, they have gone on to animal rescue groups that handle those special breeds, like German Shorthair Pointers or Austrailian Shepherds. I have frequently recieved e-mails with the pictures of many of the dogs once residents of our Eureka Pound, now lying around their new homes, relishing the love and attention of their new families.
And I can't help smiling. As you should. Smile because you know that without the help and concern of organizations like LAPP in general, and LAPP in particular, most probably all of those animals would no longer be with us. They would have been doomed to an all but too brief existence, thanks to the carelessness or callousness of their former owners. Smile because thanks to LAPP, these loving, beautiful animals now have a bright & loving future, instead of a terminal existence.
So, in closing let me say that we all, pet owners & non-pet owners alike, owe a much deserved debt of gratitude to LAPP and it's many volunteers, who have made the future existence of these animals possible. And the next time you are thinking it might be nice to donate a few dollars to a worthy cause, think of the animals LAPP has taken from us...for us...and give back what you can to help them keep doing it, not just for us, for all the other Eureka-like communities out there who need their help and support.
Thank you LAPP! And God bless you every one!
Today however, I would just like to take a few moments for another purpose. I would like to speak for a little while about those that work behind the scenes, to make the lives of those animals I do wind up taking in to the pound a lot easier.
There are many, many wonderful organizations out there, whose sole purpose is to provide love and homes for the less fortunate animals in our midst. Those animals that have been discarded like an old tire, abused, starved and generally cast aside for whatever reason. Without these organizations, the pain, loneliness and suffering these unfortunate animals go through would be mind-boggling. The one I would like to focus on, is the Lifeline Animal Placement & Protection Organization (LAPP for short), out of Wichita, Kansas.
Perhaps some of my more ardent readers may remember me mentioning how during my first year in this job, I had to put down over two hundred dogs and cats that I simply could not find either the old owners for, or even find new owners for. That is two hundred animals in a town whose population runs less than three thousand. It kept me awake at night, more often than not, trying to figure out how and where I could find an alternative solution to this vexing problem.
As a community, we should all be concerned about the message it sends when we have so many lost and discarded animals in a town this size. Really, whether you own a pet or not, it affects us all. Stray and wandering animals are often left to the mercy of speeding vehicles, angry home owners who often vocalize their dislike of trespassing pets to the extent of wanting to shoot them, and also to other predatory animals. Animals that are dicarded and left to fend for themselves often contract diseases, which they can then pass on to our house pets via feces or perhaps even a bite. In some cases, they might even contract rabies, which they can also pass on to our household pets or our children.
The City of Eureka has a Animal Pound. We are not an Animal Shelter. The difference lies not only in the policies that govern the animals we can pick up, but also the type care the animals might recieve once they are picked up. I am essentially a one-man operation. I feed, clean & care for all the animals I have in the pound by myself. A Shelter on the other hand, might have several people working there, one of whom may be an in house Vet. In many cases, a Shelter has a vet on call 24/7 if they do not have one on staff.
Many Shelters are "No Kill" Shelters. They will keep an animal as long as it takes to find them either a foster home until a more permanent placement can be found, or a new family right away. Animal Shelters are most often "not for profit" organizations, which means they survive on grants from larger organizations like the American Humane Society, the ASPCA and private donations. The Eureka Pound however has very specific limits regarding the amount of time we should keep an animal before it is either returned to the owner, or adopted out. If either of these options fail, euthanization has been our only other option.
Until the wonderful people at LAPP came along that is.
LAPP is a "No Kill" Shelter. I had been calling around, looking for other options last year, when a contact at the Kansas Humane Society in Wichita told me about Patricia "Pat" Morriss, and her wonderful organization. For the past 8-10 months - honestly I've lost track - LAPP has sent numerous volunteers to our fair city to take virtually every adoptable animal we have had. Cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens. Pregnant and old, they have taken them and found them homes with loving families. In several cases, they even arranged to send dogs to places where they recieved much needed Vet care before final placement. And to make what this organization has done for our community even more special - as if what they have done wasn't enough already - in special cases, they have even been kind enough to help out the less fortunate in our community who for health and financial reasons weren't able to keep their beloved pets, by making special trips to take their pets for placement in new homes as well.
Since LAPP has started coming to Eureka, I have only had to euthanize two dogs. Both were animals that I picked up that had severe health issues where euthanization was the only option to stop their suffering. Well over 60 animals have gone through LAPP to new homes. Some animals have gone to Colorado where many cities have a shortage of adoptable pets. In the case of many purebreds, they have gone on to animal rescue groups that handle those special breeds, like German Shorthair Pointers or Austrailian Shepherds. I have frequently recieved e-mails with the pictures of many of the dogs once residents of our Eureka Pound, now lying around their new homes, relishing the love and attention of their new families.
And I can't help smiling. As you should. Smile because you know that without the help and concern of organizations like LAPP in general, and LAPP in particular, most probably all of those animals would no longer be with us. They would have been doomed to an all but too brief existence, thanks to the carelessness or callousness of their former owners. Smile because thanks to LAPP, these loving, beautiful animals now have a bright & loving future, instead of a terminal existence.
So, in closing let me say that we all, pet owners & non-pet owners alike, owe a much deserved debt of gratitude to LAPP and it's many volunteers, who have made the future existence of these animals possible. And the next time you are thinking it might be nice to donate a few dollars to a worthy cause, think of the animals LAPP has taken from us...for us...and give back what you can to help them keep doing it, not just for us, for all the other Eureka-like communities out there who need their help and support.
Thank you LAPP! And God bless you every one!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!
Ahhhhh! Sunshine! Gentle breezes, sultry summer evenings, punctuated only by the sound of....yikes! Barking dogs! And they are chasing other barking dogs through your freshly manicured lawn, disturbing your summer Karma! What the %$#&!
Yep...summer is just around the corner. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, there are too many dogs (and cats) running loose around town. Making matters worse, it is already "the season" for many of the female dogs in town, and their would-be suitors are already beginning to make themselves known. So, in the interest of community relations, and because there is nothing I like better than having to repeat myself over & over...here are a few things you should know.
1. If you have a dog that has not been fixed...you should probably take care of that very soon. Not only will it be cheaper for you when it comes time to get those new tags, but it will also keep your male dogs closer to home, and eliminate the visitors your female dog gets in the wee hours of the morning. It is also better for your pets health if they are fixed. Hey...don't believe me? Ask your vet!
2. All dogs residing in the city limits of Eureka are required to have city tags. No exceptions. You are required to have a license for your car, even if it's broke and you can't drive it. Fido is required to have tags, even if he stays inside most of the time. In fact, the City Code for this reads..."No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog or dogs, cat or cats, regardless of age, within the city until he or she have paid the annual city taxes hereafter provided and procure from the city clerk a dog tag or cat tag for the current year for each such dog or cat." And just so you know, the tags for your un-neutered dog or cat, $30.00. If your dog or cat has been neutered....$4.00. And in order to get those city tags, your pets must also have current proof of rabies vaccinations.
3. This past Friday, I just released a dog that had been in quarantine for 10 days, because it came out of the yard, chased a young boy, and bit him. It was not current on its rabies shots, thus the need to be quarantined. At the risk of overstating the obvious, much of this could have been avoided simply by having the dog current on its shots, and by making sure the dog was properly restrained. No one wants to think their dog is capable or likely to be mean to someone. The truth, however, is that all dogs have the ability to be aggressive and territorial. That is why we have leash laws, and laws regarding dogs running at large...to protect us - and them - from this type of situation ever happening in the first place. So, do yourself...and your pet...a favor. Get those shots current, and keep them that way. It's not just the law, it's good common sense. If your dog does get loose - or is allowed to roam loose - and it bites someone, and then they have to go through that nasty series of painful rabies shots...well, it's a very good possibility you have just opened yourself up for a very expensive law suit. The last such lawsuit I read about from Minnesota, cost the owner $75,000. It cost the dog it's life. Enough said? Let's hope so!
4. So...what exactly IS running at large? Basically, it is allowing your dog to run free, anywhere within the city limits, where it is not under the owners direct control and supervision. And no, letting it run loose in your own yard to go potty is not ok, unless you are standing right there with it while it does its business. Let me emphasize this point! You cannot just open the door and let Fido run loose in your own yard, unless you are right there to supervise it, and the dog is under your direct control. Oh, and just so you know...if you chain or tether your dog in an area where it is within range of a public thoroughfare...like a sidewalk...it is still deemed to be "at-large". Your animal cannot be tied up in any area where it can reach people who are walking down the street, or down a sidewalk. If you want your dog to run free, move to the country, or fence in your yard. Otherwise, be a good neighbor, and a responsible pet owner, and keep Fido under control.
5. Its been a tough week. You are sooooo looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday. Then out of nowhere, promptly at the break of dawn, your slumber is disturbed by the noises of your neighbors roosters! Or the cackling of their chickens running around your yard. Running from your cat, or someone elses loose dog. Can't happen here in Eureka you say? Foolish child! Not only can it, but it has since I've been here...a little over two years. As a matter of fact, I know someone right now who has two turkeys in a pen in their front yard. Can you say, romper-room no-no? The City Code says, ""It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any fowl (i.e. chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, turkeys, etc.) within the city limits." 2-102 (b). Unless you have a proper 4-H permit. If you need one of those, contact the City Clerk in City Hall. Otherwise, it's back to the country for your birds.
6. If you are a dog owner, there is a City Ordinance you should make yourself familiar with. It is Ordinance No. 4086, and it deals with animal restraint, and animal confinement. If you keep your pet outside, you really need to get a copy and read it. It was passed & became effective last May. It will be enforced this year. You can get a copy either by calling City Hall, 583-6511, or by calling the City Administrators office at 584-6140. Get a copy now, and save yourself some frustration later!
7. Now I know not everyone is all that familiar with every breed of dog. Especially now in an age where so many dogs are mixed breeds, like Jack Russells and Dachsunds. I even saw a Blue-heeler/Dachsund mix today. Cute little guy, mottled in color, with one blue eye. But it is hard to miss the fact that a dog is a pit bull, or has a mix of pit bull in them. In either case, they are not allowed within the city limits of Eureka. The City Code says in a nuttshell, that you cannot have a pit bull, or any mix of pit bull or any of the pit bull or the bull terrier breeds, including American Stafforshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The fines are heavy, and the dog may be confiscated. So, if you have any doubt about the dogs ancestry, it might be best to pick one you are more certain about.
8. Lastly for today, I'd like to discuss something called "Right Of Entry". Basically, this is a clause written into the City Code, which gives the Animal Control Officer and the Code Enforcement Officer - thats me - the right to enter upon private property to enforce the codes of the city. It reads as follows:
Chapter 2, article 2-208: "The impounding officer shall have the right of entry upon any private unenclosed lots or lands for the purpose of collecting any animal whose presence thereupon is a violation of this article. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the impounding officer in exercise of this right."
That means if Fido gets loose, and then runs home after I see it and chase it, and then sits on the porch, I can come up on the porch and impound the animal if I deem it necessary. It also means I can come into a yard and check on the welfare and proper tagging of any animal found in said yard. So, if a neighbor tells you I came into your yard while you were gone, and took a peek at Fidos collar to see if it had the proper tags, please do not call the office and scream at my boss about me trespassing on your property. It might be helpful to remember that had your pet not been breaking the law by running loose to begin with...even if it did come home, or had it been properly tagged in the first place...my visit would not have even been necessary. It might not be particularly helpful to stand in front of the Judge and accuse me of breaking the trespass law, when the city laws that you broke prompted my visit to begin with! I'm just sayin'!
So, to wrap up, let me make one final point. It is NEVER ok to beat your dog with a BBQ fork, crowbar, rake handle, shovel, ball peen hammer or anything else that may cause serious injury or even death. In the State of Kansas, that is called animal cruelty and abuse, and that is now a felony. Yes, dogs can be irritating at times. They can be stubborn, and often will not come when you call them. Often it is because they know they will be beaten with one of the above mentioned items if they do come, and often, it is because they have been chained up and neglected for so long, they hardly even KNOW their names, let alone have any incentive to come back to a chain around a tree! If your dog is hard to handle, maybe I can help. If they get loose, maybe I can help there too! It's worth a call at any rate, and could save you a lot of extra heart-ache. It's good to call the local radio station, and let people know your dog is missing. They perform a wonderful public service by announcing it, and should be commended for doing so! But they do not pick up your dog. I do. So after you call them, please, call me too! I might already have your dog. I am always willing to help you look for it! My number is 750-0302. Write it down. You might be glad you did! And Fido will thank you too!
A night in the pound, $75.00 or more. A night at home with his human family who love him...priceless!
Yep...summer is just around the corner. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, there are too many dogs (and cats) running loose around town. Making matters worse, it is already "the season" for many of the female dogs in town, and their would-be suitors are already beginning to make themselves known. So, in the interest of community relations, and because there is nothing I like better than having to repeat myself over & over...here are a few things you should know.
1. If you have a dog that has not been fixed...you should probably take care of that very soon. Not only will it be cheaper for you when it comes time to get those new tags, but it will also keep your male dogs closer to home, and eliminate the visitors your female dog gets in the wee hours of the morning. It is also better for your pets health if they are fixed. Hey...don't believe me? Ask your vet!
2. All dogs residing in the city limits of Eureka are required to have city tags. No exceptions. You are required to have a license for your car, even if it's broke and you can't drive it. Fido is required to have tags, even if he stays inside most of the time. In fact, the City Code for this reads..."No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog or dogs, cat or cats, regardless of age, within the city until he or she have paid the annual city taxes hereafter provided and procure from the city clerk a dog tag or cat tag for the current year for each such dog or cat." And just so you know, the tags for your un-neutered dog or cat, $30.00. If your dog or cat has been neutered....$4.00. And in order to get those city tags, your pets must also have current proof of rabies vaccinations.
3. This past Friday, I just released a dog that had been in quarantine for 10 days, because it came out of the yard, chased a young boy, and bit him. It was not current on its rabies shots, thus the need to be quarantined. At the risk of overstating the obvious, much of this could have been avoided simply by having the dog current on its shots, and by making sure the dog was properly restrained. No one wants to think their dog is capable or likely to be mean to someone. The truth, however, is that all dogs have the ability to be aggressive and territorial. That is why we have leash laws, and laws regarding dogs running at large...to protect us - and them - from this type of situation ever happening in the first place. So, do yourself...and your pet...a favor. Get those shots current, and keep them that way. It's not just the law, it's good common sense. If your dog does get loose - or is allowed to roam loose - and it bites someone, and then they have to go through that nasty series of painful rabies shots...well, it's a very good possibility you have just opened yourself up for a very expensive law suit. The last such lawsuit I read about from Minnesota, cost the owner $75,000. It cost the dog it's life. Enough said? Let's hope so!
4. So...what exactly IS running at large? Basically, it is allowing your dog to run free, anywhere within the city limits, where it is not under the owners direct control and supervision. And no, letting it run loose in your own yard to go potty is not ok, unless you are standing right there with it while it does its business. Let me emphasize this point! You cannot just open the door and let Fido run loose in your own yard, unless you are right there to supervise it, and the dog is under your direct control. Oh, and just so you know...if you chain or tether your dog in an area where it is within range of a public thoroughfare...like a sidewalk...it is still deemed to be "at-large". Your animal cannot be tied up in any area where it can reach people who are walking down the street, or down a sidewalk. If you want your dog to run free, move to the country, or fence in your yard. Otherwise, be a good neighbor, and a responsible pet owner, and keep Fido under control.
5. Its been a tough week. You are sooooo looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday. Then out of nowhere, promptly at the break of dawn, your slumber is disturbed by the noises of your neighbors roosters! Or the cackling of their chickens running around your yard. Running from your cat, or someone elses loose dog. Can't happen here in Eureka you say? Foolish child! Not only can it, but it has since I've been here...a little over two years. As a matter of fact, I know someone right now who has two turkeys in a pen in their front yard. Can you say, romper-room no-no? The City Code says, ""It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any fowl (i.e. chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, turkeys, etc.) within the city limits." 2-102 (b). Unless you have a proper 4-H permit. If you need one of those, contact the City Clerk in City Hall. Otherwise, it's back to the country for your birds.
6. If you are a dog owner, there is a City Ordinance you should make yourself familiar with. It is Ordinance No. 4086, and it deals with animal restraint, and animal confinement. If you keep your pet outside, you really need to get a copy and read it. It was passed & became effective last May. It will be enforced this year. You can get a copy either by calling City Hall, 583-6511, or by calling the City Administrators office at 584-6140. Get a copy now, and save yourself some frustration later!
7. Now I know not everyone is all that familiar with every breed of dog. Especially now in an age where so many dogs are mixed breeds, like Jack Russells and Dachsunds. I even saw a Blue-heeler/Dachsund mix today. Cute little guy, mottled in color, with one blue eye. But it is hard to miss the fact that a dog is a pit bull, or has a mix of pit bull in them. In either case, they are not allowed within the city limits of Eureka. The City Code says in a nuttshell, that you cannot have a pit bull, or any mix of pit bull or any of the pit bull or the bull terrier breeds, including American Stafforshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The fines are heavy, and the dog may be confiscated. So, if you have any doubt about the dogs ancestry, it might be best to pick one you are more certain about.
8. Lastly for today, I'd like to discuss something called "Right Of Entry". Basically, this is a clause written into the City Code, which gives the Animal Control Officer and the Code Enforcement Officer - thats me - the right to enter upon private property to enforce the codes of the city. It reads as follows:
Chapter 2, article 2-208: "The impounding officer shall have the right of entry upon any private unenclosed lots or lands for the purpose of collecting any animal whose presence thereupon is a violation of this article. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the impounding officer in exercise of this right."
That means if Fido gets loose, and then runs home after I see it and chase it, and then sits on the porch, I can come up on the porch and impound the animal if I deem it necessary. It also means I can come into a yard and check on the welfare and proper tagging of any animal found in said yard. So, if a neighbor tells you I came into your yard while you were gone, and took a peek at Fidos collar to see if it had the proper tags, please do not call the office and scream at my boss about me trespassing on your property. It might be helpful to remember that had your pet not been breaking the law by running loose to begin with...even if it did come home, or had it been properly tagged in the first place...my visit would not have even been necessary. It might not be particularly helpful to stand in front of the Judge and accuse me of breaking the trespass law, when the city laws that you broke prompted my visit to begin with! I'm just sayin'!
So, to wrap up, let me make one final point. It is NEVER ok to beat your dog with a BBQ fork, crowbar, rake handle, shovel, ball peen hammer or anything else that may cause serious injury or even death. In the State of Kansas, that is called animal cruelty and abuse, and that is now a felony. Yes, dogs can be irritating at times. They can be stubborn, and often will not come when you call them. Often it is because they know they will be beaten with one of the above mentioned items if they do come, and often, it is because they have been chained up and neglected for so long, they hardly even KNOW their names, let alone have any incentive to come back to a chain around a tree! If your dog is hard to handle, maybe I can help. If they get loose, maybe I can help there too! It's worth a call at any rate, and could save you a lot of extra heart-ache. It's good to call the local radio station, and let people know your dog is missing. They perform a wonderful public service by announcing it, and should be commended for doing so! But they do not pick up your dog. I do. So after you call them, please, call me too! I might already have your dog. I am always willing to help you look for it! My number is 750-0302. Write it down. You might be glad you did! And Fido will thank you too!
A night in the pound, $75.00 or more. A night at home with his human family who love him...priceless!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
COULD IT BE?
That bright orb in the sky...it almost looks like...why yes! The Sun! It looks like the Sun! It's been so long, I almost forgot!
One thing is for certain, our fuzzy friends haven't, and they are out to enjoy it. Which means we need to keep a closer eye on them! Just a friendly reminder...keep those doggies under your watchful eye! Just turning them out to roam free while they take a bathroom break, can wind up being a very expensive proposition for you, and a very uncomfortable one for your pet.
I cannot emphasize enough how much tougher the enforcement of the animal codes will be this year. Please...for the sake of your pet, and your finances...keep those wandering four-legged friends under close supervision.
One thing is for certain, our fuzzy friends haven't, and they are out to enjoy it. Which means we need to keep a closer eye on them! Just a friendly reminder...keep those doggies under your watchful eye! Just turning them out to roam free while they take a bathroom break, can wind up being a very expensive proposition for you, and a very uncomfortable one for your pet.
I cannot emphasize enough how much tougher the enforcement of the animal codes will be this year. Please...for the sake of your pet, and your finances...keep those wandering four-legged friends under close supervision.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
New Year - Same Old Problem!
At the risk of sounding too negative, it seems at first blush that the New Year is so far, not that new at all....at least as far as the dog situation goes. Everyday, as I drive around town, I see dogs, dogs, dogs running loose.
And to add insult to injury, the vast majority of them not only have collars, but they have collars without tags. Rottweiler, Border Collie, Pointer. These are not mutts. We are talking potentially high dollar dogs here. So....whats up dog owners?
Now I understand that sometimes, things happen, and Fido will take off. But why anyone would go through all the trouble of buying an expensive dog, outfitting it with a collar, and then never bother to call once it goes missing remains a mystery to me.
Is a dogs life so worthless, that the responsible party can't even pick up a phone to report it missing, or check to see if it has been picked up? I mean, if you care so little about it...why even get it in the first place?
Well, I understand that we can't legislate common decency and morality. Too bad, because sometimes I can't help but think it would be a good thing. You know, I once heard somewhere that you can tell the measure of a society by the way we treat our animals.
Considering the number of dogs we run through our pound with a population of only around 2900 people or so...you can't help but wonder what that says about us!
And to add insult to injury, the vast majority of them not only have collars, but they have collars without tags. Rottweiler, Border Collie, Pointer. These are not mutts. We are talking potentially high dollar dogs here. So....whats up dog owners?
Now I understand that sometimes, things happen, and Fido will take off. But why anyone would go through all the trouble of buying an expensive dog, outfitting it with a collar, and then never bother to call once it goes missing remains a mystery to me.
Is a dogs life so worthless, that the responsible party can't even pick up a phone to report it missing, or check to see if it has been picked up? I mean, if you care so little about it...why even get it in the first place?
Well, I understand that we can't legislate common decency and morality. Too bad, because sometimes I can't help but think it would be a good thing. You know, I once heard somewhere that you can tell the measure of a society by the way we treat our animals.
Considering the number of dogs we run through our pound with a population of only around 2900 people or so...you can't help but wonder what that says about us!
Monday, February 25, 2008
THANK YOU!
Just a special thank you to all who participated in the City Tag & Rabies Clinic we held on the 16th of February. And a special thanks to Dr. Droge and his staff for their participation as well. Obviously, having your pets tagged and vaccinated is important. The weather was nasty, and the roads were not much better, but if you braved it all to have your pet taken care of, you deserve a special thanks from all of us!
For those of you who missed us, just a reminder that it is vital you have your pets tagged and vaccinated. This year, Animal Control will be a little more proactive in checking for tags. So if you keep your dog chained up outside, please don't be surprised if I stop by to check their status.
Also, as a reminder, there is a new ordinance in effect for the tethering of your pets outside that will start to be enforced when the weather clears up. If you need a copy of this ordinace, please contact Animal Control and request a copy be mailed to you. Or, you can stop by where you pay your water bill, and request a copy there as well.
Finally, just a friendly reminder that there is an ordinance regarding cats as well. If you have a cat, they must also be tagged & vaccinated. If you allow your cat to run loose, it may be trapped along with many of the wild cats I trap every week. Without proper ID, I have no way of knowing a feral cat from a domesticated one, as a general rule. There are also many cat related diseases that your friendly tabby can contract from it's wilder friends if allowed to run loose, so please bear this in mind when considering allowing your cat to roam freely. Animal Control will be much more active this year in going after cats running at large, so please be advised, and act accordingly.
For those of you who missed us, just a reminder that it is vital you have your pets tagged and vaccinated. This year, Animal Control will be a little more proactive in checking for tags. So if you keep your dog chained up outside, please don't be surprised if I stop by to check their status.
Also, as a reminder, there is a new ordinance in effect for the tethering of your pets outside that will start to be enforced when the weather clears up. If you need a copy of this ordinace, please contact Animal Control and request a copy be mailed to you. Or, you can stop by where you pay your water bill, and request a copy there as well.
Finally, just a friendly reminder that there is an ordinance regarding cats as well. If you have a cat, they must also be tagged & vaccinated. If you allow your cat to run loose, it may be trapped along with many of the wild cats I trap every week. Without proper ID, I have no way of knowing a feral cat from a domesticated one, as a general rule. There are also many cat related diseases that your friendly tabby can contract from it's wilder friends if allowed to run loose, so please bear this in mind when considering allowing your cat to roam freely. Animal Control will be much more active this year in going after cats running at large, so please be advised, and act accordingly.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Dogs, dogs dogs....
"They're everywhere, they're everywhere!!!" Yep...I'm talking about dogs. I really shouldn't be...they are supposed to be restrained at home, instead of out wandering the neighborhood...but...you guessed it! No matter where I have gone for the past week, it's been a dog day afternoon!
I know, I know, that's why they pay me the big bucks. But frankly, I would be ok with being put of the "chase-your-loose-doggie" business. Really! I could take up needlepoint, work a few crossword puzzles...maybe even eat a few dozen doughnuts!
Now I know that sometimes, things happen, and Fido runs crazy throughout the neighborhood. But most of the dogs I have been chasing - and catching - lately, seem to be just running loose with little or no concern by the owners. How do I know that? Maybe because even though they have collars and are dragging six feet of chain behind them, no one ever bothers to call to see if they have been picked up. Not one call. Go figure!
So, in the hope that this message will be read by someone who still cares about their pets, please take note. If your dog gets loose, call me right away. I will help you find it if I can. It may even be that I have already found it, but because it was not properly tagged, I could not find it's home to return it. Hint, hint!
So, tag your pets. Please! It is the very best way to ensure they get home safely! The annual City Tag event will be coming up on February 16th, at Memorial Hall, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. You can get those city tags and the required rabies shots all in one quick trip!
And please, if you have a dog that is not fixed, get it done as soon as you possibly can! It will help your pet live longer, stay closer to home, and be much easier on the budget when it's time to get those annual city tags. A mere $4.00 versus $30.00!
Lets work together this year to keep more dogs at home, and fewer at the City Pound. I like doughnuts! Really!
I know, I know, that's why they pay me the big bucks. But frankly, I would be ok with being put of the "chase-your-loose-doggie" business. Really! I could take up needlepoint, work a few crossword puzzles...maybe even eat a few dozen doughnuts!
Now I know that sometimes, things happen, and Fido runs crazy throughout the neighborhood. But most of the dogs I have been chasing - and catching - lately, seem to be just running loose with little or no concern by the owners. How do I know that? Maybe because even though they have collars and are dragging six feet of chain behind them, no one ever bothers to call to see if they have been picked up. Not one call. Go figure!
So, in the hope that this message will be read by someone who still cares about their pets, please take note. If your dog gets loose, call me right away. I will help you find it if I can. It may even be that I have already found it, but because it was not properly tagged, I could not find it's home to return it. Hint, hint!
So, tag your pets. Please! It is the very best way to ensure they get home safely! The annual City Tag event will be coming up on February 16th, at Memorial Hall, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. You can get those city tags and the required rabies shots all in one quick trip!
And please, if you have a dog that is not fixed, get it done as soon as you possibly can! It will help your pet live longer, stay closer to home, and be much easier on the budget when it's time to get those annual city tags. A mere $4.00 versus $30.00!
Lets work together this year to keep more dogs at home, and fewer at the City Pound. I like doughnuts! Really!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Brrrrrr!
Well, it's official! It's cold outside!!! I know this because of the thermometer hanging on the wall next to my Rocket Science Degree!
So, not that most of you need any reminding, let me play "mother hen" and remind everyone anyway that if you have a pet outdoors, PLEASE be sure they are set up with a warm environment for the weather conditions.
Just a few helpfull hints:
1. If you are using hay or straw for the dog house, check it every couple of days. Moisture can and will accumulate in the bedding, and it may need to be turned or changed if it gets wet. Not only that, but most pets like to "spread it around" a little bit, so they may not have as much in their dog house as they now do outside their dog house!
2. Check those water bowls everyday. It's supposed to get down to 12 degrees tonight, so you can be sure that water will freeze. And unless there is direct sunlight on the bowl during the day, it may not defrost enough to provide potable drinking water.
3. Be aware that if you put out canned food for you dog, it will freeze too. I know most people use dry, but that food can form ice crystals as well, and become soggy later as it thaws.
4. And finally, please be cautious about using creative means to warm your doggies house. Placing an unprotected light bulb attached to an extension cord inside the dog house, can be very hazardous to your dogs health. Not only can they be electrocuted if they chew through the cord, but they can be badly burned if they get too close to the hot bulb. Seems like common sense, I know...but if I mention it here, it's because it has already been tried by someone. Really!
Also, heating pads and those small lap-style electric blankets are just as dangerous. Really, if it is so cold that you think you need to try these things, then maybe it's cold enough to bring the pet indoors for a day or so!
Lastly, just a friendly reminder that we have our annual City Tag & Rabies Clinc at Memorial Hall coming up soon. This year it will be held on February 16th (Saturday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Dr. Droge and his staff will also be there to provide any shots your pet might need as well. Your dog or cat will need a current rabies shot to get their City tags...and yes, cats are required to have tags as well!
Tags for dogs that have NOT been fixed will be $30.00, with tags for NON fixed cats running $20.00. If your pet HAS been spayed or neutered, their tags will only cost $4.00. This will be the cheapest time of the year to get your tags if your pet has not been spayed or neutered. Each month after this clinic, a late fee will be assessed, so by August, those tags could be a little pricey! So get them now, and be ahead of the game!
So, not that most of you need any reminding, let me play "mother hen" and remind everyone anyway that if you have a pet outdoors, PLEASE be sure they are set up with a warm environment for the weather conditions.
Just a few helpfull hints:
1. If you are using hay or straw for the dog house, check it every couple of days. Moisture can and will accumulate in the bedding, and it may need to be turned or changed if it gets wet. Not only that, but most pets like to "spread it around" a little bit, so they may not have as much in their dog house as they now do outside their dog house!
2. Check those water bowls everyday. It's supposed to get down to 12 degrees tonight, so you can be sure that water will freeze. And unless there is direct sunlight on the bowl during the day, it may not defrost enough to provide potable drinking water.
3. Be aware that if you put out canned food for you dog, it will freeze too. I know most people use dry, but that food can form ice crystals as well, and become soggy later as it thaws.
4. And finally, please be cautious about using creative means to warm your doggies house. Placing an unprotected light bulb attached to an extension cord inside the dog house, can be very hazardous to your dogs health. Not only can they be electrocuted if they chew through the cord, but they can be badly burned if they get too close to the hot bulb. Seems like common sense, I know...but if I mention it here, it's because it has already been tried by someone. Really!
Also, heating pads and those small lap-style electric blankets are just as dangerous. Really, if it is so cold that you think you need to try these things, then maybe it's cold enough to bring the pet indoors for a day or so!
Lastly, just a friendly reminder that we have our annual City Tag & Rabies Clinc at Memorial Hall coming up soon. This year it will be held on February 16th (Saturday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Dr. Droge and his staff will also be there to provide any shots your pet might need as well. Your dog or cat will need a current rabies shot to get their City tags...and yes, cats are required to have tags as well!
Tags for dogs that have NOT been fixed will be $30.00, with tags for NON fixed cats running $20.00. If your pet HAS been spayed or neutered, their tags will only cost $4.00. This will be the cheapest time of the year to get your tags if your pet has not been spayed or neutered. Each month after this clinic, a late fee will be assessed, so by August, those tags could be a little pricey! So get them now, and be ahead of the game!
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