This is just a sincere "Thank You!" to all who participated in the Annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic, held this past Saturday, February 21st.
Last count was at 105 tags sold, which was double what we did last year. And today Monday), I know others came and purchased their tags, since they were unable to make it Saturday.
Obviously, we all know there are many more than 105 dogs and cats living within the city limits. But, now that the price of tags has been lowered, it is hoped that it will make it easier for all to get their tags throughout the year, and getting the tags is what is truly important...no matter when it happens!
So thanks again to all who participated, and a special thank you to Dr. Droge and his staff, who worked very hard to keep up with the long lines. We are talking about even trying to do another one in a few months. We'll keep you posted!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
ANNUAL CITY TAG & RABIES CLINIC
If your pets could talk…they’d be telling you that you need to come to the Clinic this coming Saturday, February 21st, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and get their City tags and rabies shots! The Clinic will be held at Memorial Hall.
The cost of City tags for all dogs and cats that have not been fixed is now only $6.00! It is $4.00 for those that have been spayed or neutered.
Doctor Droge and his fine staff will also be present to get those rabies shots – which are required to get City tags – and any other shots your pets might need. He will be offering all shots and worming treatments at a discounted price…so now is the time to get them done!
If your pet is current on its rabies vaccination, please bring proof with you to the Clinic.
Current City tags and rabies vaccinations are required all dogs & cats living within the city limits. Tags are required, whether or not the pet is an inside animal or not. City tags are required on all puppies and kittens, regardless of age. Rabies shots are not required on animals under six months of age.
Any questions should be directed to the Animal Control Officer : 750-0302, or the City Clerk : 583-6511
The cost of City tags for all dogs and cats that have not been fixed is now only $6.00! It is $4.00 for those that have been spayed or neutered.
Doctor Droge and his fine staff will also be present to get those rabies shots – which are required to get City tags – and any other shots your pets might need. He will be offering all shots and worming treatments at a discounted price…so now is the time to get them done!
If your pet is current on its rabies vaccination, please bring proof with you to the Clinic.
Current City tags and rabies vaccinations are required all dogs & cats living within the city limits. Tags are required, whether or not the pet is an inside animal or not. City tags are required on all puppies and kittens, regardless of age. Rabies shots are not required on animals under six months of age.
Any questions should be directed to the Animal Control Officer : 750-0302, or the City Clerk : 583-6511
Monday, February 2, 2009
A friendly dog is a good dog!
Many years ago, I learned in a psychology class while in college about the detrimental effects of proper external stimuli on animals (both the two and the four legged variety), and how it can adversley affect them as they get older.
An example in our text book reflected on two groups of kittens. One group was allowed to roam free, and do what kittens do...climb, jump, play fight, play with toys, chase string and so on.
Another group was deprived of those experiences. They were kept in an area that was comfortable, but devoid of the space needed to learn play, develop proper socialization skills with other animals, and devoid of changes in their external stimuli. The area they were kept was always lit, very quiet and they were kept from prolonged exposure to other of their kind.
The findings of this study were quite informative. The kittens who were exposed to an open, stimulus filled existence, were able to jump up and down at will on things like furniture. They had no apparent fear of heights, reacted in a positive manner when exposed to other kittens from outside their control group, and enjoyed play activities.
The kittens that were deprived of the same open environment were not well developed. The would not jump up on furniture - like chairs or couches. When placed up on these items, they were afraid to jump down. They did not climb like normal kittens, and when exposed to high levels of external stimuli - like screaming children, loud music, etc., they became very fearful and withdrawn. They exhibited anti-social behavior when exposed to others of their age group and species. When presented with toys, or string to chase, they just sat there and stared at them. Also, because they were never exposed to darkness, they showed a marked lack of development with regards to their night vision ability, and so they also became fearful of darkened spaces, because they could not navigate like normal.
Why do I relate this story? Mainly because on my daily travels around Eureka, I often encounter many animals that display the unfortunate behaviorial symptoms of those under stimulated kittens. These animals tend to be fearful of people, agressive towards people and/or other animals - even of their own species - and are fearful of doing things that normal animals would take for granted...like playing with toys, jumping up onto a seat in a vehicle, or walking on a leash. Often, these animals are not even trained well enough to come when called by their own name.
Many of these animals have not been properly socialized, spending much - if not all -of their lives at the end of chain in the back yard. Not much use for a name if they are left to chase their tails all day as they wrap those chains around a tree.
No need to learn to come to their name when they are called either, since once they are finally free to run, they have no intention of returning to the meager existence from which they just escaped. They view most other animals as either threats to their personal safety, or competition for mates or food. People walking, other animals attempting to be sociable, children playing are all seen as things to fear. In the animal kingdom, you either run from what you fear...or you try and dominate it.
The point of this article is not about whether or not an animal should be chained up or not. It is about the need to properly socialize our pets. Not just to other animals, but most importantly to people. Walking people, people riding bicycles, children running and shouting. All the things that normal people do everyday. Your dog does not have to be so well socialized that it would rather sleep in your neighbors bed than yours...but it should not try and bite your neighbors hand off when offered either. It should be trained to learn and respond to its named being called, even by your neighbor. It should not chase people walking or riding a bike in a threatening manner, and it should never chase and try and bite children runnning in play.
The good news is that when the deprived group of kittens were provided with the necessary stimuli need for proper growth and development, they began to act as kittens should. After three months of normal exposure to all the things they lacked, they were all at the same point of development as their peers from the first group. By the age of nine months, all the kittens from both groups were perfectly normal. Well socialized and happy!
Your pet can also be properly socialized - even in the later periods of its life. Although studies show that the maximum benefit of training comes in the early stages of its life as a puppy, training can also be very effective even as late as six or seven years old. It also proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks!
These studies also show that a well socialized animal is happier, less destructive to its home environment, and more tolerant of other animals - often even those of a different species, like cats. So take a little extra time with your dog. Ten minutes a day, every day to start. It will pay diividends down the road for you and your pet. And remember, a freindly dog is a good dog! All dogs want to be good...they just need us to show them the way!
An example in our text book reflected on two groups of kittens. One group was allowed to roam free, and do what kittens do...climb, jump, play fight, play with toys, chase string and so on.
Another group was deprived of those experiences. They were kept in an area that was comfortable, but devoid of the space needed to learn play, develop proper socialization skills with other animals, and devoid of changes in their external stimuli. The area they were kept was always lit, very quiet and they were kept from prolonged exposure to other of their kind.
The findings of this study were quite informative. The kittens who were exposed to an open, stimulus filled existence, were able to jump up and down at will on things like furniture. They had no apparent fear of heights, reacted in a positive manner when exposed to other kittens from outside their control group, and enjoyed play activities.
The kittens that were deprived of the same open environment were not well developed. The would not jump up on furniture - like chairs or couches. When placed up on these items, they were afraid to jump down. They did not climb like normal kittens, and when exposed to high levels of external stimuli - like screaming children, loud music, etc., they became very fearful and withdrawn. They exhibited anti-social behavior when exposed to others of their age group and species. When presented with toys, or string to chase, they just sat there and stared at them. Also, because they were never exposed to darkness, they showed a marked lack of development with regards to their night vision ability, and so they also became fearful of darkened spaces, because they could not navigate like normal.
Why do I relate this story? Mainly because on my daily travels around Eureka, I often encounter many animals that display the unfortunate behaviorial symptoms of those under stimulated kittens. These animals tend to be fearful of people, agressive towards people and/or other animals - even of their own species - and are fearful of doing things that normal animals would take for granted...like playing with toys, jumping up onto a seat in a vehicle, or walking on a leash. Often, these animals are not even trained well enough to come when called by their own name.
Many of these animals have not been properly socialized, spending much - if not all -of their lives at the end of chain in the back yard. Not much use for a name if they are left to chase their tails all day as they wrap those chains around a tree.
No need to learn to come to their name when they are called either, since once they are finally free to run, they have no intention of returning to the meager existence from which they just escaped. They view most other animals as either threats to their personal safety, or competition for mates or food. People walking, other animals attempting to be sociable, children playing are all seen as things to fear. In the animal kingdom, you either run from what you fear...or you try and dominate it.
The point of this article is not about whether or not an animal should be chained up or not. It is about the need to properly socialize our pets. Not just to other animals, but most importantly to people. Walking people, people riding bicycles, children running and shouting. All the things that normal people do everyday. Your dog does not have to be so well socialized that it would rather sleep in your neighbors bed than yours...but it should not try and bite your neighbors hand off when offered either. It should be trained to learn and respond to its named being called, even by your neighbor. It should not chase people walking or riding a bike in a threatening manner, and it should never chase and try and bite children runnning in play.
The good news is that when the deprived group of kittens were provided with the necessary stimuli need for proper growth and development, they began to act as kittens should. After three months of normal exposure to all the things they lacked, they were all at the same point of development as their peers from the first group. By the age of nine months, all the kittens from both groups were perfectly normal. Well socialized and happy!
Your pet can also be properly socialized - even in the later periods of its life. Although studies show that the maximum benefit of training comes in the early stages of its life as a puppy, training can also be very effective even as late as six or seven years old. It also proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks!
These studies also show that a well socialized animal is happier, less destructive to its home environment, and more tolerant of other animals - often even those of a different species, like cats. So take a little extra time with your dog. Ten minutes a day, every day to start. It will pay diividends down the road for you and your pet. And remember, a freindly dog is a good dog! All dogs want to be good...they just need us to show them the way!
Monday, January 19, 2009
ANUAL CITY TAG & RABIES CLINIC
Every year around this time, the City of Eureka and Dr. Droge and his staff get together and have our annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic. This year will be no different. The Clinic will be held on February 21st, at Memorial Hall, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.
This is the best time of the year to purchase those annual City tags for your dogs and cats. Yes, I said cats. City Code requires cats have tags as well as dogs. The cost of tags for animals that have been spayed or neutered is $4.00. For animals that have not been spayed or neutered, $30.00. This is really the very best time of the year to get these tags, because after March, there will be a $2.00 penalty fee for every month past March that you wait. So...that $30.00 tag you might have purchased in March, will cost you $42.00 in September for example. So getting them now, can save you later. Also, a dog or cat with tags is much easier to return home in the event they slip out and get picked up.
Dr. Droge will also be offering a discount on his shots as well, although at this time, I do not have information on what it will be. A current rabies vaccination is required for the purchase of City tags. Typically, rabies vaccinations are good for a year, although longer term vaccinations are available. Ask Dr. Droge what is best for you and your pet.
Please be aware that City tags are due every year, in March. If you get a dog in August and get your tags then, they will still need to be renewed in March of the following year. They do not go from August to August, November to November, and so forth.
As a final note, please be aware that every dog or cat is required to have current rabies and City tags if they reside within the City limits. While there is a age limit for the rabies vaccination (generally puppies and kittens under 6 months of age are not required to have rabies shots), there is no such age limit for the City tags. Puppies and kittens are required to have the City tags, regardless of age.
I would like to encourage all pet owners to do the right thing, and get your pets vaccinated and tagged. The fines can be steep if you are caught without them. More importantly, the rabies vaccination is also a public health issue, since household pets can come into contact with rabid squirrels, raccoons, skunks and other critters. Help protect your pets, and your community, and gets those shots and tags while they are the least expensive! Your pets will thank you, and your neighbors will too!
This is the best time of the year to purchase those annual City tags for your dogs and cats. Yes, I said cats. City Code requires cats have tags as well as dogs. The cost of tags for animals that have been spayed or neutered is $4.00. For animals that have not been spayed or neutered, $30.00. This is really the very best time of the year to get these tags, because after March, there will be a $2.00 penalty fee for every month past March that you wait. So...that $30.00 tag you might have purchased in March, will cost you $42.00 in September for example. So getting them now, can save you later. Also, a dog or cat with tags is much easier to return home in the event they slip out and get picked up.
Dr. Droge will also be offering a discount on his shots as well, although at this time, I do not have information on what it will be. A current rabies vaccination is required for the purchase of City tags. Typically, rabies vaccinations are good for a year, although longer term vaccinations are available. Ask Dr. Droge what is best for you and your pet.
Please be aware that City tags are due every year, in March. If you get a dog in August and get your tags then, they will still need to be renewed in March of the following year. They do not go from August to August, November to November, and so forth.
As a final note, please be aware that every dog or cat is required to have current rabies and City tags if they reside within the City limits. While there is a age limit for the rabies vaccination (generally puppies and kittens under 6 months of age are not required to have rabies shots), there is no such age limit for the City tags. Puppies and kittens are required to have the City tags, regardless of age.
I would like to encourage all pet owners to do the right thing, and get your pets vaccinated and tagged. The fines can be steep if you are caught without them. More importantly, the rabies vaccination is also a public health issue, since household pets can come into contact with rabid squirrels, raccoons, skunks and other critters. Help protect your pets, and your community, and gets those shots and tags while they are the least expensive! Your pets will thank you, and your neighbors will too!
Monday, January 12, 2009
A New Year!
The year may be new, but - alas - we still have the same old problems. Too many dogs running loose. Too many animals without current rabies vacinations or current City tags. And of course, too many animals without good homes.
Let's all try and make this a better year than 2008. Please be more vigilant with your pets. If you are unsure about the current City Codes regarding the number & types of animals you are allowed, please call me at 750-0302. I would happy to help you figure out what you need to do to avoid getting an unnesscesary citation.
If you have issues regarding the training of your dog, the best food for your pets, or need to know more about the City Tethering Ordinance, please be sure to call me as well.
The annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic will be sponsored again this year, and is currently scheduled to happen in February. It will be at Memorial Hall like it was last year. I will make sure an ad is posted in the paper, and will also annnounce it on the radio. A poster will also placed on the door at City Hall. The actual day and time has not been set yet, but will be decided soon...so check back frequently.
Let's all work together this year and make Eureka a safer and more pet friendly community!
Let's all try and make this a better year than 2008. Please be more vigilant with your pets. If you are unsure about the current City Codes regarding the number & types of animals you are allowed, please call me at 750-0302. I would happy to help you figure out what you need to do to avoid getting an unnesscesary citation.
If you have issues regarding the training of your dog, the best food for your pets, or need to know more about the City Tethering Ordinance, please be sure to call me as well.
The annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic will be sponsored again this year, and is currently scheduled to happen in February. It will be at Memorial Hall like it was last year. I will make sure an ad is posted in the paper, and will also annnounce it on the radio. A poster will also placed on the door at City Hall. The actual day and time has not been set yet, but will be decided soon...so check back frequently.
Let's all work together this year and make Eureka a safer and more pet friendly community!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thanks for your support!
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!
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!
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!
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