Thursday, March 31, 2011

Paws for a Cause Walk!

Diann Ambs designed the winning logo for this year's walk.  The walk will be September 17, 2011, rain or shine.  More details will be in future blogs.

Update on Miracle:
Her jaw is shattered and she will need surgery.  We have an appointment with a specialist on Monday.  I'm appreciative to all the people who have called in tips about who might own the dog and to all the donors who want her to have surgery to repair her jaw.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Miracle

If you read my post yesterday you will know that Miracle is the lab mix dog that was shot three times.  She is still at the vet's office and may be there awhile.  She had the bullet removed from her jaw, which is broken.  She may need a plate and wiring of her jaw on the right side.  Despite her injury, she was able to eat a little soft food.

I'm so disappointed that someone hasn't come forward to claim this dog.  My fear is that the owner was  the shooter.  The media has been wonderful about letting the public know about Miracle.  I will keep you updated with any news.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Do you recognize this dog?

This is 'Miracle'.  She is the dog that was shot 3 times, and managed to survive.  She will be having surgery to remove the bullet in her jaw because it is draining and filling with fluid.  We would like to find the person who did this.  If you know anything about this dog that was found on Dubois Hollow Road in Trout Run, please contact the shelter at 570-322-4646.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Guns ):-(

I'm a city girl.I have lived and worked in metropolitan areas most of my life.  When I moved to the Williamsport area I had my first rude awakening about guns on Doe day.  I was traveling between Philadelphia and Williamsport via the Northeast extension and interstate 80.  There were dead and gutted deer on roofs, hoods, trucks, etc.  Whoa!  What a shock for a city girl.

Now that I have lived in the area for 25 years, I've become more accustomed to the way of hunters.  However, I draw the line at shooting dogs.  Today, we received a call about an injured dog in the Trout Run area.  Our employee couldn't even get the van up the mountain road because of the ice.  She flagged down a passing motorist who had a flatbed truck.  Unfortunately she did not get the name of this nice man, but thanks to the good Samaritan who gave her a ride to pick up the dog.

The lab mix dog was found by the side of the road with bloody wounds, just shivering where she stood.  Despite her injuries, the dog was friendly and allowed our employee to cover her with blankets and place her in the truck bed.  And if you want to talk about a dedicated employee, she rode in the back with the dog to the van.

The dog was immediately transported to the vet where, upon closer inspection, the dog was found to be shot three times!

The female lab mix is being stabilized with IV fluids, and medication.  X-Rays have been taken.  We have to wait and see how she responds, and if any further treatment will be necessary.

Guns  ):-(

Friday, March 25, 2011

Air Conditioning

You must think I'm crazy to think about air conditioning, but what better time to have it installed than before we actually need it.  Let me back track.

Last summer was very hot a humid. (Remember that?)  In an effort to cool the dog kennels, we closed all the windows and doors, opened the main door to the kennel, turned down the air to 65, and tried to blow cool air into the kennels.  As a result, the dogs were cool but many developed kennel cough because we were not recirculating the air.

So when I was approached by a couple who asked me what projects I wanted to see accomplished I immediately thought of the air conditioning.  I also thought about the cat room and how nice it would be for the cats to have a sun room to run around in.  So,  I told them my suggestions, and they donated the funds to do both projects!!!!

Not only that, but because the heating is 12 years old, the installer recommended replacing the heating and air conditioning at the same time.  When I presented both estimates to the donors, they agreed. 

So   the heating and air conditioning are being installed this week and we are ready for our first heat wave.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Spring is here!?

The onset of spring brings crazy weather and an influx of animals.  For a while, we had very few dogs and cats, now our kennel is half full.  We are up to 199 adoptions so far this year and 89 animals were returned to their owner.  We are trying various ideas to bump up adoptions.  One idea is to offer a 50% reduction in the adoption fee for an animal that has been at the shelter for 30 days or more.

Purina will pay the adoption fee for Senior Citizens aged 60 or older-so spread the word.

Help pass the word about our special animals especially Queen.  She has been at the shelter since 1/21/11.  She a petite little girl, quiet and a little shy.  Pass the word that this cutie needs a home.  Her adoption fee is 50% off!  That includes her shots, leukemia test, and spaying.  What a deal for just $25!!!!!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Flu

The flu is going through our shelter for both the humans and the animals.  For the humans, the flu virus eventually goes away.  Unfortunately for the cats, it is here to stay.

Shelters have the difficulty of dealing with various animals pathogens.  Here at the Lycoming County SPCA, we deal with it by scrupulously cleaning every kennel, every day.  Whew! What a lot of work. 

Even with all the cleaning and disinfection, some pathogens just won't go away.  It is most difficult for the cats who can get upper respiratory infections. The symptoms can range from a runny nose and watery eyes to pneumonia.  Despite our best efforts, most of the cats catch the flu.  We used to have a veterinarian who volunteered her time here every week and we asked her, "What can we do"?  Her response was, just house one cat. 

Basically, it is one of those airborne diseases that float through the shelter.  When people visit they stir up the air.  Then if a cat is shedding the virus, and visitors pet that cat, then go into the next kennel and pet the next cat, you have spread of the virus.  Do we have signs not to pet the animals?  You betcha. 

So what to do?  Me I'm going back to bed.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Nice Note

This was a really good week.  We received several nice compliments on how nice our shelter is and how helpful the staff is.  I am especially pleased because an adopter took the time to write me a note to say how much she loved her "beautiful new dog".  This is saying a lot because as you can see from the pictures, she was extremely thin, and had gained about 10 pounds when she was adopted.  Knowing the woman who was looking to adopt, I pointed out this particular dog because she is so sweet despite almost being starved to death.  This is what makes me happy in my job.  Helping wonderful animals find wonderful adopters.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

You won't believe what we found

This is a leg hold trap.  It was found in the City of Williamsport with an unfortunate cat caught in it.  The top picture is the trap in the open position and the lower one in the closed position.  Unfortunately the cat was feral and we had to euthanize it because of the extent of its injuries.  It is hard to believe that someone in this day and age would use such a thing in the heart of the city!  Every day brings a new surprise.

I didn't forget about the food budget.  Can you believe that it is only $100?   And the only time we usually need it is when we have unusual animals such as birds, turtles, fish, or other small animals.  (Did you guess correctly?)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Birthdays Are Great!

Alexander Kremer invited 37 of his friends to help him celebrate his 9th birthday by donating items for the SPCA.  His sister Lauren helped with the delivery.  There was a little bit of everything from the wish list including postage stamps, a gfit card, and checks. 

Whenever I give tours of the SPCA I always throw in some trivia questions.  One of the questions I often ask is how much do you think I budget for food for the animals every year?  Our budget is approximately $600,000.  And we receive over 4,000 animals every year.  So, how much money does it take to feed all of those animals?  You might be surprised to learn that I don't even use all I budget because we constantly receive donations of dog and cat food.  So think about it and I'll let you know tomorrow.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Cute Video

We have a wonderful trainer named Lisa who works with the shelter dogs.  Today she was working with Bubba Ray and taught him a great trick.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. And if you did, pass it on so that Bubba can find a home.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Free Adoption

Purina offers to pay the adoption fee for cat adoptions for senior citizens aged 60 or older.  I was so pleased to help a woman adopt cuddles today.  I was touched by her story of missing her little Pomeranian. She said that she still lays in bed and tries to pet him. 

Now she has a new addition to her home.  They seemed suited for each other and I know that Cuddles will receive lots of love.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Expressions of Gratitude

Just when I thought the day couldn't get worse, a woman approached me.  When I saw the expression on her face I thought uh-oh, she doesn't look happy.  But then she said, "How can I make a donation?  You do good work here."

What a pleasant surprise!  In an age when all people want to do is complain, I am so grateful to the individuals who say things like that.  Because we are dealing with the lives of animals and the people who are affected by animals, we experience a gamut of emotions. 

Every single day someone makes my day by bringing in donations, or giving a compliment.  Thank you, Thank you!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Good Day

I'm always amazed at the number of people who want to help the animals.  From the very young, to the very old.  This is the second time that Isabel Boyles celebrated her birthday by asking for gifts for the SPCA animals.  I don't care who you are-this has got to make you smile!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Busy Day

It is always difficult when someone calls off from work because we run so lean to begin with.  Luckily, I have wonderful employees who step up to the plate and help when the phone is ringing off the hook, the lobby is full of people, and so many animals are coming and going.  From 10 AM to 5 PM we had 4 people working the front desk.  We received 14 animals and by coincidence, there were 14 animals that went out.  So, 24 animals were handled by 4 people over 7 hours.  Plus, they had to take care of the animals that were already in the shelter, all the while answering the non-stop ringing of the phone. 

I help where I can, but I do have lots to do too.  Like write this blog!  :)