Photo Opportunity

Beckers photography is offering pet photos.  Check it out because the SPCA benefits also.

Fireworks

Fourth of July is very stressful for animals especially dogs.  The booming of fireworks creates a frenzy that causes dogs to run to escape the fearful noise.  If you have a dog that you know is fearful of thunder, or fireworks, be prepared to keep them in a safe location to prevent them from running off.  And if you do lose your dog, please check with our local animal shelter to report the loss.

Vacation Time

My previous blog was about summertime stress, now it is vacation.  Can you see the connection?  I am especially looking forward to my vacation this year because my daughters and grandson will be with me.  Unfortunately, not my pets.

I do miss them when I'm away but I am fortunate to have a few people I can depend on to care for them in my absence.  I wish every pet owner did as well.  We get reports at the SPCA all the time about people who leave for the weekend or even a week without proper care for their pets.  People will tie their dogs outside and leave.  Often, the animals run out of food and water.  Sometimes, a kind neighbor will take pity on the animal and provide food and water.  The difficulty is that when our officers go to check up on the animals and they do have food and water, we would need the testimony of the witness to prove that the animal is neglected and that neighbors have been providing care. 

You can be sure that I will think about the animals while I am away and if I can get wireless service, I will check on-line to see what is new.  

Until next time......

Summertime Stress

Summer is our busiest time of year.  Dogs want to romp and play, cats are having kittens, kids are home from school and want a pet, investigations proceed as unthinking people expose their pets to summertime hazards, we get support, and we get grief.

If there is any time of the year we need staff the most, it is the summertime.  And of course, this is prime time for staff to vacation. So as we struggle to keep up with the demands of our job, keep in mind that we are only human and need a chance to regroup too.

Thanks to all who follow this blog.  Don't forget to check out our web-site as well at www.lycomigspca.org and while you are there, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.

Reward Reminder

There is a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the prosecution of the person who shot the white German Shepherd from Cogan Station.  The dog was found tied to a cinder block in the river near Jersey Shore.  While we have circumstantial evidence, we need proof in order to make an arrest.   If you know of anyone who has bragged about shooting a dog, please come forward.  We would like to make an arrest!

Yin Yang

Two events that give me responses that are polar opposites occurred this week.  First Miracle was adopted!

She had a rough start when we found her, having been shot three times, and then undergoing several surgical procedures.  Despite her injuries and the major surgery to repair her jaw, she remained a loving and affectionate dog.  He new family understands her needs and already love her. 

On the other hand, our Humane Society Police Officers had a case that I found to be downright tragic.  We received a call about an owner beating his dog.  According to witnesses, one dog got out of his yard.  They owner picked it up and threw it into the yard where it fell against a bicycle.  The man then picked the dog up and punched it repeatedly.  Our officers seized the beaten dog and the other dog that lived there as well.  The hearing was held, the owner found guilty.  Magistrate Shriner, ordered that the dogs be returned to the owner and denied restitution for the care of the second dog because it was not the one that was beaten!   To make matters worse, the dog owner was already under probation for assault.  People complain that we don't do our jobs, when in fact, Judges like this are not animal advocates.  We are limited by the law and unfortunately, the animals suffer.

441 Adoptions and Counting

On April 13, I reported 254 adoptions to date.  I am happy to say that we are now up to 441 this calendar year. 

The staff develops attachments to certain animals so it is a bittersweet event when that animal is adopted.  That is how I am feeling at this moment as I wait for Miracle to be picked up.  A lovely family met her yesterday and is anxious to take her home.

I will miss Miracle.  She has spent the past month in my office, chewing her bones, tearing up stuffed animals, getting into my trash can, trying to sit in my lap, wagging happily every time she sees me.......
I will miss her but look forward to the next animal I can love until the right adopter comes along.

Completely Full

I hate to say we have no room at the inn, but.....

Saturday was a banner day for adoptions, 15 in all, but on the other hand, we received 14 animals.  We have quite a balancing act going on.

So now every single kennel is full and we need to find homes for our animals.  Hopefully tomorrow will be the day for adoptions.  Pass the word.

Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits

We now have 14 rabbits for adoption.  They were housed in a metal shed without ventilation and in unsanitary conditions.  Luckily the owner signed them over to us so that we could find new homes for them.

Many people believe our criminal justice system does not work.  There are many things about it I do not like either.  But if we could leave the individuals in the same conditions we find some of these unfortunate animals, I be we would not have repeat offenders.  It would work for everyone because we actually do have some people who live in squalor with their animals.  Those people should be taught how to properly clean.

I digress.  We have 14 rabbits, 13 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, 58 cats and kittens, and 63 dogs in our system.  We seem to bulge at the seems during the Summer and officially it is still Spring!

PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PETS.

Heat Reminders

This poster, courtesy of www.mydogiscool.com aptly explains the dog in car conundrum.  People sometimes forget how quickly a car can heat up and sometimes need reminders.  If you see a dog in a car, and feel that it is too hot, go to the service desk at the nearest store where the car is parked.  Ask the employee to page the owner of the car and provide a description of the car and it license plate number.  If the owner comes tell them it is too hot for the dog in the car and ask them to go and take care of the dog.  A panting dog is obviously hot.  But if the dog is drooling, lethargic, or unresponsive; emergency action is needed.  Never immerse a dog in ice water as this can cause shock.  If the dog is responsive, provide water to drink.  Wet towels with cool water and apply to belly, groin, and arm pit areas.  If unresponsive, apply cool towels and take to a veterinarian immediately.  Quick action can prevent the death of an animal.

Busiest Time of Year

I've been remiss in writing.  I would like to blame it on being too busy with shelter, fundraising, and outreach events, in fact I think I will.

The shelter was closed last week for the holiday, and closed again on Wednesday so that the staff would be able to work the Expo on Sunday.  It seemed like a very short week.

But, hopefully, I am back in the swing of things and we can focus on Adopt-a-cat month.

Pass the word along.  We want to empty our shelter and find loving homes for all of our cats.  We are accepting donations of the adopter's choice for adult cats, and we are adopting two kittens for the price of one.  Adoptions include initial shots, flea treatment, a microchip with registration, 30 days free health insurance with a valid e-mail, and of course a loving pet. 


If your house is already full, you can still help by encouraging friends, families, neighbors, and other pet lovers to visit our shelter.  A visit is always welcome and often leads to positive action.  Thanks for spreading the word.