Saturday, September 29, 2012

Archie's Job Performance

This is Archie on the job (so to speak).  Since he is new to the job, and since cats are nocturnal, we are giving consideration to his work performance.  (Or lack there of.) 

I'm thinking that his work performance at 4 PM is due to the cat nip pillow that someone gave him.
I'm wondering if we should allow cat nip be on the job?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Meet Our Newest Employee

Several years ago we had as many as five 'house cats'.  They would roam the shelter, greet customers, run away from children, and nag the staff for affection.  Little did we know that they were performing another task while we were away from the shelter.  Mouse control!! 

Since our last house cat-Paco-passed away, we have been swamped with mice.  I was fortunate enough to open a desk drawer and find a mouse sitting there.  He is now deaf because of the scream that involuntarily erupted from my mouth.

Every staff member has found mouse droppings on their desk, or in their desk drawers.  So....... we hired Archie.  Following is his job description:
LYCOMING COUNTY SPCA
JOB DESCRIPTION              FLSA: EXEMPT

Job Title:            House Cat

Job Summary:   Keeps the shelter mouse free by quickly dispatching any non-domestic mice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.      Patrols the shelter lobby, offices, intakes rooms, grooming room and kitchen to chase off mice.
2.      Dispatches any and all non-domestic mice that are found in the building.
3.      Is friendly with all staff ,volunteers, and visitors,
4.      Uses litter box.
5.      Stays away from all dogs.

Education:                         On the job training.

Prior Experience:            Experience preferred but will train.

On-the-job Training:      Job proficiency must be attained within six months.

Knowledge and skills:     Can identify mice.

Special Qualifications:   Must have the ability to capture and dispose of all non-domestic mice in the shelter.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Paws for a Cause! Update

We are flexible and resilient.  So when the call came in that the Arch Street entrance to the Susquehanna State Park was being closed to vehicles, I went to the park immediately.  There I found out that vehicles would need to enter the park through the South Williamsport entrance of the new Arch Street bridge.  But....Once there it would be very difficult to walk to the shelter.  So, we are changing the location for the registration for our walk to the shelter at 2805 Reach Road. 

We hope that you will still attend.  Your donations help over 4,000 animals every year, so your support is vital to the ongoing care of our wonderful animals.  Please plan to attend on Saturday, September 15 at 9 am.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Beware of So Called 'Rescues'

I know of three women who claim to be animal rescues.  I can also tell you that these women have been investigated multiple times for neglect.  Basically they are hoarders with big hearts and the inability to take on animals.  So please, when you donate your hard earned money, please be sure that the charity is truly a registered charity within your state.  Do not rely on their web-site or facebook page because that is what the individuals want you to believe.

A true charity should welcome your visit and should be willing to show you audited financials as to where your donations are being used. 

One of the so called rescues in our area will remove our donation banks from area businesses, keep our money, and replace the can with their can!

It is not that I would deny another valid charity any donations.  I would welcome the proper care and love of another rescue group.  But when our Humane Society Police Officers receive multiple calls, and must make multiple visits to another 'rescue', I have to think twice about whether they do more harm than good.  And you should too.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Longtimer of the Week




This is Nero.  He is a Pit Bull Retriever Mix.  As you can see from the date on his photo, he came to the shelter on April 2, 2012. He is being overlooked because of his breed.  He is neutered and up to date on all of his shots.  "Special Forces" SPCA volunteers have been working with him to learn good leash manners, sit, stay, down, and come.  His ultimate training will be to earn a canine good citizen certificate.

You must see Nero for your self.  He is a wonderful dog and will be a loyal companion for someone.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Paws for a Cause!


Join us for Paws for a Cause! on Saturday, September 15 as we attempt to raise $15,000 in needed funds to help care for SPCA animals. Registration begins at 9 am.  We will begin the walk at 10 am and will link one walker to the next with green ribbons as we attempt to   s  t   r  e  t  c  h  from Susquehanna State Park to the shelter.

There are great prizes too!  The individual raising the most funds will win a Kindle Fire. Second place can win a Kindle with a $25 Amazon gift card and third place will win an iPod shuffle with a gift card.

There are lots of other prizes with three levels of drawings, so the more you donate, the more you can win.    So mark your calendar for September 15.  Hope to see you at Susquehanna State Park-Home of the Hiawatha.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Working Animals

As we relax and enjoy or labor day weekend, please take a moment to think about working animals.  Our very own Eagles Wings Service Dogs has taken in shelter dogs and trained them for service to individuals with disabilities.  It is heartwarming to see the bond between the dog and their owner.  It is also amazing the things dogs can be trained to do:  open door, pick up items, bring the phone, help remove and put on clothing items, pull a wheel chair,  pull Timmy out of the well :).

How about horses?  Elephants?  Camels?  etc.  You can even include cats who keep the mice and rats away.

My favorite part of the working animal is their companionship.  I just love coming home from work and be greeted at the front door.  No matter the day I have had, they always make me smile.