Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Repeat Offenders

I have been working for the Lycoming County SPCA since 1999.  I've seen a lot of wonderful things that are often overshadowed by ignorance. 

One of Humane Society Police Officer's has worked for the Lycoming County SPCA for 43 years.  He has seen more in his lifetime than one person should have to.  And this is where the repeat offenders come in.  And they are the worst offenders to boot!

Our officers will go on an investigation and find horrible conditions.  We can remove the animals, fine the owners, and direct them not to have animals to the limit of time allowed by the law.  Typically one year.  So what happens after the one year?  They start collecting more animals.  I'm not sure of the mentality involved but they take in one animal, then another, then another.  Then they have babies because they don't have money to take take them to a vet.  Then they don't have enough money to feed them.  Or provide flea treatment.  Before you know it, their yard and house are full of feces and urine.  Officers must wear filtered gas masks and suits to protect them from the fleas and harsh smells that could damage their lungs.  And people live like this!  What is even worse is that they will do it all over again.

Animal hoarding is a terrible problem and the recidivism rate is high.  And it is a common problem for all animal shelters.  The bigger tragedy is that the poor unfortunate animals have no say in the matter. 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Futuristic Wish List

If I could have 10 wishes for my animal shelter they would be:
1.  Every animal would be spayed or neutered via a machine much like an x-ray.  It would be non-invasive and without complications.
2. We could put animals in a machine and  have them shrink to the adopter's desired size.
3.  Animal feces would be as valuable as gold.
4.  Pit Bulls would be as desirable as Yorkies.
5.  Cats would use birth control.
6.  Worms and viruses would be extinct.
7.  Someone would invent a machine that would convert animal thoughts into words.
8.  All animals would be hypoallergenic.
9.  Landlords would require all renters to have a pet.
10.  We would have enough money to pay our employees what they are worth.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Pet Tattoos

I'm not talking about hearts and flowers here, I'm referring to spay neuter tattoos.  This is a terrific benefit for all animals that have been spayed or neutered because it identifies the animal as having had the surgery, and it prevents the animal from unnecessary exploratory surgery should it end up in a shelter.  The veterinarian simply applies tattoo ink to a small scratch in the skin near the surgical site during the procedure.  If the animal should ever end up as a stray or surrendered to a shelter by someone who doesn't know the animal (for instance the owner passes away), the tattoo will alert the shelter that the animal has already been spayed or neutered.

Even more exciting news to me is that veterinary schools are teaching shelter medicine.  What that means is that veterinarians are learning the challenges of caring for shelter animals and are learning techniques that will enhance the animals' care.  So much has improved in animal sheltering over the years.  I look forward to the improvements.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Professional Courtesy

Years ago, several of my staff were traveling to NYC.  While there, they thought it would be nice to visit another animal shelter.  I called to make an appointment for them so that it would  be a convenient time for the shelter.  I was surprised when I got a less than enthusiastic welcome.  They were in the middle of strategic planning, it was a Saturday, etc.....  So my staff decided they weren't welcome and didn't go.

This weekend I visited a shelter in another state.  It was very small (in comparison to our shelter) but I was impressed that they had a low cost clinic.  While walking through the shelter a man greeted me and asked me if I was interested in adopting.  I said no, I run a shelter in Pennsylvania and was interested in visiting other shelters.  He said OK and walked away.  I was disappointed that he didn't offer to show me around or see if I had questions.

Then I noticed a pit bull in a kennel.  He just stood there.  No response to me walking by.  No bark, no wag, no response to my voice.  He looked depressed.  His cage card said that he had been seized during an investigation and had been at the shelter since December of 2010! 

I then went to the front desk and started a conversation with the the staff.  I told them that I ran a shelter in PA.  (No reaction)  I then asked about the pit bull who had been there so long.  Apparently, once a dog had been seized, it remains in the kennel until a final court determination is made, and it stays in the kennel.  No chance of a foster home, no chance for human interaction.  How sad. 

And how sad that no one in that shelter wanted to take the opportunity to brag about what they do there.  Or ask me question on how we handle different situations. 

I often feel overwhelmed by my work.  It is never ending and not always joyful.  But I love to brag about my staff.  They truly work their fingers to the bone, and I love them.  I believe we do great things for the animals in our care.  We are not perfect....but we are striving for perfection!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Interview with Mr. Cat




Q:  So how did you end up at the Lycoming County SPCA?
A:  I was distracted by a good looking feline and chased after her, before I knew it, I was lost.  So a nice woman brought me to the SPCA.

Q:  When was this?
A.  May 5, 2012.

Q:  So how do you feel about being a stray?
A:  It's not so bad.  The nice people at the SPCA gave me a new name-Liem, gave me a nice place to sleep, plenty of food, and I get to play with the nice volunteers.

Q:  Any down side?
A:  Well, they are trying to prevent pet over-population and they had me neutered.  But I hear it will help me live a longer and healthier life so I don't need to complain.  There are so many of us waiting for homes, so I can understand the importance of spaying and neutering.

Q:  Anything you would like your future family to know? 
A:  I'm a pretty laid back guy so I could probably fit in with any new family.  I'm leukemia negative, have all my shots, and I have a microchip for identification.  And the best part is that I'm easier to take care of than a dog.  So if you want a pet, you should pick me.  I use my litter box, and I don't mind if my adopter wants a weekend get-away, and I eat a lot less than a dog.  Its win-win if someone adopts me.  I'll be happy and so will my adopter.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Unimaginable Cruelty


Imagine a mobile home with all the windows closed, no air conditioning, with 90 degree heat for at least five days.  Now imagine it with this poor dog confined to a crate without food, water, or the opportunity to relieve itself outside its kennel.  This is one of two dogs found in deplorable conditions.   The other dog, a tan pit bull mix, was missing half of its fur due to scratching at fleas.  When small amounts of water were offered, they drank thirstily.  Both dogs were covered in fleas, had irritated skin from their poor living conditions.

The only good thing this owner has done is to release the two dogs for adoption.  Even though they received baths, they still smell bad, but it won't be long before they will readily accepted by a new family. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

King Size Bed

Many pet owners report that their pets sleep with them.  I am one of those pet owners.  My queen size bed was too crowded for a good nights sleep so I bought a king size bed.  (Thank goodness for two years same as cash!)  And guess what?  I'm still crowded.  Despite all the extra room, my dogs insist on curling up next to me.  One curls up next to my belly, the second lies in the crook of my knees, and the third covers my feet.  No wonder I'm always hot!  I should be happy that the cat doesn't like the dogs or he would probably lay on my head.  I look forward to the winter when all that body heat can be put to good use.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Divorced and Dumped


Aticus and Ashley's owners divorced so they were surrendered to the SPCA.  How sad that neither owner could keep the beautiful Rottweilers.  Our pets adore us (for the most part), and look to us for their care.  The staff and volunteers at the SPCA becomes their surrogate family until they can find a new home.  Help us by either adopting or spreading the word to help us find homes form animals like Aticus and Ashley.  And don't forget our about our felines too!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Medical Care for Pets

Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment.  At least I think so, and so does the SPCA staff.  So imagine our frustration when a pet owner no longer wants their pet.  One of the biggest reasons for the surrender of a pet is 'moving'. 

However, my heart goes out to our Senior Citizens who need to move from their home because they can no longer afford the upkeep or are physically unable to care for their homes.  And worse yet they have to give up their beloved pet. 

And then there are people who give up their pet because they can't afford the veterinary care.  Their animal gets sick and since they have no established relationship with a veterinarian, they are told they need to pay up front.  So without money to pay, they decide to surrender the animal to the SPCA. 

The SPCA is currently over budget on its medical expenses because of the number of sick animals it has had to deal with.  The reward though, is a healthy, adoptable animal and a joyful new family!