Monday, July 29, 2013

How Much Does a Free Kitten Cost?



The summertime is a difficult time for us at the SPCA because we are overwhelmingly busy with every aspect of sheltering and investigations.  To make matters worse, we get the greatest number of cats and kittens in the summer but we don't adopt out a significantly larger number of cats or kittens.  One reason is that people can easily get a 'free' kitten.  Often, a free kitten can end end costing quite a lot of money.

Besides the usual things one would need (food, dishes, litter pan, litter) there are additional costs.
  1. Flea treatment. 
  2. Worming.  (Where there are fleas there are worms.)
  3. Vaccines.
  4. Leukemia/FIV testing.
  5. Spaying or neutering.
  6. Veterinary office visits.

Sometimes individuals don't do any of the above.  This is when our Humane Society Police Officers become involved.  But many responsible pet owners take excellent care of their pets.

If you are ever tempted by a 'free kitten' ad, consider an SPCA kitten.  We provide flea treatment, worming, and initial vaccines.  We can leukemia test the kitten or you can choose to have it done at your veterinarian.  And, we pay to have them spayed or neutered.  The best part is that all summer long, you can adopt two kittens for the price of one!  What a deal.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Saying No to an Adoption

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, it just doesn't mean that other people have to agree with it.  Here at the SPCA, we get frequent calls asking for financial assistance for pets from things as simple as routine shots all the way to major surgery.  We also investigate situations where people are not providing necessary veterinary care and the animal's are suffering.  So having this knowledge makes it difficult for me to say yes to an adoption when people can't afford to pay the adoption fee.  I had a situation recently and this is the background.

A couple walked into my office and wanted a discount on an adoption because he was on a fixed income.  I began a dialogue with this man wherein he stated that he can afford to take care of his animals.  He has a relationship with an area veterinarian if any problems arose.  He could indeed pay for the adoption but that would leave him without any funds until the following month. 

In checking our past records he has brought in two of his animals.  One was a found dog that he brought in because he couldn't afford a second dog.  (OK I can understand that)  The second animal he brought in was a four year old poodle that he had euthanized for health reasons.  His explanation was that the dog had an undescended testicle, it could turn out he had cancer, and they couldn't afford a $1,500 bill.  Why he didn't just turn it over to us rather than have it euthanized-I don't know.

The veterinarian's side of the story is that the dog never had routine vaccinations, had ear infections that the man wanted to buy medicine for without seeing the veterinarian, was recently brought in for urinary frequency.  A urinalysis revealed no problems.  So they recommended an x-ray for further diagnosis.  This particular vet does not have x-ray equipment and so the owner had to go to another vet. 

The owner's side of the story was very different. They heard $$$ because the diagnosis was unknown.  Rather than start with a simple x-ray (Maybe $150)  they chose euthanasia of a four year old dog.

In questioning them about how they could afford veterinary care if something happened, the owner insisted that they could afford it.  But when the reality of their financial situation confronted them, the couple still insisted that they could afford another dog.

Then to top it off, they already have a cat and the previous cat they had was hit by a car and died.  The more I heard, the less I liked hearing.

I said no.  I'm not comfortable adopting to them.  I actually recommended that instead of living pay check to pay check that they should save up their money for the adoption and put an extra $500 in the bank for emergencies.  Somehow they didn't like my idea.  The sad truth is that I'm sure they will get another dog somewhere.  I just hope it lives longer than four years.

Friday, July 26, 2013

When You Hate Your Job

It is very rare that I wake up and just don't want to go to work.  It's not that I hate my job, but more that I hate some aspects of the job.

Our staff does a pretty good job of educating the public about what we do and why we do it, but sometimes people only hear what they want to hear.

Today a woman brought in a sickly kitten she found in the road.  I admired the fact that she took the time to do that.  When she asked about the kitten's fate, I did tell her that it would most likely be euthanized because it was so ill.  This time of year we get so many cats that we can only keep the 'cream of the crop'.  We don't have that much space to keep up with the demand of surrendered cats.  That is the part of the job I hate.

Unfortunately the woman who left the cat decided she wanted it back two hours later.  More unfortunate was the fact that the cat had been euthanized.  She was appalled that we didn't wait.  I'm not sure what we would have waited for since we didn't have an open kennel, AND I had already explained our situation.  Then to make me feel even better, she tells me that she used to support our organization but would have to do something different in the future.  Wait!  Let me turn the other cheek. 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Investigations and Other Agencies

The SPCA receives calls daily regarding alleged cruelty, abuse and neglect.  Sometimes the calls come from other service agencies just as we would call other agencies when we are investigating to alert them of problems. (Child services, codes, police)  A frequent offender comes to mind that has involved multiple agencies. 

He and his wife have come to the attention of the SPCA as early as 2007.  They currently have three young children from ages three to eight.  Their pattern is to obtain animals and neglect them to the point where they must be removed. The home conditions are so unsanitary that the children must be removed and codes inspectors must be called in to determine if the home is habitable.

Would you believe that we have seized 122 animals from these people?  Dogs, fish, rabbits, hamsters, chickens, ducks and goats.  I have no idea what is in their heads but they get these animals and eventually leave them to suffer in unsanitary conditions without food and water.  I will never forget the 33 rabbits and guinea pigs we removed from an unventilated barn in 90 degree heat.  None of the animals had water.  We took them to the shelter and began to set up pens giving them fresh water, food, and clean bedding.  By the time the last one was set up we noticed that the first ones had drank all of their water!

The animals were eventually released for adoption, they were found guilty of animal cruelty and ordered not to have any more animals as a condition to get their children back.  It took less than a week for them to violate that order. 

Did I mention that they were growing marijuana on the property? 

So how many agencies have been involved with these people?
  • SPCA
  • Children and Youth
  • Codes
  • State Police drug task force
  • The district justice
  • District Attorney's Office
  • The judge for the children's protective order
It is unbelievably frustrating. Because one of the agencies (Codes) called us about a condemned house with animals within on May 28, 2013.  We removed four dogs, one rabbit, one hamster, and a tank full of fish.  Guess who it is?  Yes, this same family. 

The family was living in a truck until they were finally re homed in a family shelter.  The man wants his animals back.  We are now stuck in limbo as the animals are not legally ours and they have no where to live with any animals.  It is a vicious circle that never seems to end.  Counseling and education have no effect and meanwhile  many animals have suffered at their hands and will most likely continue to do so.  Worse yet, the three small children are growing in unhealthy environments.  It is maddening. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Happy Endings

 Can you believe this is the same dog?  Our Humane Officer has been working for over 40 years dealing with people who are thoughtless, mean, and often clueless.  It is a difficult job, and for me, even more difficult not to become emotionally involved.  The major thing that keeps me coming back to work day after day is a Happy Ending.  And this is so with Sincere. 

When I first saw Sincere in her 'home', I was horrified to find her trying to nurse several puppies.  She was emaciated, and the puppies were thin and sickly.  The owner pulled out a bag of low quality dog food claiming that they were feeding her! 

Luckily, Sincere and her puppies ended up at the SPCA where we cared for her and her pups.  All were successfully adopted.  And what is even better, I see that she is happy and healthy in her new home. 

Now that's worth coming to work for.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Animal Related Sayings

Being in the animal welfare field, I am often amused by animal related sayings.  And there are lots of them.  'Eating like a hog.'  Raining cats and dogs.' 'Dog days of summer.' Well you get the picture. 

One that seems very appropriate for our shelter right now is 'Sick as a dog.'  And I'm not even talking about the four legged variety.  I'm not sure how that saying ever came about but I can certainly feel it.  Since last week, SPCA employees have been suffering from flu symptoms.  One by one they catch it and feel 'sick as a dog'.  In some respects I feel I must take issue with comparing their suffering to a dog's because we take such good care of our shelter dogs. 

On the other hand we are dealing with being short staffed for both illness and vacations. Everyone is doing double duty as the fill in.  Then to make matters worse, you catch the flu.  And it doesn't feel good.  It makes you 'sick as a dog'.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Dog Training is a Must

I can't stress how important dog training is from the very first minute you adopt one.  Your dog needs to know what to expect from you and you need to know how to communicate those needs.  A good dog trainer can help you with housebreaking issues, leash walking, recall, sitting, and even a few tricks. 

Consistency is also very important and can become an issue when one family member treats the dog one way but another family member treats the dog differently.

For example:  you bring a dog into the home and one parent says absolutely no dogs on the furniture.  Parent number two lets the dog on the sofa whenever they are watching TV.  So when parent number one finds the dog on the furniture, has a fit, and yells at the dog; the dog becomes confused and can develop behavior problems due to the mixed messages and treatment.

Consistency continues in every aspect of the dog's life.  It includes leash walking, bathroom breaks, feeding, sleeping, playing, and alone time. 

Dog trainers are a wonderful resource when you get a new dog.  Don't be afraid to consult one but do ask questions.  There are many types of trainers and you need to find the right fit for you and your dog. 

What is the trainer's style?  Are they knowledgeable about dogs?  Are they kind?  Or are they controlling?  Do they use a gentle hand?  Or do they believe in jerking the dog around, rough handling, or use of shock or prong collars?  Which way do you want to handle your dog?

With proper, consistent training, a dog can be your best friend.  Trust me. Your life will be more manageable when your dog knows what to expect from you.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Pet's and Fireworks Don't Mix

Have a Happy Fourth of July but remember your pet!  Fireworks often frighten pet's and they will run to try to get away from the noise.  Don't let your pet become an unfortunate statistic this year.  Keep your pet safe in your house this fourth of July.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Vacations With Pets

The United States has become more pet friendly over the years.  In Europe, people take their pets everywhere.  Here we are a little more uptight. But if you do travel with your pet here are some tips to keep in mind:
  • Identification is a must.  Microchip, tags, written (and current) phone numbers  with a marker on the pet's collar.
  • Portable water on hand at all times. (You never know when a tire will go flat)
  • Extra food.  (Changing a pet's food can cause stomach upset.)
  • Your pet's favorite blanket or pillow will help comfort them.
  • Keep an envelope with your pet's current, up-to-date vaccinations and health history.  Keep a picture of your pet in the envelope.  Take extra medications if your pet needs regular meds.
  • Plan ahead.  Find out the name and location of the emergency veterinarian in the area where you are vacationing.
  • ALWAYS keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier while traveling.  Use a seat belt restraint made for pets while traveling.
  • Take poop bags or disposable litter pans.
  • If you have a short haired, light colored dog, it will probably need sunscreen if outdoors a lot. 
  • Have fun and take lots of pictures!