Sunday, March 30, 2014

Cruelty Takes its Toll

Animal sheltering can be a very difficult job.  People are very emothional about their animals, and then again some are not.  Probably the worst part about the job is the neglect and crueltly inflicted on animals.

So far this year, as of March 26, Officer have seized 72 animals due to neglect!  That is 20% more animals seized during the same time period compared to last year. 

On March 25, Officers seized two horses.  When they arrived with a search warrant, they found a deceased horse.  It had dug a trench in the barn in its efforts to try to get back up, but eventually succombed and died.  It was a gruesome sight.  The horse obvioulsy suffered and the owner did not show any sympathy for the unfortunate horse's plight.  The two hourses that were removed were pathetically thin.

Now here comes the emotional part.  The owner can't believe we took her horses! She is distraut to the point that she went to the hospital.  Really?  Who among us think this horse is OK?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

I Heard You Smother Dogs

I answered the phone to a woman who was asking about our cremation services.  She was having her sick and elderly dog put to sleep and wanted to know how much it cost to have a cremation so that she could get the ashes back. 

To clarify the costs I asked her if the dog would already be deceased or would we be performing the euthanasia.  She replied indignantly, I wouldn't let you do it, you smother them don't you?

Sorry, but I actually laughed out loud at that one.  She didn't think it was funny and said so.  I agreed it is not funny but it is amazingly inaccurate.  I explained that the dogs receive a shot in their rump that sedates them.  Then they receive an intravenous injection that totally sedates them and stops their heart from beating.  It is a very quick procedure.

How do stories like this get started?  It is so unfortunate that rumors spread so rapidly and the truth gets buried much more quickly.  I receive calls, emails and facebook messages asking questions about many topics.  It makes me appreciate people who take the time to get the facts instead of relying on the rumor mill. 

So no, we do not smother animals.  How sad that someone would believe that!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Out with the Old, In with the New

What if a family brought their adult dog to a shelter because they got a puppy?  Would that bother you? 

What if the reason they brought the adult to the shelter was: "I don't believe in veterinary care so we got a new puppy"? 

This really happened.  A man brought in his lab because they got a puppy.  To add insult to injury, the man noted that the dog doesn't seem quite right.  The poor dog has inflamed and infected teeth!  His mouth must be very sore.  It's hard to believe but true.

Another true story.  A man wanted to adopt a German Shepherd but the dog hates cats.  So the man was willing to give his cat to his mother so he could adopt the dog.  That isn't as bad as the first scenario but bad enough that I wouldn't want him to adopt our dog. 

Shouldn't pets be adopted for the life of the pet? 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Savings More Cats


Beginning April 1, 2014 the Lycoming County SPCA will accept cats for surrender by appointment only.  In this way we will be able to accept cats and kittens as space allows. 
 
            The SPCA is modeling this program after seeing the progress made by Erie County SPCA.  After one year of implementing their program, Erie County SPCA reduced their euthanasia rate by 88 %.  That shelter also experienced a reduction in illness and death once the cat by appointment program was initiated.

            Our goal is to stop using euthanasia as a means for population control. When the residents of Lycoming County call us to add their cat to our waiting list, they will help us save lives. 

            With the new cat room addition for incoming cats, the SPCA will have new arrivals examined, spayed or neutered, and then moved to the  public cat room for adoption.  As the cats and kittens are adopted, it will free up space for incoming cats.

            By allowing the SPCA to schedule the incoming cats, staff will not be required to perform needless euthanasia to make space for incoming cats.  The SPCA will continue to provide euthanasia services for owned pets when requested.

            Sounds good, but there are critics.  People worry about the cats we don't take in.  However, it isn't as if we won't take them in, we are just asking people to wait.  In this age of "I got to have it and I got to have it now", people are accustomed to instant response.  If the alternative is euthanasia- is that better?

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Your Pet in a Diamond

I came across an interesting article about the Infinity Diamond.  The company creates a diamond using signature carbon from pet owners and their pets.  Using a lock of hair (and other technical ingredients) they create a personalized diamond.  You can even have a photo or personal message holographically engraved on the diamond which can be seen under 10x magnification.  What a cool idea if you can afford it!  If you are as intrigued as I was, visit www.infinitydiamond.com.