Where has the week gone?

Somehow I went from Monday to Thrusday in 12.5 seconds.  (Or so it seems)  Shelter days are often busy with comings, goings, investigations, phone calls, fundraising, etc.

I'm sad to say that some of my time was spent working with our investigatior on another dog shooting.  A beagle was shot, then buried by the perpetrator.  The dog's body was found and the bullet was retrieved.  Officer Woltz does have a suspect and we hope to make an arrest in this case.

In case you are wondering, leg work is still being done in two other dog shootings;  the white German Shepherd that was found in the river and Miracle-the dog that survived three gunshots. 

I'm hoping to visit Miracle today or tormorrow and provide updated pictures.  One thing I can say, there is always something new going on at the SPCA!

273 Adoptions!

Thursday afternoon the third section of our dog kennel was almost empty.  By Friday afternoon we were almost full!  In what can only be described as a flurry of activity we managed to have only two empty  dog kennels.  We received a total of 19 animals, 16 of which were dogs. Plus, our staff assisted three low income pet owners with spay/neuter assistance.

How can you possibly plan for a day like that?  We rarely know how many animals will come in, or be adopted.  Some days are just plain crazy.  No wait, most days are crazy.  But when you read my title you will understand why we do what we do.

259 and counting

This sign hangs behind our front desk to remind us why we do the jobs we do.  I even bought a bell to ring every time we have an adoption.  Although some of my staff don't like the bell, I love to hear it ring.  I also love to change the numbers.  You can help us increase the number by talking to people.  Ask them if they have a pet, would like a pet, and oh, by the way, have you seen the wonderful animals at the Lycoming County SPCA?  I think a picture speaks a thousand words.  And seeing the animals for adoption will speak volumes to those who can open their hearts and homes to the homeless.  So talk us up.  Help us increase that number.

Conference

I went to a conference in Philadelphia Friday regarding shelter standards.  It is always great to get together with other shelter managers and directors to discuss shelter issues, share ideas, and learn how we can be better.

The conference reviewed the "Five Freedoms" for animals:
The freedom form hunger and thirst,
The freedom from discomfort,
The freedom from pain, injury, and disease,
The freedom to express normal behavior,
The freedom from fear and distress.

Our staff have discussed ways to improve the quality of life for our shelter animals and our first improvement is to assign Kelli Smith as Canine Team Leader and Chris Campbell as Feline Team Leader.  They will monitor the animals in their care to make sure the animals remain happy and healthy.   We have many more great ideas and we will be reporting them as we make changes.

Rats!

It's not the easiest thing to see but we now have 18 rats.  Now before you go EWWWWW, let me tell you, they are nice pets.  I should know because I have two.  My grandson loves them.  He will stand in front of the cage and talk to them.  He also loves to feed them and they are very gentle when they take the food he offers.  You should see them in person.

Miracle is back from the hospital.  We are lining up her foster home so she can get her medication around the clock,  We are hopeful for a full recovery.

Miracle Update and more....

Miracle had surgery at Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital today.  She needed a plate to repair the fracture. The surgery was performed by Dr. Charles McBrien, a specialist for this type of surgery. Because of the bullet wound, she has an opening in her jaw so her recovery will be slower.  Once the wounds have healed she  will need to have some of her damaged teeth removed.

We received 12 Cockatiels today.  Pass the word becasue they are available for adoption.  Wait til you see what we are getting tomorrow!

Long Day

It's been a long day but wanted to let you know that Miracle is at the specialist and should have surgery tomorrow.  Will update you  then.