Be a Matchmaker

There is something very rewarding about matching up the right family with the right animal.  I'm sure there is someone you know who is without a pet and wants one.  The person who is without a pet and has lost "the best one ever", may just need to find the next 'best one". 

Often after the loss of a pet, a potential adopter will overlook some wonderful animals because they are not like the pet they lost.  However, with a little encouragement, a different pet may make the difference.

I recall a woman who came to the shelter looking for a dog.  She had a golden retriever previously and was looking for another companion "but not any pit bulls".  After questioning her about her preferences, I realized that she was looking for a loving companion who would take relaxing walks then snuggle with her on the sofa.  I knew of the perfect dog.  I retrieved her from the kennel to visit.  And just as I hoped, the dog snuggled right up to the woman.  The dog's name was April and she did indeed have "Pit Bull" characteristics as well as other breeds mixed in.  When I told the woman that yes indeed, this dog had some pit bull in her she was surprised.  She had fallen in love with April despite her preconceived idea of what that breed was like.  April was adopted and has returned for visits with her happy owner.

I've found other animals for friends as well and it is always a happy experience.  You should try it as well.  Spread the happiness and help your friends and family find the perfect match!

Social Media Helps Adoptions

Facebook has done wonderful things for homeless animals.  This social media powerhouse has helped us reunite lost pets with their owners and find new homes for stray and surrendered animals.  And we love how our wonderful adopters post photos of their adoptees on facebook. 

And I'm amazed by the broad spectrum of individuals who follow us on facebook.  From the very young to the very young at heart.

We also get a great response to our events from our on line fans. So visit us on facebook.com/lycomingspca or visit our website at www.lycomingspca.org to see our newest additions!

Service Dogs

We were fortunate to have a group of dedicated trainers begin a service dog training program called Eagles' Wings Service Dogs.  It was the brain child of Cindy Sortman who had multiple sclerosis.  Along with several other trainers, they would choose a shelter dog, train it, and seek an individual for placement.  These dedicated trainers spent countless hours of their time in training, both for the dog and the individual the dog would serve.  I have witnessed first hand the transformation of the disabled when they get their service dog.

Cindy passed away several years ago but her legacy lives on in the dogs that are providing a vital service to their new owners.

Unfortunately, there is a disturbing trend that threatens the professional training process and the reputation of service dogs.  Individuals can apply on-line, pay a fee, and have their dogs registered as service dogs.  This is a thinly veiled attempt by pet owners to take their dogs with them wherever they go.  The claim is that the dog is for their "depression" or "emotional support". 

It is unfortunate that some people will stoop to these levels and make service dogs look bad.  Just recently, a blind man was removed from an airline because he would not fit his German Shepherd under the seat!

Shame on those people who have taken advantage of a loophole in order to have their dogs with them at all times when professionally trained service dogs are looked down upon.

Wedding Favors

 

 

 

From time to time, a wedding couple will ask for donations to our SPCA in lieu of gifts, or, in lieu of party favors the couple will make a donation.  The picture above is from a couple who made a $1,000 donation rather than buy favors.  At each table they had a laminated picture of their pets.  (Seen in lower right hand corner of picture) 

I am always touched by donor's creativity and generosity.  What a lovely idea.  I was also happy that this couple shared a picture of her table setting with the picture of her pets.

A Reasonable Verdict

Do you remember the emaciated dog from the post of 9/15/2013?  This is her: Lady.  She successfully nursed 9 puppies (with supplemental feedings from the SPCA staff).  While under our care, AND while nursing puppies, she gained 13 pounds!  She is a delight to be around as her tail is in constant motion.

Testimony showed that both mother and puppies were malnourished.  The district magistrate's decision was guilty, the puppies were forfeited to us, and Lady was to be returned to the owner after being spayed.

Of course, I would prefer that Lady did not have to go back to the owner but at least she will not suffer deprivation with another litter of pups.  I just hope that the owner takes care of her. 

Challenge of a Deaf Dog

This is Classie who arrived at out shelter on December 3, 2012.  She is a sweet dog but has a couple of challenges that cause her to be overlooked.  I would have to say that her first challenge is discrimination.  She looks like a pit bull and people have a stereotypical opinion that all pit bulls are vicious.  This is definitely not the case with this sweet girl.

The second challenge is that she is deaf.  When people walk through the kennel, she is often curled up in a snug circle, oblivious to the din of  barking dogs, and visitors just pass her by.

So what challenges do we have with a deaf dog who also happens to be a breed avoided by our adopters?  First and foremost, if visitors would get her out and spend time with her, they would find her to be friendly and energetic.  She loves long walks and also enjoys leaning against you as she is petted.  Since she does not respond to voice commands, she has learned hand signals.  (Did I mention that she is also very smart?) 

There are training collars available that will vibrate when you want to get the dog's attention.  This should be accomplished with a knowledgeable trainer to build trust and teach the dog consistent expectations.

Also, since she is deaf, it is possible for her to startle easily.  For that reason, we are not recommending homes with small children.

Are you looking for a dog that loves to walk, is affectionate, but has a disability?  If so, check out Classie.  She needs you . 

Can Cats and Dogs Get Along?

Every situation is different, and every animal is different so we can never be 100% sure if a cat and a dog will get along.  Each animal has their own personality and their response to other animals can vary.

Take our house cat Archie.  I chose Archie because of his large size and big jaws.  The shelter needed a chief mouser and he fit the bill well.  He gets along with people of all ages.  But watch out if he sees a dog!  I have witnessed him getting out of his bed, charging across the counter, and swiping at newly arrived dogs.  On the occasion that I have my dog with me at work, he has crouched down as if to pounce but once I get between him and my dog, he stays put.  Archie does like to sleep in my office though and the first time I had my dog with me, Archie did avoid his comfy bed for most of the day.  By the afternoon he must have decided to chance it.  He jumped on my desk (which he does frequently) and I started to pet him.  He dodged my attempts to pet him so I stopped.  He then looked under my desk to check out my dog.  After assessing him for a few seconds, he must have decided that he wasn't a threat.  Maybe it is because Archie is as big, if not bigger, than my dog.  Whew,  crisis averted.

Adopters have sent us lovely pictures of cats and dogs curled up together so I know it is possible to have peace in the household.  My cat at home avoids the dogs because one of the dogs wants to rough house with him. 

Sometimes we know that dogs will not do well with cats; as in they might eat them.  It may be because of their breed, hunting instincts, and/or prey drive.  We can pass that information on to potential adopters to avoid catastrophe. 

But if you like both cats and dogs, I can tell you , it is possible for the right animals to live together in the same household.