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?

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.

How Far Would You Go

Euthanasia is my least favorite subject so why would I bring it up?  Because I'm embroiled in a difficult situation involving euthanasia.

We are fortunate that the Lycoming County SPCA does not euthanize dogs when we run out of space.  However, we do euthanize dogs that are aggressive. 

Having said that, I know that you are one of three people:  No euthanasia under any circumstances, euthanasia for qualified reasons, or euthanasia for population control.  And I make no judgment about your beliefs but I do ponder the various thoughts on the subject.

And this is why I bring up the subject at all:  In speaking with the founder of a rescue group that takes in animals that are going to be euthanized, she told me about a dog she has in her home.  The dog has bitten her three times.  One of the bites required hospitalization.  I was quite surprised by her story.  Me personally, after the second bite I would be rather frightened by the dog.

Many of us in animal rescue have a story to tell.  Yes, I've been bitten by a little Chihuahua who ended up being my best friend.  But he only bit me once and I think that is as far as I could go. 

Animal bites can be very damaging.  The bites frequently occur on the face or hands.  Your hands have delicate bones and tendons that, once damaged, can end up providing life long complications.  And your face is the first thing most people notice.  Questions about how you got those scars, or why half your face is paralyzed, can prove to be annoying or embarrassing. 

So how far would you go to save an animal's life.  It is something I think about frequently.

Sweetheart Specials

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Lycoming County SPCA is offering special incentives for the adoption of their four legged sweethearts.  During the week of February 10 to 15 any cat that has been at the shelter for more than 30 days can be adopted for just $14.00. 

 

            Additionally, adopters may choose a pink paper heart when adopting a cat or dog.  Inside the heart there will be special offers.  Two lucky adopters will receive a free adoption.  Other incentives include discounts in the SPCA gift shop, half-price dog training class, a free microchip, a free pet toy, or free pet treats.

 

            The best part is that adopters will benefit from the unconditional love of a cat or dog.  Adoptions include spaying or neutering, initial shots, a microchip and registration, and 30 days free pet health insurance.

           

            The Lycoming County SPCA does not recommend gifts of pets, however, gift certificates are available.  By giving a gift certificate, the recipient will have the opportunity to choose the animal they wish to adopt. 

 

            Anyone looking for a new sweetheart should consider a visit to the Lycoming County SPCA.  There are quite a few dogs and cats looking for love.  All of the animals that are available for adoption can be seen on the SPCA’s website at www.lycomingspca.org. 

           

Great Cat Pictures

A Terrific Year of Sheltering

Working in a humane shelter is hard work.  The staff who work in an animal shelter do so because they care about the animals.  We try to be up front with everyone we deal with so that it is understood that we will provide the best care possible.

2013 was full of positive changes that will make caring for our animals that much easier.  The big news was our building addition.  We added three rooms:  cat intake to house more cats, a multipurpose room for training and behavior modification; and a surgery room for in house spay and neuter.

Even though the addition was completed in August of 2013, we have already seen a positive change in our statistics.  In regard to the cats, we have adopted out 11 % more, have returned to the owner 26% more cats, and we have reduced our euthanasia rates by 33%!  Now those are some happy statistics. 

Our multipurpose room has helped with dog training making the dogs more adoptable and thereby reducing their length of stay.  Our public dog training classes have helped owners who might otherwise surrender their pet due to poor behavior.

We have finally hired a veterinarian who will perform spaying and neutering at the shelters.  This will help reduce the stress for the animals of having to transport them to unfamiliar places.  (And we all know how much cats like car rides!)

We look forward to 2014 and helping more animals find homes  and helping those animals that are in homes-stay there.

Resolve to Train

The Lycoming County SPCA has hired Tracy Free to provide in house dog training, behavior evaluations, behavior modification, one-on-one classes, and a monthly class on various topics.  Unless you are very knowledgeable about your breed of dog, a dog training class is a must.  Training benefits both you and your dog and helps prevent mishaps that might cause you to relinquish your dog.

The first two years of a dog's life are equivalent to baby, toddler, teenager years in a human.  And you know how difficult those teenage years can be! 

Our very first free class will be Monday, February 3 at 5:30 PM.  Tracy will have a question and answer session for people who want to know how to deal with some behavior issues.  It's a great opportunity to meet Tracy and gain valuable information about your dog.  And what could be better?  Is is free!