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!

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? 

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