What I Forgot

I rarely get called out for things I write.  I do, however, get a lot of comments on things I omit.  That is an interesting thing to keep in mind.

For instance, our print newsletter is 8 pages long.  Its contents include the past, present and future events, donor information, adoption stories, investigations, business ads from our corporate sponsors, our wish list, and tips for pet owners. Imagine how difficult it can be to squeeze all that information in the news.  But sure enough, if I forget to mention that you should put sunscreen on white dogs someone will let me know.

So, my apologies for all the things I have not included.  I really do want to tell you how wonderful you are; how wonderful the SPCA staff is; how to take care of your pets for every situation; how wonderful our pets for adoption are; and that last elusive thing I forget......

But hey, someone will remind me.  And that's OK.

Thanks Petco

The Lycoming County SPCA today announced it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to fund the shelter's spay/neuter program.

 

The Lycoming County SPCA is the county’s only locally operated, full-service shelter which operates entirely on the support of its donors.  All contributions to the Lycoming County SPCA remain within the county to provide services such as shelter, and emergency treatment for homeless pets, investigation and prosecution of cruelty or abuse complaints; adoption and counseling; animal welfare education, outreach and humane care. 

 

The Petco Foundation grant will be used to cover a portion of the costs associated with spaying and neutering shelter pets that are made available for adoption to the public.  According to John R. Hettinger, SPCA Director of Development, "The Lycoming County SPCA has enjoyed a very positive and close working relationship with the local Petco store since its opening several years ago and is grateful to the Petco Foundation for its contributions.  As a shelter entirely dependent on community support, we appreciate the efforts of our area businesses to support our mission."

 

The Petco Foundation has served as a voice for companion animals across the country since 1999.  Today, with more than 9,500 local animal-welfare partners across the country, the Petco Foundation donates approximately $15 million a year to make a difference in the lives of millions of animals.  The organization is funded through donations raised during fundraisers conducted in Petco’s more than 1,200 stores across the country, as well as from Petco associates, vendors and corporate contributions.  Money raised helps fund animal-welfare organizations, spay and neuter efforts, animal-assisted therapy programs and humane education.  The majority of the funds raised remain in the communities where they were raised, and the Petco Foundation is also involved in many national animal-welfare efforts.

In 2012, the Petco Foundation surpassed $100 million in funds raised for companion animals since the organization was created.  To learn more, visit www.petcofoundation.org

Scavenger Hunt

The Lycoming County SPCA is kicking off its annual walk on September 14, 2013, with a new twist.  For the first time, the walk will incorporate a scavenger hunt.  Participants may register at the SPCA in advance and receive an official ‘Scavenger Walk 2013’ hunt list. The registration fee is $20.13 and will provide the participant with a tie dyed ‘Scavenger Walk 2013’ shirt and official scavenger hunt list.  Every registered walker will receive a chance to win a Kindle Fire, and for every scavenger hunt item found, they will receive an additional chance.

               Participants are encouraged to collect pledges.  The more pledges donated, the greater the opportunity to win great prizes.  The individual who donates the most pledges will win a trip for two to Las Vegas. There is a $1,000 minimum to qualify and some restrictions apply. And for every $50 donated, the registered walker will receive a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.

               The ¾ mile walk will take place at the shelter on Saturday, September 14, 2013.  Volunteers will be on hand at 9 AM to collect pledges and distribute prize drawing chances.  The short walk will commence at 10 AM.  Upon returning to the shelter, a light lunch and snacks will be provided.  Registrations will be accepted on the day of the walk. A limited number of T-shirts will be available on the day of the walk and if supplies are depleted, shirts will be ordered for late registrants.

               Participants will also have the opportunity to play doggie games, visit local vendor tables, and visit the shelter animals.  Prizes will then be awarded while the collected pledges are tallied.  All donation help support the Lycoming County SPCA in its care of homeless, abandoned and abused animals.  

           

Justice Served

On December 28, 2012, Officer Woltz served a warrant at a property that appeared to be a puppy mill.  Upon serving the warrant officers found a chocolate lab in an outdoor dog house who had just given birth to two puppies.  The weather at the time was frigid and the unfortunate mother had to maintain her body heat while trying to keep her puppies warm. 

Other dogs on the property were in inadequate housing.  One German Shepherd was in a house so small that her head and shoulders remained outside when she laid down. 

All of the dogs were tested for parasites and Lyme disease.  All were positive for one malady or another.  One small beagle was in so much joint pain that she could not even walk.  There were many other violations, but you get the picture.

Yet owner and friend's testimony said that he 'loved' his dogs.  Yes, he did sell them for $500 to $800 each but he didn't make any money because it all went to food and veterinary bills.  During the hearing he had a beagle in the bed of his truck, in a wire crate, in full sun.   Luckily for the dog, the temperatures were moderate.   He also testified that he took his dog with him every where he went and that the dog rode in the bed of the truck.  Too bad there isn't a law in Pennsylvania against that!

I am happy to report that there is justice for dogs in Lycoming County.  The owner was found guilty, the dogs were relinquished to the SPCA, and there are many happy foster parents.  There is a 30 day appeal period but after that point, the dogs can be legally adopted. 

Kissing Pets

I have seen many people kiss their pets or let their pets lick their face.  As a former R.N. I always discourage this practice.  And after a conference I went to, I am dead set against letting pets do this.  It is NOT true that animals mouths are cleaner than a human's.  And here's why:

1. Dogs and cats lick their butts and private areas.
2. These pets sniff other pets butts.
3. They sniff feces.
4. They eat things they find.  (Anything from dead animals to bunny poop.)
5. Pets drink from muddy puddles.
6. Pets don't brush their teeth and rely on their human to do so.
7. Pets can transmit disease.

If you are an adult you can certainly make your own decisions, but at a bare minimum, protect small children from pet licking or kissing pets.

Cinco de Meow

            Cinco de Meow is a Lycoming County SPCA special holiday.  This is a fun way to kick off feline adoption specials.  For the entire week from May 6 to May 11, adopters will have the opportunity to adopt two cats or kittens for the price of one!  Adopters may also choose a free gift of a toy for their new four legged friends.

            Each cat adoption includes a lovable bundle of fur, the initial shots, flea treatment, lifetime microchip identification with one year registration; 30 days free pet health insurance with a valid e-mail; spaying or neutering; and a handy cardboard carrier.

            The shelter has a variety of cats and kittens for adoption.  There is a visiting area so that families have the opportunity to interact with a cat or kitten to make sure it is the right fit for their lifestyle.  The pictures of the available felines can be viewed on the SPCA website at www.lycomingspca.org.