Pet Dish for August 18, 2009

In this issue:

• Alex finds new life on three legs
• Olive escapes the confines of a dumpster
• Coalition events working for you
• Kids and animals
• More treats
• Scratching post

Alex finds new life on three legs
Alex was a gentle boxer mix, but there was no one for him to share his companionship. He was trapped in a condemned house, forgotten about on a property riddled with starving horses and dogs. There was no food or water, no human contact and he was suffering from a leg injury that left him the use of only three legs.

Animal Humane Society Humane Investigator Wade Hanson was called in by local authorities to help Alex and the other animals on the property. Alex was brought to St. Paul and treated by AHS Veterinarian Dr. Jim. He was malnourished, stricken with worms and his rear, left leg was severely injured. Shortly thereafter, it was amputated.

In no time, Alex bounced back to life. The nourishment and treatments brought back his sweet disposition. He quickly became a favorite among AHS staff and volunteers. St. Paul Site Manager Renee Rude was so taken by Alex and his courageous spirit after all he endured that she took him into her home for foster care.

"Alex’s spirit through his struggle has been inspiring. His recovery and happy new beginning reminds us how important it is that we need to be there for all neglected animals.”

He would remain with Renee until he was well enough to be placed for adoption.    

Now, Alex has a whole new life and a forever home. Adopted by the Cassen family in late May 2009, he is living he life he deserves. He heads out with his new family on bike rides and to go swimming and he’s fast become a favorite in the neighborhood and at the dog park.  

It is because of your support that Alex was offered a second chance at life.  This year we anticipate nearly 40,000 animals like him will come to our doors looking for second chances of their own. By making a donation today you can help:

• Rescue animals in distress
• Provide medical care when needed
• Shelter and feed animals until a new, caring family can be found
• Prevent overpopulation through spay and neuter services
• And so much more

Thank you for helping animals like Alex escape his chains and find a loving home. Please make a tax-deductible gift today. You’ll be saving the next homeless and neglected animal who comes our way.

Watch AHS St. Paul Site Manager, Renee Rude and Veterinarian Dr. Jim tell Alex's story.

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Olive escapes the confines of a dumpster
While one squirrel made a candid appearance in a Minnesota couple’s vacation photo, another was getting assistance from friends in the community. Possibly in an effort to find food, Olive the squirrel climbed into a dumpster. But instead of finding her next meal she found herself restrained within the confines of the metal box—her head was caught in a hole on the side of the dumpster.

Laura Nelson Schneck of Animal Humane Society’s Wildlife Service team received the call about Olive’s predicament and drove out to the scene. After sedating the squirrel and borrowing oil from the gentleman who found Olive, she was able to free the small squirrel and bring her back to AHS for treatment and recovery.

“It’s the public’s willingness to make those calls, seeking out help, and getting involved that is giving these creatures another chance at life,” says Laura. “Together we gave life back to that squirrel.”

AHS partners with Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release and a team of local rehabilitators to care for injured and orphaned wildlife until they can be placed with a sanctuary or released back to the wild.

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Coalition events working for you
MnPAW adoption events in Golden Valley and St. Cloud
Celebrate the Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (MnPAW) coming together to help more homeless and neglected animals and reduce euthanasia in Minnesota by joining us at its first of many adoption events on Saturday, August 22. Dogs and cats from A Rotta Love Plus, Pet Haven, Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM), Animal Humane Society and Tri-County Humane Society will be available to you for adoption in Golden Valley and St. Cloud. Click here for details on both events and learn more about the MnPAW coalition at http://www.mnpaw.org/.

Gelding Project Castration Clinic
The Minnesota Horse Welfare Coalition (MNHWC), which Animal Humane Society is a part, in cooperation with the Minnesota Association of Equine Practitioners, has launched the Gelding Project. The project is designed to reduce the number of unwanted horses in Minnesota and is providing an opportunity for horse rescue organizations in the state to receive free gelding on Saturday, September 26.

MNHWC, member of the Minnesota Horse Council, will certify horse rescue organizations on the basis of their compliance with the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ published guidelines for such facilities. These certified organizations can bring colts and stallions to the Washington County Fairgrounds in Stillwater, Minn. for free gelding on Saturday, September 26. The procedure will be performed by veterinary students under the close supervision of area veterinarians.

Click here for more information…

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Kids and animals
The fun doesn’t have to end with the summer
Kids are heading back to school, but your animal-loving youngster can still pursue her passion for helping homeless and neglected animals. Opportunities for youth at Animal Humane Society are as plentiful as the felines available for adoption. Take a look at what we have to your child:

Volunteer opportunities
Samantha Lancaster, a 17-year-old from Minnetonka has been volunteering in Golden Valley since April, but her love of animals began as a young girl. “I started riding horses in the 5th grade and when I turned 14, my dad and I began volunteering at the St. Paul shelter,” says Sam. “My sister has allergies to animals so volunteering my time and walking dogs at Animal Humane Society gives me my animal fix.”

AHS Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Hager says Sam “is an ambassador of youth volunteerism” and loves seeing young people involved with the program.

“I wish more young people would be involved with Animal Humane Society,” adds Sam while she cradles Callista, a young Rat Terrier. “I get so much more from these animals, plus it just feels so good.”

Volunteer opportunities for teenagers at Animal Humane Society’s five sites vary. Teens must be a minimum of 16 years of age to volunteer on their own and 14 and 15 year olds have the opportunity to volunteer if they are accompanied by a parent through all training and service.  Watch Sam’s story on Channel 12 and learn how your child can start volunteering…

PetSet Youth Club
For young people wanting to be involved with animals, there is also another opportunity with the Animal Humane Society’s PetSet Youth Club. The PetSet is a service learning program aimed at youth in grades 5-8 or 9-12 that meets twice a month.  Students learn about animal welfare issues while developing volunteer and community service skills.

To register for the PetSet Youth Club please contact the AHS Education Department at (763) 489-2220. Learn more…

 

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AHS guinea pigs available for adoption near you
The loveable critters in the new movie, “G-Force” are blockbuster gold—they’re fun, loved by kids of all ages and trained in espionage. The guinea pigs at AHS may not be able to thwart enemy operations, but they can squeak with delight when you enter a room. They’re calm, social creatures and make great first pets for kids. Click here to see guinea pigs waiting for a new home. But remember, they don’t come with the latest gadgets and gizmos and will require daily attention and care.

 

 

Ask the trainer
Does your pup lose her marbles when another dog (or even a squirrel!) approaches? Stop by one of our Introductory Dog Training classes (just you, no pups at this one) to find out about the flexible dog training classes offered at AHS. No registration necessary. Classes are from 6:30-8 p.m. on various nights throughout the Twin Cities metro. Click here for more information and see our Events calendar for upcoming dates. And don’t forget to watch Paula Zukoff, behavior and training specialist with AHS, on Fox 9 Saturday mornings for helpful tips you can try at home.

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You can help AHS win $1,000 to $1M
Vote for Pork Chop in the Cutest Dog Competition
Pork Chop was adopted by AHS Customer Service Lead Amber Braun. The poor little guy recently lost an eye and to help build his confidence, Amber has entered him in the Cutest Dog Competition. He has the chance to win $1M—and he’ll donate it all to AHS in thanks for the extra gentle care he received from AHS veterinary staff during his time there. Vote today!

 

Vote for Penny in the Crunch ‘n’ Clean contest
Penny is like many other dogs—not particularly happy about having her teeth brushed—but she’ll do anything to help more animals at AHS. Watch as she gives AHS’s Deb Balzer the run around in this video entered into the Crunch ‘n’ Clean contest for $1,000. And then give it top ranking to increase our odds at winning the cash prize. (Watch “Brushing Teeth at Animal Human…”)

 

Can you help a cat in need?
Kitten season has begun. During this time thousands of kittens are taken in resulting in a dramatic decline of adult cat adoptions. You can help by taking an adult feline houseguest into your home for six months with start dates throughout the summer months. Then return the cat to AHS at a time when customers historically consider adopting an adult cat and when we have fewer kittens. Learn more about this innovative program...

 

Are you ready to be a hero?
AHS is supported by an incredible team of volunteers. They are our everyday heroes. Are you ready to join them? Pledge to become an AHS volunteer and Purina ONE will donate $5 to AHS as a participating shelter in its One Hope Network during its “Be My Hero” campaign. Spread the message to friends and family—Purina is donating up to $500,000

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