Pet Dish for August 4, 2009
Exceptional owners needed…and always appreciated
Sitting quietly inside a dog kennel in Golden Valley, Little Girl watches as visitors to Animal Humane Society stop to glance at her, then move along to the next kennel. Little Girl is a 6-year old Chihuahua mix who was surrendered to AHS. Upon examination it was discovered that she had patellar luxation—a dislocation or sliding of the kneecap in her right rear leg. At this point her kneecap can be popped out but it pops back into place easily. In the future Little Girl might need surgery. She has a sweet disposition and a soulful expression.
Over in the cat colony room, Sweet Pea sits by the door waiting to playfully pounce on the door and welcome a visitor. This 1-year-old cat is petite with medium length black fur and wisps of white fur jutting from her ears. She has a heart murmur and shows signs of barbering (chewing or licking her fur) which led to skin inflammation.
Little Girl and Sweet Pea are just two of the many animals that come to Animal Humane Society, but unlike so many others, they need a special owner, an exceptional owner, a person who will commit to ensuring their chronic medical needs will be attended.
“We believe these animals deserve a second chance and by evaluating their conditions and providing helpful medical information at the time of adoption, potential adopters know up front what to expect,” says Kathie Johnson, director of veterinary services. “Sometimes it means additional medication, dietary regulation or simply monitoring a situation as well as working with your personal veterinarian to ensure good health.”
Little Girl was a lucky girl yesterday and found a new exceptional owner that adopted her last night. Sweet Pea is still available for adoption and can be found in Golden Valley. Click here for more information on Sweet Pea.
Whisk your pup to the canine gala of the year
Doesn’t your pup deserve a night on the town? At the Animal Humane Society we believe you both deserve a night out! Mark your calendar for Whisker Whirl, AHS’s annual party for people and their pups, on Saturday, September 26 at the Golden Valley location. Wine and dine with your pup (Fido is even served tableside!) and help support the programs of the Animal Humane Society too! Folks describe this event as “the ultimate dog park after dark event.” Reserve your tickets today!
Let’s get together, one-on-one
“One size does not fit all” can be said about so many aspects of life. There are times when you need that little something extra to make it work. You’re in one of those times when getting to know your pet leaves you scratching your head or you feel overwhelmed by problem behavior. But Animal Humane Society is also there ready to help you through it.
“We offer private training and behavior sessions to pet owners who have unique situations with their pet,” says Kate Varns, training and behavior specialist at AHS. “These situations have a wide range and go beyond general training. They are very unique to the animal or living situation.”
The service is provided to the general public, but also to families who have adopted their pet from AHS. “Sometimes it's easier to see the behavior ourselves and then decide what steps to take next. We want to make sure that adopters are safe and getting accurate, helpful information" says Kate.
The AHS Training School sees a variety of cases during the private sessions, offered on-site or in the home. Issues they’ve helped correct include dogs that are fine in the home but reactive in public, pets and their relationship with children in the home, relationships between dogs and cats, and more. The service is also provided as a free follow up for animals adopted from AHS.
Click here to learn more… To schedule a private session with the AHS Training School call (763) 489-2217.
Looking back at One Summer Day
In the last issue of Pet Dish you read about our One Summer Day campaign to sponsor one of the 70 cats that come to us each day during our busy summer months. We set a goal of $15,000 and are thrilled to announce that our loyal supporters raised nearly $16,500 to sponsor cats in need! We feel so fortunate to have a great community of people who care so deeply for the animals.
Many of you made financial contributions, others signed up to become Mission: Meow foster families, some donated to our wish list and still others Doubled the Love and brought two special cats home.
On one summer day we asked for you to support cats like Googles, and each day this summer we have seen you respond with kindness and generosity. Thank you for your loyal support.
Celebrate MnPAW at adoption event 
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. Be at our Golden Valley facility from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 22 to adopt an animal from one of the many animal welfare organizations that make up MnPAW. For more information and to learn of the 10 organizations that currently make up MnPAW, please visit the coalition’s website at http://www.mnpaw.org/.
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...
Delight your pet-owning employees
Local statistics reveal that nearly two-thirds of your employees have pets. With that in mind, consider Animal Humane Society’s Pet Concierge package, a benefits package for your employees. Via a network of pet industry companies, we can provide discounted training, overnight boarding, dog walking, pet sitting, pet food delivery, and more. For more information, contact Amy Rosenthal, director of corporate relations at AHS at (763) 489-2231.
Spread the word to keep animals safe
It is going to take a united effort across the state of Minnesota to get the Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill passed. Help us raise awareness in your community about inhumane dog and cat breeding and about this legislation by distributing information at county fairs or other events in your area this summer and fall. Learn more about the bill and how you can help…
Hoppin’ good time with your pet
Have you ever thought about adopting a rabbit but aren’t sure what is involved in owning one? Join us for an upcoming Bunny Basics Class led by our friends at the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (MCRS). The class is for people interested in getting a rabbit or those who already have one and want to know more about their care. No rabbits in class. The class is free, but donations to MCRS are welcome. See our Events calendar for upcoming dates and register by calling (763) 489-2234.
Wish list
Homeless and neglected animals love checking things off our wish list. New Kongs and a little Timothy hay are the makings for a great day on AHS adoption floors. See what you can provide by reviewing our current wish list.
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