Pet Dish for May 12, 2009
In this issue:
Credence to an old saying
When you meet some of the nearly 300 felines available for adoption at Animal Humane Society it becomes very clear there may be some truth to the old saying that cats have nine lives. No one is certain how the saying got its start, but if you take home Bruce, Nadia or Belle you’ll gain a considerable understanding of why it has carried credence for some time.
“Bruce will be fine if he stays an indoor cat,” says veterinarian Dr. Jim Meiners of AHS. But fine is a description no one could have imagined giving the cat when he came into our care on March 16.
Bruce was on death’s door when AHS staff discovered him at St. Paul Animal Control. It was obvious he had been in a fight with another animal, possibly more than a week before. “We couldn’t get a good look at his wounds because his fur was matted from head to toe,” says Dr. Jim. “The mattes were filled with blood, litter, feces and pus.”
It took more than three hours to remove Bruce’s fur and get him cleaned. There were deep wounds on every part of his body with the top of his head being the only exception. After further examination it became obvious he had a very long road in front of him. His feet were so severely wounded there was question if they could be saved. After nearly four hours of surgery, Dr. Jim was able to save all but two of Bruce’s toes.
After spending two weeks in Dr. Jim’s own home to receive treatment for his healing wounds, Bruce is now in an AHS foster volunteer’s home still recovering and fighting a mild case of upper respiratory infection (URI). According to his foster parent Gina Lotzer, who is an exam volunteer at our St. Paul facility, Bruce is doing great. “His coat is coming in and it appears it’s orange with some white spots.”
The wounded feline is adapting well to his temporary home. He’s always sure to be with someone and never far from the family cat. “He loves to give hugs,” Gina exclaims. “He jumps up on his back legs and puts his paws to your face. The sweetest part is he takes care not to use his nails.” He does this despite obvious discomfort in his front legs from the amputations. When he sits, Bruce will often lift one of his front legs in an effort to give it some relief.
“He is a wonderful, friendly cat who wants to be loved and give love,” explains Gina. “He’s a really good boy and deserves to be part of a family.”
Soon, Bruce will be on his way to the adoption floor at our St. Paul facility. Consider bringing him into your home and watch for upcoming issues of Pet Dish to learn about Nadia and Belle mentioned at the beginning of Bruce’s story.
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You went miles and miles and miles for animals
The 2009 Walk for Animals was a day for the books. The sun was shining and invited more than 8,000 people and 3,900 animals to Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley facility to celebrate the human-animal bond.
The day was an overwhelming success because of animal lovers and AHS supporters like you. More than $1 million was raised to support the nearly 40,000 animals that come into our care each year. On behalf of every animal and staff person at AHS, thank you for supporting our work, but more importantly thank you for providing for so many deserving animals.
This year there was more to see and do than ever before
- A St. Bernard that was bigger than a miniature pony (and won the largest dog contest!)
- A family of four walking with seven pets—three Chihuahuas in a cart, two dogs on leash and two cats in carts
- Puppies being walked in backpacks (including a St. Bernard puppy!)
- A cat that walked the entire way on its owner’s shoulder
- Babies riding stroller to stroller with their pups
- Dogs dressed as cheerleaders to support the work of AHS, a Chihuahua in his pajamas
- Cats walking next to rats, dogs meeting ferrets, pot bellied pigs wagging their tails
- Horses, snakes, iguanas, guinea pigs and so much more
Take a look at this year’s top walkers and top teams. Then enjoy this fun walk recap:
One of the best kept secrets in town
All across the Twin Cities metro there are little known hotspots that can cater to your every need. One of those best kept secrets is located just beyond the adoption center at Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley facility. But it’s really about catering to your pet’s needs rather than your own.
What is this pet oasis?
It’s AHS’s Boarding facility—a place where you can bring your pet, including your fish, while you’re off to a business meeting in Toronto or a weekend at your mother’s house where there is a strict “No Pets Allowed” policy, even if you are her favorite child.
What will my pet do when s/he is there?
If your pet is a dog, she’ll head outside four times a day for 15-20 minutes of fresh air and to finally get a look-see at the cute dog just one kennel over. If he’s a cat, he’ll spend the day being a “cat at play” instead of burrowed under your sheets for days waiting for you to come home.
To get the full experience, sign her up for a leash walk, nail trim, brushing or even a microchip session. You’ll get lots of sloppy kisses of gratitude upon your return.
Who cares for my guinea pig, rabbit, ferret, dog, cat, fish, or other pet?
Incredible AHS staff with a desire to make your pet feel like he’s right at home. Bring your pet’s food, meds, blanket, toys or even that old T-shirt you like to leave so he doesn’t forget that you’re his people.
How do I reserve my pet’s spot?
There are only a few steps to get an all-access pass to this pet oasis. Proof of current vaccinations and a small fee for entry ($25 a day for dogs and $15 a day for all other animals).
Call (763) 489-2222 today to book your pet’s stay at AHS Golden Valley’s Boarding facility or to have more of your questions answered. You don’t want to miss out on getting your pet into this animal-loving hot spot.
Notes from a stray diary
In 2008, 6,412 strays arrived on the doorstep of Animal Humane Society’s five facilities. The following are sad and surprising entries in the records of those strays:
Found in the median on Hwy. 100
Defending babies from a fox
Found in alley in Minneapolis
Very scared with open wound on 45th & Upton
Almost hit by a car in the intersection it was wandering in
Each entry may leave a knot in your stomach. But each of these animals was brought to safety and into the concerned hands of staff at AHS. You can help those you come across or find in the future by following these tips:
- Be prepared. Have phone numbers available in your vehicle for local animal control facilities, Animal Humane Society or other animal welfare organizations in your community.
- Stay safe. DO NOT put yourself in harm’s way to rescue the animal. You can’t help them if you become injured. Pull your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazards. Take every precaution when considering traffic in your attempt to help the animal.
- Remember that the animal is scared. More often than not, the animal is frightened by his circumstances and may not understand you are there to help. If the animal is threatening in any way, contact authorities at Animal Control.
- Get their attention. It can be difficult to get the animal to come to you in these situations. Approach the animal slowly and reassuringly speak to them. If you have food in your car, try to lure them to you with it. Do not chase the animal as it will run away. If possible, run away from the animal after you get its attention and make a game out of getting to your car. Again, attempt this only if you feel comfortable that the animal is safe.
- Contact authorities if you need help. When in doubt, call those numbers you have prepared in your car. If you’re unable to reach the animal or get to him before he runs away, contact the police or animal control to report the animal.
- Understand that these things happen. If you are successful in getting the animal to a safe place, understand that you need to bring him to animal control or your local animal shelter. They may not be abandoned and there may be a frightened and worried owner frantically looking for them. Their success rate will increase if you turn the animal into the appropriate authorities.
A paw print in the stars
A new book called Paw Print in the Stars is now available from TRISTAN Publishing. This book makes a beautiful gift of remembrance after the loss of a beloved pet. Written in the voice of the pet that has passed, Paw Prints in the Stars brings peace and comfort while reflecting on the amazing lessons that our special pets can teach us. Place your order today with our friends at TRISTAN Publishing.
Take a walk in peaceful tranquility
It's hard losing a loved one. You want to honor their memory and remember the joy they brought to your life. The Animal Humane Society Memorial Garden in Buffalo, Minn. can provide you that comfort when the time comes to say goodbye to a beloved family pet. Our beautiful perennial garden provides a walking path for quiet reflection and remembrance opportunities. Visit the Memorial Garden for simple observation or to mark the memory of your lost friend.
Residents near Buffalo, Minn.: Unleash your child’s love of animals
Unleash the inner veterinarian, the wildlife advocate and the animal-loving imagination in your kids by registering them for Unleashed, AHS’s animal-themed summer day camp for kids grades 312. Campers spend a week immersed in animal-related learning activities, animal interactions, visits from special guests and adventurous “research trips” into the field. Space is still available at AHS’s Buffalo facility. Register your child today!
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...
Stray Dog Arts giving back
Help us celebrate thousands of rescued animals by becoming a part of the upcoming Stray Dog Arts exhibition "Animals of AHS." Commission a portrait of the pets who have changed your life and 20% will be donated back to help the animals of AHS. You’ll be helping the lives of many more animals in need. Learn more.
A helping hand after the loss of a pet
Whether an animal dies, is lost or stolen, or must be placed in a new home, sorrow is a normal and natural reaction to the loss of a beloved friend. But oftentimes our culture doesn’t provide us with the rituals to help us mourn the loss of a companion animal. At Animal Humane Society’s Pet Loss Support Group you can share your feelings with others who are going through a similar experience. The group is open to the public and meets every Monday at 7 p.m. No fee or appt. necessary.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Get real-time updates on what’s happening at Animal Humane Society by following us on Facebook and at Animal_HumaneMN on Twitter.
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