Pet Dish for September 29, 2009

In this issue:

• A new kind of rescue
• Hundreds of dogs in need of new homes
• AHS staffer makes brazen interstate rescue
• Kids to get “unleashed” MEA weekend
• More treats
• Scratching post

A new kind of rescue
Images of animals left behind in flooded streets or abandoned homes almost always comes to mind when you think of organizations like Animal Humane Society rescuing pets. But oftentimes, the animals we care for didn’t need to be rescued from a dire situation—they simply needed a new hand to hold.

Hunter and Sunny are two such animals. They came to us as strays, one from the bitter cold of the winter streets and the other from another shelter in northern Minnesota. But it was when they were adopted that their rescue story began… stories unlike rescue stories you’ve heard before.

We want to know - how have your pets rescued you?  Tell us by:

• Writing on our Facebook wall
• Tweeting us on Twitter, hashtag #ahsrescueme
  
• Filling out this form 
  

 

(back to top)

Hundreds of dogs in need of new homes
Sprite has been with Animal Humane Society since August 29. Baby has been here since August 28. Dex and Jenaie were introduced to us on August 27. Piggy? She arrived on August 24. BJ has been here since August 15, while Shawn arrived a few weeks earlier on August 3. Annabelle has been here the longest. She’s been waiting in her kennel for a new home since July 28.

Each of these dogs is still with us for a variety of different reasons. But one incredible truth holding them back from new homes is that they are just eight of hundreds of dogs waiting at AHS for someone to love them again. And more dogs are coming in each day.

For the first time in recent history, we are overwhelmed with dogs. If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your life, consider adopting one from AHS. Our adoption counselors at each of our five facilities can help you find the right dog to fit your lifestyle.

Many dogs are currently being cared for in our treatments and examinations areas, therefore, we expect to see more dogs in our adoption centers on Thursday and Friday of this week. Click here for more information on the dog situation at Animal Humane Society. We encourage you to check out the dogs currently available for adoption at AHS on our website.  Please be aware though we are currently in the process of upgrading our database of adoptable animals.  While we go through this transition, not all of the animals available for adoption at our five facilities will appear on the website.  We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to highlighting the new features in the coming days.

(back to top)

AHS staffer makes brazen interstate rescue
It wasn’t “Take your Canada Goose to Work Day,” but to commuters on I-94 on Friday, September 18, it might have seemed that way. Jenney Miller, a customer service supervisor in Woodbury, was on her way to work when she noticed a Canada goose in distress in the middle of a busy intersection near Lake Elmo. She did what most people wouldn’t think of doing in such a dangerous situation. She stopped her car, jumped out and picked up the confused goose. Cheers from a nearby school bus served as confirmation that she was doing the right thing for the bird.

“I wasn’t sure if he was injured or sick, but I knew I couldn’t leave him in the road,” says Jenney.

Back in the car, Jenney continued her commute to work. Roger, as she had named the bird, sat safely next to her in the passenger seat. When they arrived at Animal Humane Society, Roger was given water and a place to rest.

Roger was later transferred to Golden Valley where the Wildlife team examined him to get a better idea of why he was found in such a dangerous situation. Laura Nelson Schneck, wildlife services technician, says “Jenney’s instincts to help this goose were right on. During his examination we determined his instincts are off—he is habituated with a lack of migration instincts and goose skills. We feel he was likely raised by a human who then let him go into the wild. This goose would not have survived on its own.”

After a short stay at AHS, Roger is now with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In the rehabilitator’s care, he will be introduced to other geese in an effort to gain important social skills so he can one day be returned to the wild.

As for Jenney, it’s all a part of a day’s work. Roger wasn’t the first bird she’s rescued. “Sometimes I think I am a bird whisperer.”

Animal Humane Society does not recommend putting yourself or others in danger to rescue an animal. Please contact your local animal control office for assistance.

Please contact Animal Humane Society when in doubt about how to release a wild animal you’ve taken into your care. Wildlife experts trained in reintroducing wild animals to their natural habitat can assist you.

(back to top)

Kids to get “unleashed” MEA weekend
You don’t want your animal-loving kids to miss this incredible opportunity. For the first time ever, Animal Humane Society is offering mini camps for your kids. It’s like summer camp, but shorter and during the school year.

For the first time ever AHS is offering Unleashed Express Mini Day Camps in Golden Valley and Woodbury over MEA weekend. Take advantage of those no-school days and give your child an opportunity to have fun and learn at the same time. Your kids will explore behind-the-scenes at AHS shelters and will use CSI-style science activities to investigate animal-related crimes. They’ll also contribute to rescue activities by providing shelter animals with beds and toys at all five facilities.

Camps are being held October 15–16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program includes new activities and is not a repeat of summer camp. Learn more and register at www.animalhumanesociety.org/unleashedexpress.

(back to top)

New hours for AHS Golden Valley Boarding
The AHS boarding facility in Golden Valley will be expanding its hours to accommodate your busy weekend schedule. Beginning October 1, 2009, the facility’s hours will include Sunday mornings for drop offs and pick ups. Hours will be 7­–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., seven days a week, closed major holidays. Please call (763) 489-2222 to reserve your pet’s upcoming stay. Boarding fees go back to help the animals in our care.

 

Free introduction to AHS training
If your new best friend isn’t behaving as well as you’d like, it might be time to attend a free Introduction to Pet Dog Training class at AHS. In the class you’ll learn about training your pup through our Levels training program. No registration necessary. Simply show up on the next scheduled date—it’s fun, informational and free! See our Events calendar for upcoming sessions at our locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

 

Special 101 Dalmatians offer for AHS supporters
“101 Dalmatians the Musical” is an experience for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. See the show as AHS supporter. Purchase two tickets for $101—a savings of $45 on two tickets—by using password PETDISH. The show runs from Tuesday–Sunday, October 13 – 18, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis. Saturday evening and weekend matinees are excluded from the offer. Order your tickets today!

 

There were whiskers and there was whirling...
Whisker Whirl, one of our largest fundraising events, was held this past Saturday and it was a complete success! The sold-out gala raised more than $125,000 to support the programs and services of AHS. We want to extend our sincerest thanks to all who attended and supported so many homeless and neglected animals through this event. Please click here for event photos and a recap of the evening.

(back to top)

Investigating the link between human violence and animal abuse
It’s no mystery there is a well-established link between acts of violence against humans and animal cruelty. Equine Allies of Duluth, Minn. invites you to join them for a discussion about The Link and what we can do in animal welfare to make a difference. Leading professionals from legal communities and leaders in veterinary science and human health services will lead the discussion. Click here for detailed information on symposium being held on Friday, October 9, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Duluth, Minn.

A special wish list for cats
With more than 21,000 felines coming to AHS each year, cats are often met with an extended stay while they wait for a new home on our adoption floors. The days can get long and in an effort to keep each cat stimulated, we’re asking for donations of cat toys (without cat nip and not made out of real fur). Can you make a small toy donation to help a cat? Learn more…

 

Care for animals all year long
One simple commitment can help homeless and neglected animals all year long. Partner with AHS through its PAW (planned account withdrawal) program—you choose how much you want to donate and we’ll automatically deduct your gift from your credit card each month. That’s one commitment that provides 12 months of care. Learn more…

 

(back to top)

See our archive of news items...