NEW
2010
RVHS "Fur Ball"
I RESCUED A HUMAN
TODAY...
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to
help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't
be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little
accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know
that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers
get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad
about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and
want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars
to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate
for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her
that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile
was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would
promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her
side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant
smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came
down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked
the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save
one. Yes, I could save one.
I rescued a human
today.
Preparing for a Summer
Trip
What dog wouldn't jump at the
opportunity to tag along on a trip? It's a whole new world to
sniff and explore. And it's a chance to spend more time with
you. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your dog have
a real bon voyage.
Does Your Dog Have the Right
Stuff?
First, make sure your dog is
fit to travel, especially if you're going by air. Plane travel
can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience for a dog.
If your pooch is friendly, easygoing,
and used to being in a carrier, the trip should go smoothly.
But if your dog is shy, nervous, aggressive or hates being cooped
up, you might reconsider taking your pooch with you. Instead,
seek out a good petsitter or a boarding kennel Additionally,
weather must be considered, particularly with airline travel
as most airlines have temperature restrictions regarding the
transport of animals.
A trip to the veterinarian is
definitely in order before any excursion. Many states, and especially
other countries, require documentation that your dog is current
on her vaccinations and has a clean bill of health. (Some countries
even require a quarantine period for all pets, so check with
the country's consulate before you plan an international trip
with your dog.)
During your pet's checkup, find
out if your travel destination poses any risks for your dog.
For example, dogs in some areas of the country may experience
higher incidences of certain diseases such as heartworm infections
or Lyme disease, so your pet may need to take preventive medication
or be vaccinated to ward off pests she is not usually exposed
to. Your veterinarian should be able to offer good advice regarding
travel with your dog.
Underexposed
If your dog's usually a homebody,
she may get scared or nervous around new people and places. You
can prevent an unpredictable response by exposing your dog to
a variety of situations and people before you take your trip.
For example, you could take a ride in an elevator or walk on
a crowded street and introduce your pet to people of all ages,
sizes, and ability levels.
Left Out in the Cold
Your dog also needs a place to
stay when you reach your destination. So whether you're staying
in a hotel or at your best friend's house, call ahead to make
sure your pet is welcome. Check PETCO.com's Pet Yellow Pages
for pet-friendly hotels.
Pack for Your Pooch
When you're done packing your
bags, it's time to pack your pup's essentials. Make sure to include
health certificates verifying your dog's health status, any medications
your dog takes, food and water bowls, soap to clean the bowls,
a leash, a brush and comb, flea and tick repellant, plastic bags
and a pooper-scooper to clean up after your dog, and some treats
for the road.
Also, bring along items that
will remind your pooch of home to make her feel more comfortable,
such as favorite toys and a blanket. And make sure your dog is
wearing her collar and ID tags at all times, in case she gets
away. You might want to bring along current photos as well in
case your dog does get lost. If you are going to be staying in
one place for an extended period of time, you may want to have
ID tags made for that location as well. Additionally, a microchip
for you dog is helpful if your dog gets lost.
Don't Drink the Water
Foreign tastes can make your
dog's stomach do flips. If you can, pack enough of your dog's
regular food and water to last the whole trip.
If you'll be gone for a long
time, pack enough food so you can gradually introduce your dog
to a new diet if necessary. Add a little more of the new food
to the regular food, while cutting back on the regular food,
each day to let your dog's stomach adjust.
Different minerals in tap water
also can upset your dog's tummy, so bring along enough of your
dog's usual water to last the whole trip, offer bottled water,
or slowly expose your dog to the new beverage by gradually mixing
the usual water with the local water.
A Quick Fix
Accidents happen, so consider
taking along a first aid kit for your dog. Include any medications
your dog needs: tweezers, in case of a pesky tick; a thermometer;
gauze bandages and pads; adhesive tape; scissors; and antibacterial
skin ointment. Also be sure to keep your veterinarian's telephone
number on hand. It's not a bad idea to have the name of a veterinarian
in the area you'll be visiting; your veterinarian at home should
be able to provide you with a referral.
TRUMAN'S STORY
Truman, a 4 year old Great Dane,
was brought into the Rogue Valley Humane Society on June 26,
2009. His previous owners had both died within months of each
other. A friend of theirs took Truman but found he could no longer
care for him.
Truman was taken almost immediately to the vet. He weighed only
117 pounds
and should weigh 160 to 180 pounds. Truman's paws were pus-filled
and bleeding with embedded foxtails. The pain was so severe that
he shifted his weight from one paw to another. He had an acute
case of mange. His eyes were irritated and swollen and will require
corrective eye surgeries in the future. And then, Truman had
to have emergency surgery for bloat, a life-threatening condition
where the intestines start to twist. Thru all of this Truman
has remained gentle and sweet, a true"gentle giant".
What's In
Your Pooch's First-Aid Kit?
Like parents
tending to kids' skinned knees, most dog owners will occasionally
have to nurse their pets' scrapes, scuffs, or other minor injuries.
Also, Treating Paw Pad Injuries. Read
more
FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED!
If you have love to share and
a heart for animals, volunteers are needed to provide shelter
as a temporary foster home. As kittens and puppies come into
the shelter, they need to be placed with a foster family where
they can experience loving care and trust with humans until they
are old enough to be spayed/neutered and adopted. This may be
a single kitten or puppy, litters or moms with their babies.
We also have adults who may have
an injury or traumatic experience and just need some convalescing
time with a gentle soul and quiet environment.
The fulfillment found in fostering
is tremendous. By offering a foster home, you are saving two
lives: the one you are providing a temporary home for and the
one who will take their place in the shelter.
And if sewing is your gift, the
cats greatly appreciate fleece and sherpa material sewn into
18" x 24" blankets.
You are invaluable to the animals
and we appreciate any help you can give us in saving lives!