Lee County Humane Society

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month

"Julian" is just one of the many cats available for adoption at LCHS.

   Each June the American Humane Association celebrates Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month.  In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, during the month of June all LCHS cat adoption will have a discounted adoption processing fee of $50.  Come into the shelter and see the many wonderful cats that need loving homes.

The American Humane Association offers the following tips about how a cat can enrich your life:

• Cats will keep you entertained with their playful antics.
• Cats are very affectionate and love to cuddle with you.
• Having a cat can reduce your blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
• Cats are very clean -- they bathe themselves!
• Cats are independent and can be left alone while you are at work.
• Cats do not need to be housebroken -- using the litter box comes naturally to them.
• Cats do not need a lot of space. They are perfect pets for apartments and smaller homes.
• Taking care of a cat can help teach a child responsibility and humane values.
• Cats get plenty of exercise living indoors. Just 15 minutes of playtime each day will satisfy a cat.
• Approximately 4 million homeless cats end up in animal shelters every year in the United States. By adopting, you’ll be saving a life.

No Saturday Event this Week!

     The shelter alternates hosting Wash-n-Wags or Puppy Adoption Extravaganzas on each Saturday throughout the summer.  As this this Saturday is the fifth of the month, there will not be an event at the shelter.  The next Puppy Adoption Extravaganza will be Saturday June 6 and the next Wash-N-Wag will be Saturday June 13.  We look forward to seeing you then for some summer fun!

Shelter in Need of Shredded Paper!

The shelter relies on the Lee County community for a variety of in-kind donations to sustain the shelter's daily operations.  A necessity for the shelter to operate is shredded paper (long shreds rather than confetti shreds work best.)  The shelter is in desperate need for donations of shredded paper to line the kennels and cages.  If you or anyone you know shreds paper please consider bringing it in to the shelter as a donation!

More than just Purrs & Woofs at LCHS

     In addition to the number of cats and dogs that need loving home at the Lee County Humane Society, the shelter often has a number of "exotic" pets that needs homes too.  People often bring in their rabbits, mice, rats, birds, guinea pigs and even ferrets when they are unable to care for them anymore.  If you are looking for a non-traditional pet of your own, consider checking with a shelter before going to a pet store.  Currently the shelter has two rabbits, two mice and a ferret in its care, all waiting to be adopted.

"Stuart" and "Gus" are playful and entertaining.

Kristie Turner, shelter staffer, holds "Fiona" the ferret.  "Fiona" has already been spayed and descented.

Two Star Pets Find Homes

     Last week two LCHS "Star Pets" went home.  "Bosco" (shown below with his adopters) and "Olivia" finally found their forever homes.  "Star Pets" are the four animals who have been at the shelter the longest and have a discounted adoption processing fee of $50 to encourage a faster adoption.  "Bosco" had been at the shelter since since July 1 of last year and "Olivia" had been here since January.  Congratulations to our former "Star Pets" and their new adopters!

Tag Your Pet

Every so often I take the opportunity to talk about pet identification.  Some times I mention microchips and other times I will talk about tattoos.  Today I want to remind everyone about how important it is to have a current identification tag on all dogs and cats. 

According to a recent study of 1000 animal shelters, conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, approximately one million dogs and 584,000 cats were taken in as strays. Unfortunately for both owners and animals, only 16% of these dogs and 2% of cats were returned to their owners. These statistics are alarming. 

In Alabama every dog and cat is required to have a rabies vaccination.  When your pet is vaccinated you are given a rabies tag; this tag is a great form of identification for your pet.  Almost every pet that has arrived at our shelter wearing a rabies tag has returned home to their family.  The exception to this is if the contact information registered with the rabies tag is inaccurate. 

If you live in the city limits of Auburn you are required to register you dog.  With this registration you also are issued a tag that can be used to return your pet home.  The cost of complying with the city ordinance is $5 if your dog is spayed or neutered and $15 if he or she is intact.  Although it is not required I feel certain you can register your cat with the City of Auburn as well.  Registering is relatively inexpensive to make sure your pet will return home safely if he or she is lost. 

    

If you do lose your pet here are some tips on what to do:

• Act fast!! Don't wait days hoping your pet will come home. The sooner you begin your search, the better the odds of finding him.
• Search your neighborhood or area where your pet was lost and let people know she's missing. You may want to offer a reward. Call your pet's name and check any places she could have become trapped, such as in basements or garages or under vehicles. A lost pet often will hide during the day, so be sure to go out again at night with a flashlight and call for her. Sometimes a can of food can lure a hungry and scared pet to you.
• Check with your local shelters every day. Don't call -- visit the shelter to search for your pet. Many animals are difficult to describe over the phone, and only you really know what your pet looks like.
• Call all animal control agencies in your town and surrounding areas.
• Use your pet's photo to make "lost pet" signs. Put them up in your neighborhood and in post offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinary offices, and grocery stores. Inform your veterinarian and groomer that your pet is lost in case they receive a call.
• Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward in case someone found your untagged pet and was thinking of keeping her.
• Watch the found ads. Respond to any that might be close to your pet's description. A week of wandering the streets can make white pets look drab gray, and the ad's description might not exactly fit.
• Call your local radio stations. Some radio stations will broadcast lost pet information for free. Give them very detailed information on where your pet was lost, his description, and how to contact you.

 

Please make sure your pet is properly identified in case he or she is lost.   It is a simple, easy and inexpensive way to almost insure that your pet will return home if they are lost.  If you need to purchase a tag many veterinary clinics and pet supply stores can order a personalized tag for your pet.

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: If you bathe you pet, don’t forget to put their collar and tags back on as soon as they are dry.

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

From Bow to Wow!

  

 

 Your pooch can go from Bow to WOW this Saturday, May 23 at the Lee County Humane Society Wash-N-Wag.    LCHS staff members and volunteers will be on hand to give your dog a bath.  Bring your dog to the "Washin' Waggon" for some good clean fun. The cost is only $10 for large dog and $5 for small dogs.  All proceeds benefit the animals at LCHS.

Puppy Adoption Extravaganza this Saturday!

    The Lee County Humane Society will have the second Puppy Adoption Extravaganza of the year this Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Puppy Adoption Extravaganzas are a fun-filled opportunity for the many litters of puppies that are at the shelter during the summer months to receive special attention.
     At Puppy Adoption Extravaganzas, kennels are set up outside with all the litters of puppies.  Adoption counseling session are also held at the extravaganzas.  If you are interested in adopting, you will need to bring a copy of your current pet(s) vaccination records, a copy of your lease stating pets are allowed (if you rent your home), and your driver's license or another form of photo identification.  All puppies adopted at Puppy Adoption Extravaganzas have a discounted adoption processing fee of $60.
     The first Puppy Adoption Extravaganza of the summer resulted in happy homes for eight puppies.  Join the Lee County Humane Society this Saturday for a day of fun and puppy love.

Hot Weather Pet Warnings

 

     It is May and the really hot weather will be rolling in soon.  With the hot weather come some challenges for people who allow their pets outside.  Without the proper precautions your pet might end up in serious distress or possibly die.

     The most obvious hot weather problem is pets left in unattended cars.  The temperature inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.  Even rolling down the windows partially will not cool the car appropriately.  Your pet can suffer brain damage or even die from heat stroke.  Please think twice before leaving your pet in a parked car.

     Pets left outside without access to water is another problem.  Like humans, pets drink more water when it is hot.  If your pet stays outside all day make sure they have a large container of water and that you check it frequently.  The water also needs to be kept fresh.  It is easy to forget about keeping your pet hydrated when you have a busy summer schedule.

     The summer months also are inviting for outside family activities.  Most are a great opportunity to take your dog along with you, but be careful.  Always have a container of water and a bowl with you in your car.  If you want to take your dog with you on a hike or play in a park, try to schedule this type of activity during the cooler times of the day.  If you know you can not guarantee you pet’s safety and comfort, leave her at home.

      Also beware of crowded summer activities.  Although it is very tempting to take your pet with you to outdoor concerts, family reunions and fairs, think again.  These events can cause a lot of stress for your pets; the heat, loud noises and large crowds can cause problems.  And by all means, don’t take your pet to a Fourth of July fireworks celebration. 

     The Humane Society of the United States recommends the following if you suspect your pet is exposed to high temperatures:

• Be alert for the signs of heat stress—heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately.
  -Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her temperature.
  -Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
  -Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian—it could save her life.

     Summer can be a great time for pets and their families.  Please make sure your pet is included, but only in appropriate activities.  One poor choice can ruin a fun event, trip or activity.

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Have some free time this summer? Come volunteer at the Lee County Humane Society.    

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

Spirit Night at Chick-fil-a

     

The Lee County Humane Society will have a Chick-fil-A Spirit Night on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Chick-fil-A at the Village Mall. A portion of the proceeds from each meal ticket will benefit the Lee County Humane Society Spay/Neuter Facility. Join us for a night of food and fun for a great cause.