Lee County Humane Society

Puppy Palooza at LCHS

    

 

      The Lee County Humane Society has seen a dramatic increase in the number of puppies brought into the shelter in recent days.  In order to find homes for these puppies, LCHS is temporarily discounting the adoption processing fee for puppies to $50.  This discount applies to puppies in the puppy room.  

     If you are interested in adopting, you will need to bring a copy of your current pet(s) vaccination records, photo id, and a copy of your lease agreement stating that pets are allowed (if you rent your home.) Once you have this information you will need to complete an adoption application and an adoption counseling session will be scheduled.  All adoptions include the first round of vaccinations, 30 days of pet insurance, and a free first-visit to a local vet’s office. 

    Adopter who take advantage of this discount will also receive a free children’s book from the LCHS Humane Education Department.  Second Chance- A Tale of Two Puppies is a charming, must-read for new puppy adopters.

     The Lee County Humane Society is constantly working to find adopters for the many homeless pets in the Lee County community.  Please remember to do your part to combat pet-overpopulation and have your pet spayed or neutered.

Pet Adoption Tips

October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. We have seen quite an increase in adoptions this month and we are excited that this might be the best month ever for adoptions. We are offering a lowered adoption fee of $40.  If you are considering adopting, here are some tips recommended by the Humane Society of the United States:

• Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
• Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
• Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
• Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
• Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
• Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
• Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
• Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
• Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
• Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime

Having a companion animal as part of your family can be very rewarding.  Think it through before you make that decision and when you are ready visit us at the Lee County Humane Society.

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Remember the date November 21 and join us for Pet Portraits with Santa at For Paws Boutique.

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October is not only the time for goblins, ghosts and ghouls, it’s also National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to promotes this month to raise awareness of the millions of dogs living in shelters throughout the United States.  In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the Lee County Humane Society is discounting the adult kennel dog adoption fee to $50.  (This discount does not apply to puppy adoptions.)  Come in and visit our kennel dogs this month!

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog:

1. What You See Is What You Get- Older dogs are open books—from the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not so into surprises, an older dog is for you!
2. Easy to Train- Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Sure you can! Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
3. Seniors are Super Loving- Older dogs are wiser and more devoted.   It's an instant bond that cannot be topped!
4. They’re Not a 24-7 Job- Grown-up dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.
5. They Settle in Quickly- Older dogs have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!
6. Fewer Messes- Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be housetrained—and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.
7. You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew- There are those who yearn for a doggie friend of their own, but hold back because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. And they are wise to do so—a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an eight- to 20-year responsibility, which is not appropriate for the very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
8. They Enjoy Easy Living- Couch potato? Please consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise—they do—but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.
9. Save a Life, Be a Hero- Older dogs are often the last to be adopted at shelters. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together. There’s nothing like that twinkling in an older dog’s eyes when he finally gets adopted and realizes that after a lifetime of searching, he’s home.
10. They’re CUTE!- Need we say more? For proof, check out LCHS pets on petfinder.com.

Stacey Strength
Director of Public Relations & Development
Lee County Humane Society

New Adoption

Allison Bell and Jase Johnston adopted "Aubie" on Wednesday, June 25.  Allison and Jase already have a dog,"Punkin," that they adopted from a shelter.  "We wanted a pet that was a little more independent and would get along with Punkin," said Jase.  Allison and Jase didn't realize it until they came into the shelter, but they adopted Aubie during Cat Adoption month.  In honor of Cat Adoption month, the LCHS has cats available for adoption at the discounted fee of $50 dollars until the end of June.


"Aubie" has found the perfect home with Allison, Jase, and Punkin.

Puppy Extravaganza Update

The Puppy Extravaganza on Saturday, June 6 led to a happy home for two of our puppies.  "We are hoping to increase the number of adoptions at our extravaganzas to match last year's success," said Becky Thomas, adoption coordinator.  Last year the extravaganzas averaged 10 adoptions per event.  "Attendance has been low at our extravaganzas so far this year, but I hope we can get the word out to increase adoptions," Becky said. The Puppy Extravaganzas are held every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lee County Humane Society.  Puppies are available for adoption at a reduced adoption fee of $60.  This fee includes microchipping, all vaccines except rabies, deworming, a bag of Science Diet dog food, coupons for Petco, a free vet visit and 30 day dog insurance.  Potential adopters should bring a record of their current pet(s)' vaccinations.  Any current pet(s) are required to have rabies vaccinations before an adoption can occur.  Potential adopters who rent their home should bring a copy of their lease and proof of their pet deposit.  "The extravaganzas are a good opportunity for adopters to see the puppies outside of regular adoption times during the week," said Becky.  The next Puppy Extravaganza will be Saturday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Shelter Staffer, Kristie Turner, plays with Jackie, a female Jack Russell Terrier mix that is avaliable for adoption. 

Happy Adoption

Talitha Smith and family of Dadeville, AL adopted two kittens May 21, 2008. We wish them the best of luck with their growing family!

Puppy Adoption Extravaganza

Join us this Saturday, May 11, as we feature a large selection of adorable puppies available for adoption. Our friendly staff and volunteers will be available on site to offer assistance to visitors.

• When: This Saturday between 9 a.m.- 12 noon
• Where: Parking lot of the Lee County Humane Society

Pet of the Week 02-24-08

"Sophie" is a 1 year old female domestic short hair cat. She is a loveable cat with a curious nature. To visit "Sophie" and her other feline friends, drop by the Lee County Humane Society Tuesday-Sunday between 1-5pm.

Pet of the Week- 02-17-2008

"Fletcher" is a 1-3 year old neutered male Australian Shepherd mix. He is a little shy at first, but he will win your heart in no time. To visit "Fletcher, feel free to drop by the Lee County Humane Society Tuesday-Sunday between 1-5pm during our adoption hours.