Lee County Humane Society

Spay Day 2010

he 16^th annual Spay Day is coming on Tuesday, February 23. It is a day that is set aside to encourage people to think about the huge problem of pet overpopulation and the only real solution. 

With the steady growth in Lee County comes additional pet overpopulation problems and it seems the shelter is full all the time. The average person does not understand the problem of pet overpopulation and how many dogs and cats are homeless.  They do not understand that there simply are not enough homes for them all of them. 

If you have a grasp on the problem of pet overpopulation, I applaud you.  If you do not then I encourage you to thoughtfully read the following facts:

• According to the Humane Society of the United States, between eight and twelve million pets enter animal shelters across the country annually.
• Between four and six million of these animals are euthanized.  This solution has an annual price tag of over $2 billion.
• ONE THIRD of all animals in shelters today were surrendered by owners.
• The number one reason owners give for surrendering their pets is problem behavior.
• In some areas of the country, only 30% of owned dogs and cats are spayed and neutered. 
• Most studies indicate that only about 50% of new owners have the pet they adopt from a shelter spay or neutered.
• In 6 years, one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies.
• In just seven years, one female cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens.
• In addition to the 60 million owned cats in the United States, there are an estimated 60 million feral and free roaming cats.  Unaltered (spayed or neutered) feral cats are both a cause and effect of feline overpopulation.
• Since 1997, the staff has seen over 78,000 animals come through our shelter doors.  Of those approximately 53,000 were humanely euthanized by the caring staff of the Lee County Humane Society.

 

Pet overpopulation is real and it is a community problem.  Until dogs and cats are routinely spayed or neutered, at least by the age of 6 months, we will continue to have a problem.  I encourage you to cut out the facts in this column and pass them on to anyone you know who has allowed their pet to reproduce. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish:  Come back here next week and we’ll be talking more about how you can help make a difference.

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

Update on Animal Relief in Haiti

There are teams on the ground in Haiti working hard for the animals. Several agencies are collaborating to have the best impact possible and have already addressed the needs of many animals. They have formed a group called ARCH, Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti. 

Immediately after the earthquake hit, lines of communication were opened between the government of Haiti and rescue groups here in the United States. It was clear that the needs of the people were a priority over the animals. While human relief efforts were in full swing, the animal welfare groups patiently waited. 

On January 22^nd ARCH was invited by the Haitian government to come to the island. They were on ground and setting up within 24 hours. While much of the needs assessment was done prior to arriving, there was still a lot to do. They spent most of the day the 23rd meeting with government officials and local animal rescue agencies. 

Most of us might think of dogs and cats as the main animals in need of relief. But the biggest and most important population of animals for Haiti is their livestock. There is an estimated 5 million farm animals of which almost half are goats. There are also a number of chickens and horses as well. 

While it is important to address the needs of the cats and dogs, the livestock needs take priority. It has a direct effect on their economy. "By restoring the livestock, we really restore the economy and help the government get back on its feet," said Dr. Dick Green, head of disaster relief for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. 

ARCH is also addressing a human health issue in Haiti. Most Haitians have no concept of keeping a dog or cat as a pet. They can hardly feed themselves so caring properly for a pet is something they don’t think about. Because of this few if any dogs and cats, be they feral or not, have been vaccinated against the rabies virus. 

The ARCH team is also planning an aggressive approach towards rabies vaccinations. There is no cure for rabies so if the disease spreads among the stray animals it is only a matter of time before humans are affected.  

There have already been reports of starving dogs eating from the corpses in the streets. The response by the Haitians has been to chase off the dogs and in some cases they have beaten or clubbed the dogs to death. This puts the people at risk of being bitten. 

The situation in Haiti is rough, but it gets better every day. If you feel a need to support the relief efforts I would encourage you to find a reputable agency, human or animal, and make a monetary donation. But beware; there are plenty of scammers just waiting to make a buck from this tragedy. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Bleach, dry dog food and cat litter please. 

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

LCHS Top Ten in 2010

10 Ways to Help the Animals 

This is one of those top ten lists made famous by David Letterman. Yes, I know everyone has used the Top Ten List to make their point about whatever they want their audience to know, but most of the time it works.  

The top ten things you can do to help the Lee County Humane Society: 

10. Bring a bag of dry dog or cat food by the shelter. We are always in need of pet food with as many as 6500 animals a year coming through our facility.

 

9. Visit the shelter and walk a dog. The Lee County Humane Society is open every day except Monday from 1 pm until 5 pm for adoptions. During these hours we encourage volunteers to come by the shelter and play with the animals. Dogs need walking and cats need playing with.

 

8. Make a cash donation. Our annual budget is almost $700,000 per year and as a not-for-profit entity we accept donations to help us operate. You can drop a check by the shelter, mail one to us or go to our Web site (www.leecountyumane.org) and make a secure donation using PayPal.

 

7. Bake some cookies for the staff and volunteers. The staff and the volunteers at the LCHS work very hard 365 days a year to care for the over 150 animals in their care each day. They would love for you to visit and drop of your favorite baked goods.

 

6. Tell your friends family and co-workers about the value of having their pets spayed and neutered. You are an influencer with them, make a difference. 

5. Have your pet spayed or neutered. It is the “oops litter” that will slip up on you if you aren’t aggressive about having your dog or cat sterilized at the appropriate time. Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your pet by six months of age and before they have their first litter. If your pet is already altered, see #6.

 

4. Take your pet to visit their veterinarian at least once a year. All cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies annually but it is a good idea to take them for a check up annually as well. If your pet is older more frequent visits may be needed.

 

3. Put a tag on your pet. If your dog or cat ends up at the LCHS the staff will know who to call to return you pet home safely. But, make sure the information is accurate.

 

2. Volunteer. The LCHS is always looking for dedicated individuals who are willing to roll up their sleeves and jump in to take care of the animals.

 

And the number one thing you can do to help the Lee County Humane Society is to adopt a pet. This is part of our mission, to find homes for animals without homes. We have a great selection of friendly dogs, cats and other pets. So come and visit us. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: We need cat litter and bleach please.

Jack Fisher 

Board of Directors

New Year's Resolutions

Resolutions for You and Your Pet 

     The New Year is just around the corner and of course with the New Year comes resolutions.  If you are a pet owner and you still have room for a few more resolutions, here are some suggestions that will hopefully bring a good year to both you and your pet. 

• Have your pet spayed or neutered- Companion animal sterilization is the best way to combat the pet overpopulation problem.  Not only does it help decrease the number of unwanted dogs and cats, but it is also a healthy choice for your pet.  If your pet is already altered, tell your friends and family to have their pets sterilized.
• Exercise with your pet- Walk your dog or play with you cat.  It is great for their health and for yours. And it is also a great stress reliever.
• Put a tag on your pet- Only about 1 percent of the animals arriving at the Lee County Humane Society have a valid identification tag.  Make sure you have at least the state mandated rabies tag on your pet’s collar whether it is a cat or a dog.  If you live in Auburn and own a dog you are required to have a city tag as well.   Consider having your pet implanted with a microchip or tattooed by your veterinarian.
• Visit your veterinarian on a regular basis- You have to go at least once a year for your pet’s rabies vaccine, but if your pet is getting older you might want to consider going more frequently.  Have you considered having dental cleaning done on your pet?
• Put your pet on a heartworm preventative- Heartworms are commonly found in dogs in the south and even in cats from time to time.  There are several types of heartworm preventative and most are very easy to administer.  Please consult your veterinarian about heartworms.
• Check your dog’s housing- If your dog is kept outside does he or she have a proper dog house?  It must have at least three sides and a roof to keep out the elements.  With the cold weather here you might want to consider buying a bale of hay to help keep your pet warm.
• Include your children in the process of caring for your pet- Start teaching your children the proper way to care for a companion animal at an early age.  As you know, they learn by what we do!
• Learn how to crate train your dog- Crate training is a great way to house train a new puppy and even an adult dog.  Done properly, your dog will want to go in to his or her crate to feel comfortable and safe.  There are many web sites that offer great crate training tips.
• Adopt from the Lee County Humane Society- If you are ready for a new companion, make sure you visit the Lee County Humane Society.  We have a variety of cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and even some rabbits and Guinea pigs.  Make sure you are ready and then come visit us!

    

     I hope 2010 will be a great year for you and your pet.  You might want to consider adopting a few of these resolutions to help make your new year even better. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish:  Bleach, dry dog food and cat litter please!

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

No More Wasted Lives

Heather Meadows reached her goal of $24,000.00 in record time during the “No More Wasted Lives” campaign this past week.  As Executive Director of the Lee County Humane Society, her challenge was to stay in a dog pen next to Kroger until she met her goal.  She was in for a total of 30 hours. 

In typical style, the weather was not great during her stay in the pen. She was met with rain on Monday as she was ceremonially locked in the pen. The rain and general bad weather continued throughout the day on Tuesday. 

Also, in typical style, the community response was overwhelming both in donations as well as the show of support.  Heather talked about how many people brought their dogs by to visit or simply told stories about their pets at home. It was a great show of support from the Lee County community. 

So, what happens next?  The contributions made will go directly to help care for the lost and homeless animals at the shelter.  A large portion of our budget goes to staff payroll cost, which is very important.  These are the people who care for the animals each and every day.  They also provide assistance when people visit the shelter to adopt.

    

The balance of the donations are used for utilities, basic health care medications, pet food, educational material, spay and neuter surgeries and so much more.  With shelter operations costing $1350.00 per day, $24,000.00 will provide assistance for a little over two weeks.  Like most non-profit organizations there are always financial needs.  

If you were not able to contribute during Heather’s stay in the dog pen or if you still want to donate during 2009 there is plenty of time.  Here are a few things you can do:

• Mail a donation to the Lee County Humane Society at 1140 Ware Drive, Auburn, AL 36832
• Come by the humane society and visit the staff, check out the animals and drop off a check
• Bring some supplies to the shelter.  Here are a few things we need: dry dog food, dry cat food, bleach, towels in good condition, glass cleaner and cat litter.
• This year you can also donate through our web site at www.leecountyhumane.org.  The process is simple and secure.     

    

Another great way to help would be to volunteer.  Did you know the staff has to work on Christmas day?  If you think you have an extra hour or two call the shelter (821-3222) and talk with Heather.  She can tell you when to come by and how long they will be there on Christmas.  It is amazing how much faster the cleaning and feeding happens with more people.

    

A big thank you to everyone who came out to support Heather and the Lee County Humane Society.  You really do make a difference. 

The shelter would like to extend a special thank you to its No More Wasted Lives sponsors: Kroger on Dean Road, Sikes Pet & Farm Supply, Adams Beverage Company,  The Lee County Sheriff's Office, The Auburn Police Department, Tiger Communications, and Qantum Communications.   
 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Be thoughtful about your pets this Christmas season.  Feed them only pet food and holiday treats designed for pets.  No table scraps especially anything with bones.

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

Top 10 Things for LCHS

What You Can Do to Help the LCHS 

This is one of those top ten lists made famous by David Letterman. Yes, I know everyone has used the Top Ten List to make their point about whatever they want their audience to know, but most of the time it works.  

Two things about this Top Ten List; it is not any any particular order of importance and humor is not my goal. I wish I had more talent when it comes to writing with humor, but I don’t. 

The top ten things you can do to help the Lee County Humane Society: 

10. Bring a bag of dry dog or cat food by the shelter. We are always in need of pet food with as many as 6500 animals a year coming through our facility.

 

9. Visit the shelter and walk a dog. The Lee County Humane Society is open every day except Monday from 1 pm until 5 pm for adoptions. During these hours we encourage volunteers to come by the shelter and play with the animals. Dogs need walking and cats need playing with.

 

8. Make a cash donation. Our annual budget is almost $600,000 per year and as a not-for-profit  entity we accept donations to help us operate. You can drop a check by the shelter, mail one to us or go to our Web site (www.leecountyumane.org) and make a secure donation using PayPal.

 

7.  Adopt a pet. That is part of our mission, to find homes for animals without homes. We have a great selection of friendly dogs, cats and other pets.

 

6. Bake some cookies for the staff and volunteers. The staff and the volunteers at the LCHS work very hard 365 days a year to care for the over 150 animals in their care each day. They would love for you to visit and drop of your favorite baked goods.

 

5. Have your pet spayed or neutered. It is the “oops litter” that will slip up on you if you aren’t aggressive about having your dog or cat sterilized at the appropriate time. Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your pet by six months of age and before they have their first litter. If your pet is already altered, encourage a friend.

 

4. Take your pet to visit their veterinarian at least once a year. All cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies annually but it is a good idea to take them for a check up annually as well. If your pet is older more frequent visits may be needed.

 

3. Put a tag on your pet. If your dog or cat ends up at the LCHS the staff will know who to call to return you pet home safely. But, make sure the information is accurate.

 

2. Volunteer. The LCHS is always looking for dedicated individuals who are willing to roll up their sleeves and jump in to take care of the animals.

 

And the number one thing you can do (this week anyway) to help the LCHS... go to Woofstock 2009 this Saturday at Kiesel Park in Auburn. Admission is free and you can bring your dog. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: We need cat litter and bleach please. 
 

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

Taking Your Pet to College

College students are making plans and packing up to go back to school. Just drive around Auburn and you can see pickup trucks and trailers full of furniture backed up to front doors. Soon our town will be full again. 

Going off to college can include bringing your pet. For me it wasn’t a pet that I brought from home, but a dog I adopted once I moved to Auburn. In hindsight maybe it wasn’t the best choice I have ever made, especially at a time in my life when good choices were not always a priority. 

Before you or someone in your family decides to take a pet to college, consider these possible hurdles: 

• Do you have the time to commit to a pet? College life brings a whole new set of time commitments to a young adult. Late nights and early mornings can be common just like sleeping in late. Are you going to have a part time job? What about long hours in the library? Having a pet requires time not only for care but also companionship.

 

• Do you have the space? Will your apartment be big enough for a dog. What about campus housing do they allow pets? Will you be on the third floor and have to walk your dog downstairs every time he needs to go out?

 

• What about roommates? Do your roommates know you will be bringing a pet? Do you know they might be bringing a pet? If there is more than one pet in the apartment do they get along?

 

• Can you afford a pet away from home? Pet care can be expensive. Not only is there the expense of food and regular veterinary care, what happens if your pet needs emergency care? Too often college students don’t realize how expensive caring for a pet can be because their parents took care of most of these expenses.

 

• What happens when you go on spring break? Or for that matter a long weekend? Do you have friends who can care for a pet or will your parents be OK doing it? Boarding a pet can be expensive.

 

College can be an exciting time in the life of a young adult. Maybe including your cat or dog might not be the best idea at least for the first year. If you just can’t handle not having an animal in your life, consider a hamster, Guinea pig or maybe even a frog. While they still require a commitment it is much less than that of a dog or cat. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Don’t forget Woofstock 2009, a day in the park with your dog, is in less than two weeks. Woofstock is scheduled for Saturday, August 22 from 9 am until 2 pm at Kiesel Park in Auburn. As in years past there will be quite a few activities all designed to entertain dog people and their pets. I hear there will be some great rock-n-roll courtesy of Spicer’s Garage Band Camp participants. Join us for a great day that benefits the animals at the Lee County Humane Society.

Jack Fisher, 

Board of Directors

Woofstock 2009 Coming Soon

Woofstock is my favorite Lee County Humane Society event of the year. If you have never been before the description “A day in the park with your dog” is the best way to describe it. Music, food and fun is the agenda for the day. 

Woofstock is scheduled for Saturday, August 22 from 9 am until 2 pm at Kiesel Park in Auburn. As in years past there will be quite a few activities all designed to entertain dog people and their pets. The schedule this year includes: 

• Canine demonstrations from local law enforcement
• Agility course
• Live music by some great local bands
• Canine safety demonstrations
• Wash-n-Wag tent for dog washes
• Kids fun area
• Pet merchandise vendors
• Tie-Dye t-shirts and the classic Woofstock t-shirts

 

New for 2009, the LCHS humane education department will be on-hand to provide information about becoming more active with your pet in the community. They will be presenting programs including agility training, canine citizenship, and therapy dog registry. 

Goree's Furniture will wrap up their donation drive for the Lee County Humane Society with a booth at Woofstock to collect donations.  Woofstock goers are encouraged to bring donations of dry dog food, puppy food, cat litter, bleach, and laundry detergent to Kiesel Park on the day of Woofstock. For more information about Goree’s Furniture and the supply drive go to the LCHS Web site atwww.leecountyhumane.org. 

We encourage you to bring your dog to Woofstock. There will be plenty of cooling pools and drinking water available. Please make sure all dogs are on a leash and current on their rabies vaccination. 

Woofstock promises to be a day of fun for all ages.  Admission is free and there is a small fee for some activities in the park.  All proceeds and donations benefit the animals of the LCHS.  

For more information about Woofstock you can visit the Website or call the LCHS at 334-821-3222. Hope you’ll take some time on Saturday, August 22 and spend a day in the park with your dog. 

Humane Society Weekly Wish: Vote online for your favorite pet in the 2010 Best Friends Calendar Contest or visit LCHS at the Village Mall Monday-Friday from 12:00-6:00 p.m. to vote. 

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

Pet Proof Your Home

There are many common items around your house that can hurt your pet.  Many people with small children will take the time to childproof their home by using special locks and relocating chemicals that can hurt their children.  As a pet owner you also need to check your home for items that can harm your pet. 

The Humane Society of the United States lists the following hazards that pet owners need to be aware of:

• Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The HSUS recommends pet owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts.
• Chemicals used on lawns and gardens, such as fertilizer and plant food, can be easily accessible and fatal to a pet allowed in the yard unsupervised.
• Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.
• Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets.
• De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can be poisonous if licked off. Paws should be washed and dried as soon as the animal comes in from the snow. Other options include doggie boots with Velcro straps to protect Fido's feet, and making cats indoor pets.
• Insect control products, such as the insecticides used in many over-the-counter flea and tick remedies, may be toxic to companion animals. Prescription flea and tick control products are much safer and more effective. Pet owners should never use any product without first consulting a veterinarian.
• Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to birds. Always be cautious when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds.
• Human medications such as pain killers (including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals. Keep medication containers and tubes of ointments and creams away from pets who could chew through them, and be vigilant about finding and disposing of any dropped pills.
• Leftovers such as chicken bones easily shatter and can choke a cat or dog. Other human foods to keep away from pets include onions and onion powder; alcoholic beverages; yeast dough; coffee grounds and beans; salt; macadamia nuts; tomato, potato, and rhubarb leaves and stems; avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy goats); and anything with mold growing on it.
• Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others.
• Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with salmonella, which can infect pets and humans who come in contact with the chews. These kinds of chews should only be offered to a pet with supervision, as they can pose a choking hazard as well.
• String, yarn, rubber bands, and even dental floss are easy to swallow and can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.
• Toys with removable parts—like squeaky toys or stuffed animals with plastic eyes—can pose a choking hazard to animals. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child.

Keep your pets safe by pet proofing your home.  Every month or two take the time to walk around your house, inside and outside, looking for items that might be hazardous to your pet.  Use common sense and make sure you don’t overlook the obvious.

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Our old refrigerator has died and we are in need of a new or used one. If you can make a donation, please contact Stacee (stacee@leecountyhumane.org)

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors