Friday Update

It's been a busy week - adoptions, Rescue Waggin coming in, Lady bouncing back and forth between the Condo and the Ed Room - in short, a typical week! A couple came in today and put an application in for Tex - they finally decided on him after looking at Amy and Taylor. Your time is soon, guys! Ariel and Birdie have been hanging in the condo this week, and will stay there through the weekend until the floors are done. Hopefully someone will see them instead and take them home to snuggle in their bed for the rest of their lives. The reduced condo rates and the stepped up advertising have generated interest, and the numbers are slowly dwindling in the condo. There are only 4 cats out now on a regular basis.

Remind everyone you see to spay or neuter - lets keep those vets in our clinic busy!

Tuesday update

Well folks what a busy day! Lightening was approved for adoption and went home to a very nice man and woman. They wanted Snuggles too but the landlord said only one. Maybe after the landlord sees how sweet Lightening is he will change his mind. Both adults were first year medical students.

Teenytiny also found a wonderful home. They already have 2 older cats and a 10 year old dog and wanted something playful. Well they got themselves a little tiger. Teenytiny will give them a run for their money. Teenytiny is booked for Assisi Sept 4th he was too tiny last van. She will be brought utd vaccines and get FIV/Felv tested and altered.

Poor Ms. Big Stuff looked so lonely when I left hope she get a homes soon. Her cagemates left today.

I have approved Jayla for adoption. The recommendations were outstanding for family and kids. The daughter is a student who will be bringing one of the younger pets "Jack" to stay with her and she was looking for a cat to call her own. Jayla is scheduled to leave Weds. at 4:30.

We have an application for Precious. The person wants to bring their dog and roommate to meet Precious plus they must bring proof of utd vaccines and rabies for current dog which was adopted from shelter last year.

A 16 year old girl filled out an application for Fannie Mae but she needs to get Dads permission first. So we need to get approval from Dad. There was another application on file BUt I was so busy showing dogs I did not get a chnace to get to it.

I did manage to get 2 aide applications completed. Rebecca , Laura, Jennifer and another young lady were in doing safer testing.

A number of cats and dogs went down today. Bobbie told they are trying to hang on to spayed and nuetered cats in back .

Well there will be more safer testing tomorrow.

Lets keep processing those applications and find the kittens and cats we have homes.

Till Later Anita

Adoptions update

We've had three new adoptions this week - two kittens and SNOW! Yes, Snow has found a forever home. The woman who came to adopt her was very patient and sat for a long time with her in the Education Room. She talked with us a lot about how Snow was going to need time to adjust, and that she didn't mind. She was really putting Snow's needs above her own!

The two kittens being adopted created some room, so Anita has brought back Chantel and her kittens. We are bursting with kittens! We have been able to shift and pair so now have 7 full-time residents in the "out condo" section, and one cage has been designated to rotate the long-term residents in and out, to get them used to being in cages again. Lady now lives in the Education Room - hopefully this will help her to find a loving home, as she seems calmer and seeks attention now.

The memory garden is coming along - every day brings something new. I can't wait until it is finished - I haven't helped because I have a very black thumb, but I sure do appreciate all the hard work our wonderful gardeners are doing.

Remember to visit your neighbors and encourage them to spay and neuter. Did you know that Pulaski County has laws on the books stating that a person can have only two intact cats on their property? According to the law, all others must be fixed. Just canvassing my own street has resulted in 7 cats being fixed in the past six months! In addition, it affords you the opportunity to discuss trap-neuter-return and how trap-and-kill doesn't work. We have information at the shelter or visit www.alleycat.org for more information.

Tuesday Assisi Van

We had beautiful group of pets come in to be spayed and neutered today. All total we had 24 animals on the van. It was a hot and very busy day. I really enjoy working the van and I am currently looking for folks who may be interested in helping out on Assisi Van Day.

The most important part is registration, making sure that folks have the paperwork completed so that information can be transferred to rabies certificates, collecting and turning in the pink sheets for animals that have been adopted from the shelter. Once this paperwork is turned into the Animal Control Officer it tells them that the person has met the state requirements of getting their pets up to date on vaccines, rabies and being altered. Persons who fail to follow state regulations run the risk of having their newly adopted animal removed from their home or possible fines of up to $500.

Once the surgeries begin we assist the Vet Tech with scrubbing the used surgical equipment and packing them for sterilization at a later date. Sometimes a person is needed to calm the pets waking from surgery, they will be dizzy and disoriented. In the afternoon discharge person is needed who can call folks to let them know their pet is ready to go home. Read discharge information to the owners and advise about giving medication then release pets to their owners.

After the pet leaves we remove any towels and newspapers from the cages and spray with kennels sol . We let it sit for 10 minutes then wipe it out and lay fresh newspapers in the cages.

It is not hard work when you have help but it takes devotion and and person who can be depended on to be there on the dates needed. Which is currently once a month for the Assisi Van.

Our patients are generally pets that have been adopted from the shelter. We sometimes will get folks who meet the guidelines for assistance. And as always we also use the van to spay and neuter shelter pets in preparation for adoption.

If you love working with animals, want to help us stop the senseless killing of unwanted pets, and have a good working ethic, we need you.

Our in house spay clinic also needs volunteers, the assigned duties are slightly different however the goal is the same which is to provide safe and humane spay and neutered services.

Do you love to walk but hate walking alone. We always have dogs that need to be walked. Many of the dogs found at the shelter are housebroken. So those dogs really need to go on daily walks.

Often times we get dogs who have been neglected they will need bathing, nail trims and if possible grooming however just a good old brushing will often remove matted hair and loose hair. (We really need a professional groomer who may be interested in being on call for those really neglected cases). Getting a dog groomed can often make the dog more adoptable and thus save his life.

The rewards are many knowing that this spayed cat or dog will not be returned to the shelter when it becomes pregnant, saving neutered dogs from possible testicular cancer, reducing the number of unwanted kittens being turned into the shelter which we can't possibly find homes for all of them so they face certain death. Making sure pets have vaccines so they don't die from

a horrible illness like distemper or parvo. Help reduce the out break of rabies in our community. Providing owners with rabies certificates so they can get county tags that they can attach to their pets collars. If the pet is ever lost the tags can be used to locate the owners and return the pet. It's a good feeling to know we are helping folks provide quality care for their pets.

There are a lot of volunteer opportunities available at the shelter if you are interested in helping stop by the shelter and fill out a volunteer form. Let us know what areas of pet care you can help us with.

August only all PCHS cats are being adopted for $40. These cats and kittens have already been altered, up to date on rabies and vaccines, and are FIV/FELV neg. they have had flea treaments and are wormed. They need loving homes, do you have time to lavish love on a pet. You will be rewarded many times over.

Again the shelter is full of dogs eagerly waiting for someone special to call their own. If you need a loyal and faithful companion who will be excited to see you when you get home. Someone who will play ball, fetch your slippers, or alert you when someone knocks at your door. Please come see the beautiful dogs and puppies currently housed at the shelter.

If you are low income and need help getting your pet spayed/ neutered come fill out a aid application. We will do what we can to help you.

Have a great day and remember it is really hot out there so make sure your pet has shade or keep in a cool area, check the water bowl a couple of times a day. Report to Animal Control any pets that are kept in the sun with no water and or food. Chained pets left in the sun can die from overheating, dehydration just like any human can.

friday office update

Well today was pretty successful. Lilly one of my previous fosters has been adopted. He went to a very loving home.

Amelia has found a home. She will remain here where I have been fostering her. Amelia gives love bites . I have fostered her since she was a tiny kitten even bringing her back to life with Kitten CPR I feel it would be best to let her live out her days with me.

AC adopted out Binka, today as well as the kitten CCCC plus to other kittens from back.

We have number of adorable puppies and we are taking applications for all puppies is my understanding.

AC stated Buster the older min-pin's owner is supposed to come and claim their dog.

One of Bell's puppies still needs a home, it is currently in foster care and we are taking applications for Decaf.

We are also taking applications for Shilo, I know we are have had a number of inquires let see if we can get folks to come in and meet him.

Fiona is in foster care and is also in need of a home.

A man came in today interested in adopting a dog. He has 2 pits at home and I told him it would be best if brought his dogs in to see if they would get along with the dog he wants to adopt.

Little Barb the puppy has a skin condition that the vet has stated she will outgrow. So we are trying to find her a home. She has very short legs so she may not grow to be a very big dog.
She is very sweet and wopuld make a great indoor pet.

I have openings for dogs and cats on the Aug 7th assisi van so please book and fill up the spots when possible.

Have a great weekend all.

Saturday update, and as usual, my inane musings

I expected that on such a beautiful day there would be a ton of visitors to the shelter, but sadly, this was not the case. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to see volunteers Judith, Tasha, Jane, Karen, Jen, and David, but very few families came to look at animals.

Despite that, several animals did leave the shelter today! Jane came to pick up a puppy (Gizmo? Someone correct me if that's wrong!) to be fostered; I expect that this puppy is destined for the Rescue Waggin'. This puppy is the poster puppy for cute puppies everywhere! Gorgeous fawn with hazel green, heart-melting eyes! Jane was pretty excited about taking him home!

Another dog was being auditioned just after I arrived this morning. I think it was Molly; she was one of the fluffy ones from the puppy room. She seemed very sweet and happy to see the woman who put her in the car, not back in the cage!


This kitten from the condo, also named Gizmo (hence my confusion), was adopted today by Sherry and Diane, pictured here. He would hardly sit still--he seemed so very happy to be out of his cage! He will go home to a few other cat and dog friends and be totally spoiled! In the brief time I spoke with Sherry and Diane, I learned that they are animal lovers who have taken in strays and totally support (and practice!) spay/neuter! We are lucky to have nice folks like them in our community looking out for our animals.

Our little Ginger was looking pretty shaggy today! Being a Chow mix, she has a ton of fur, and being constantly confined in a cage, she has nowhere to shed it! David and I decided to brush her, and what a chore it was! There was much more fur than we exptected. After a while, it looked like a dog exploded outside. We brushed her for about an hour using a variety of grooming implements. She looks a lot better but still needs to be brushed again, if anyone is at the shelter and has time. Ginger has previously passed SAFER, but has become a little mouthy. If you are working with her, please correct her immediately when she does it!

Of course, I am still on my Michael Vick rant, and thank goodness, so is everyone else! BAD RAP's recent blog entry is fantastic, and CNN has been covering this topic like a champ! They have also brought up hog-dogging, another disgusting, idiotic, and barbaric "sport," which I believe is popular only in the deep south. The stupid rednecks....er, I mean....oh yeah, STUPID REDNECKS who participate in this amentia claim that it is not cruel; it is a training exercise for hunting season; the cretins claim that the wild hogs are hunted because there are too many of them and they are destructive. Well, IMHO, there are too many humans, and most of them are destructive or are only contributing to the increasing drug and crime rate; ergo, the same should apply. Line up hog-doggers; my 4 legged friends would like to meet you......

As for the inane musings...I'm sitting here drinking a Yuengling Black & Tan and eating some Fruity Pebbles and rice milk (vegan doesn't always mean healthy), when I notice that on the front of the box o' Pebbles, it says "Now Better Tasting!" "Better tasting than what?" I wonder. Or, by that statement, does Post imply that their colorful morsels of crispy rice were not perfectly flavored prior to that bold declaration? What has changed? The answer folks: nothing. They still taste the same. I'm such a tool.

PCHS office Update for 7/13/07

I contacted all the owners of pets scheduled for Assis Van July 17th.
Linx the Cocker puppy went to a very good home today. He was such a cutie.
But the best news is that Onyx was adopted out today by AC.

I got in and their was a donation from one of our volunteers of tube socks filled with rice ( I think) that we can use for the clinic as well as 10 bottles of hand sanitizer. Boy those bags holding the socks were very heavy.

Another volunteer had some friskies canned cat food shipped to us. Thank you so much it was very much needed. I restocked the condo canned food supply.

I tried to get an application approved but the vet was out of the office, so I left a message and put back in pending folder.

There was money in the vaccine box and I have been told it is to be logged as a medical reimbursement as we are being reimbursed for vaccines.

I was told that the flow of cats ands kittens has slowed, so that was good to hear.
I did get the laundry into the drier but I did not get it folded hope tomorrow the volunteers can address that and put things away.

Use the yellow tubes of eye ointment for all the cats. I was told to toss the white tube.
I use the yellow tube of meds when fostering and actually seem to get better faster results.

AC got in the new bowls for kennels so they were all hung today.

All in all a productive day wish we had some applications for some of our condo cats.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

friday update

Well I noticed that Trixie and Cole kittens from the Condo have been adopted out sometime last week.

The air conditoning was out today making it miserable for humans and animals. They finally got it running again about 4pm. Laura ran some fans over to the condo to help with the cooling. Thanks so much Laura.

Snider the big black dog was adopted out by AC today. Then a couple came in and filled out an application for Ginger but they are also interested in Draper. They would like to have their current dog meet with the ones they are interested in. They came so late in the day I did not get a chance to check out their application. They also filled out an aide applicaiton to get their current dog on the assisi van I just clipped them both together. See pending.

A woman came in about 4:30 wanting to adopt a cat she just had to have her old cat put down due to old age. I showed her everything in the condo. But then they wanted to see the cats in
back and they liked Maggie the white one with one blue eye and one gold eye. Told them to come back tomorrow at 8am till 12noon. I explained all about the differences in cats from front and cats in back and she still wants the white one in back.

People came in looking for puppies. The border collies can not go till Monday. But there are some that can go. The small black dog in puppy room Barb has some type of skin condition, may need it checked.

I tried to arrange an appointment with one of our local vets for a spay but that will have to be completed monday when his receptionist returns from vacation. Please see pending file and notes.

AC was out of vaccines gave them some, so now all dogs are vaccinated that can be.

I checked out the couple that wants to adopt Bell and one of her puppies and would foster the other 2 . Got a great recommendation from vet. Julie was willing to transfer to PCHS and then Rebecca will make necessary arrangements.

The new monitor is so wonderful, A thousands thanks to the great people who donated it for our office.

Just a note Mr. Dot and Lewey maybe a bonded pair. I know when choy and kungfoo the other litter mates were adopted out Mr. Dot stopped eating. So I am concerned about Mr. Dot. They are the sweetest set of Kittens. Home we can find them a good home soon.

Looking forward to Sunday at Laura's hope everyone can make it.

Later Anita

Fuegos artificiales en la casa del Presidente

Hello all! I haven't posted in quite some time, so I wanted to give a shout out to all my homies. Um......good evening, homies (I'm not very good at this shout out thing). I wish I could have seen more of you at Laura's house this past Sunday. Anita and I got to be in the boat parade, which was loads of fun. There was a brief moment of excitement when one of the boats sank, sending woman and dog asunder (sounds way more dramatic than it actually was), and the sinking boat (which was a small dinghy being pulled by a jet ski) won the "Most Team Spirit" award for their Hokie pride.

We picked up Nicole mid-parade after Laura, who was piloting, sped back to her dock to drop off Anita and Kayla, who had to go to work. I have seen Laura take off at top speed in the Expedition at least twice to chase after run away dogs; I don't know why it didn't occur to me that she can and will do the same in a boat!

Anita and I had already cleaned the cat condo that morning, and after the parade, we both had to run home to clean our own "condos." But I came back with Billy and Anita brought Chuck for the cookout and fireworks, and Nicole was still there (and was much less tan than I would have expected!). Anita's little nephew (Anita calls him Oopers; I can't remember his real name!) was also in town--I'm sure he wasn't expecting to be in a parade and see fireworks while he was here! I think Susan may have been watching from her boat. Evan and Ethan and a few others sent up the fireworks at dark--I would dare say some medium sized municipalities would be envious of the pyrotechnics display that night! Good job guys! And thanks to Laura and Jeff--great friends who are always willing to share home, hearth, and mixed drinks!

I hope everyone can make it this coming Sunday. If it helps to encourage everyone, I am bringing chocolate pie! I would love to see everyone. This whole employment thing has seriously cut into my shelter time, but we all know that where there are abused children, there are abused animals, so I get to intervene in both! I have already re-homed a soon-to-be-homeless cat and an abused dog, made a new friend at a new rescue, and handed out a ton of spay/neuter info from Margaret B. Mitchell clinic and Smyth County Humane Society. It never ends, but we keep plugging away. Which is why we all need to chill out at Laura's this weekend!

tuesday update

I stopped by the shelter today just to say howdy to Lewey and Mr. Dot. I had just returned them to the shelter Monday, now that they are ready to be adopted out.

There was a woman there wanting to adopt out Tinkerbell. She had emailed an application and I had her complete one from the door as Bob was working in the office. As soon as she crossed the last T and dotted the last I , I was on the phone checking out her references, turns out everything was in order, had excellent vet reference and within 1/2 hour she was out the door taking her new pet home. Please see note on her application regarding adoption.

I had to leave and Bob was trying to get information on two other applications. When I returned at 5pm Rebecca was there and had approved another application for either Wally or Snuggles, so those people are scheduled to come in and adopt one of those kittens wednesday after 3pm.

We are waiting to hear back from the landlord regarding one application. Once we get the landlords approval and reference from landlord we may have another cat being adopted out. It is my understanding we are going to have to work to get the applications processed in a more timely manner as we need to reduce the number of cats we have in the condo currently. So office staff please try to make sure that all applications are processed on your shift if at all possible.

We have had some adoptions coming out of the back room also . But it's not enough more kittens are pouring into the shelter then are getting adopted out. Also mention the adopt one and get a second cat or kittens for 1/2 price I know I have adopted out two sets.

If they come out of back 30.00 goes to AC the person pays us 55. on day of adoption and we can put the two cats on assisi which they will pay us the difference on day of van make sure you note on assisi paperwork they owe money and on assisi log. it should be $42.50 and if they are kittens they will need boosters and there is an extra 5.00 charge for each kitten making it a total of $52.50 to be paid on day of assis. I hope that will clear up confusion that one of our office persons had regarding this matter. However if the cats/kittens are all from condo and have been spay/neutered and are upto date on shots then they must pay the $127.50 since they will not be coming back to get on van.

Need to check and make sure all dogs have been vaccinated. Julie was out of the office for a couple of days so it was hectic and I am not sure all dogs got vaccinated.

Because of the really hot weather just check before leaving office for day that all animals have water. The animals are drinking it faster then we can pour it in their bowls.

Thanks folks for your tireless devotion to the shelter pets. Don't forget Thursday is Rescue Waggin day we have a lot of dogs going to rescue so if you can help us out at 5 am that morning we need all hands on deck. Email Rebecca and let her know you will be coming to help.

Stay cool yourself and drink plenty of water.

Puppy Update

Well I recieved a request to keep everyone updated on Bell and her Pups, so here it is. The puppies were two weeks old, as of yesterday and I noticed two of them had just opened thier eyes. As of this morning we now have three with thier eyes open, the fourth one should have his open by the end of the week if not sooner. Here are some updated pics for those of you that are unable to get to the shelter and see them. These babies have grown so much, they were about the size of my hand when they were born and as you can see from the black & white pup she is much bigger than my hand now. I hope you can see thier eyes in these pics, they are open, well all but the one.

Assisi Van Tuesday

Well folks we have scheduled future Assisi Vans for August 7th and Sept. 4th.
Today we had ALOT of animals on the van. All dogs were the public's pets. I managed to get
Dot, Lewey, Lilly and 3 of Chantels Kittens on board to be fixed. Plus we had a number of the public's cats on board today. It was a very busy day.

I also had A.C. make up paperwork for Marty and Wallie, plus Chantels Kittens. Beauty's babies also have paperwork. It was time for some of the condo cats to get updated for vaccines and rabies. So Ariel, Fiona, Wildknot and Pearl 2 are now all updated and have 3 year rabies certificates.

A young man who had his dog neutered today brought his girlfriend and they adopted 2 grey kittens from the back getting the buy 1 get 1/2 off on second.

I want to Thank Catrina for showing up and helping me this morning I was swamped.
Then Lisa came in and again did a great job with helping on the van and doing the discharges.
And Joanne helped me vaccinate the cats and kittens today. A Great Big Thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers.

AC got in a senior cat that is fixed and Declawed so if anybody is looking for a declawed cat it is beautiful. Declawed cats are recommended as inside cats. It will only cost $15.00 to save it's life. Please come and see it if you are interested or tell a friend.

Later in the day Rebecca, Laura, Nicole and Barb were in doing safer test for dogs going to rescue. Of the 10 dogs tested today 8 passed with flying colors.

Bob was in the office Thanks for all your help today Bob. He also checked and brought in money from the dog banks.

We are all working hard to prevent pet overpopulation and at the same time trying hard to save the lives of those pets that do get brought in to the shelter . If you want to help please stop by the shelter and fill out a volunteer sheet. There is so much to be done and altho we have a number of devoted volunteers we would love to have ( and need ) more help.

Well that about covers it for today. I am tired tonight but it s a good kind of tired.

office update

Today was a lucky day for 3 kittens from the back. A lady came in and adopted 2, Slim and his litter mate. Then another person came in and adopted one of the grey kittens. I trimmed each kittens nails, wormed and got vaccinatings ready and Nicole vaccinated them. Thanks for your help Nicole.

Nicole was in bathing new dogs, trying to remove the dirt and ticks. Then she walked dogs.

Jennifer a new volunteer stopped by and bought some t-shirts. She will be at the shelter helping out tomorrow.

We had folks in looking at dogs. The gentleman who had adopted Romeo a couple of weeks ago is still looking for a calm dog. I spoke to Rebecca and he had paid to have Romeo placed on van. Should he come in and find another dog the fee for gettting the dog fixed will be applied to the new dog he selects. His paperwork is in the pending file it's the assisi form. Call me if you have any questions.

Everyone was given a reminder call about the Assisi van for tuesday. Also told about the $5.00 cost for boosters to be paid that day.

I could not find the application for Highland. The lady came in today and checked him out.
I had to have her fill out a new application. It's in the pending folder please see notes.

I approved some aide for a couple of pets and also booked some spays and neuters with our local vets. After doing that the paperwork was placed in completed aid file.

Well I will see everyone tomorrow at Walmart to solicit donations for the shelter animals.
Hope you can all come and help out. I willbe bringing the family of kittens I have here. We will
be taking applications for them on site and also trying to help folks that need aode with getting their pets spayed/neutered.

Have a great weekend.

Update

Well folks the shelter is filled to the brim with all colors, sizes and breed of kittens. There are fluffy long haired and short haired kittens all looking for that special someone to bring them into their home.

June is the official adopt a kitten month and to help potential pet owners we are offering adopt 1 kitten and get a second kitten for 1/2 price. The price of the kittens goes towards vaccines up-to-date, worming, nail trim, and spay and neuter. We want to make sure the pet you adopt is healthy. So please stop by and check out the lovely kittens ( offer good for Adult cats too) being held at the Pulaski Co. Animal Shelter .

PLEASE don't delay save a kittens life today!

The shelter was quiet today, went through paperwork and completed what I could. Setting up spay and neuters for June.

Made sure all animals had fresh water bowls filled. Called Roanoke times to run ad in current to tell the public of our June special for cats, ad starts tuesday. Renewed our free ad in NRV News.

Checked kittens in back holding room, cleaned eyes and medicated with eye ointment if necessary.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Please don't forget next weekend ( Sat) we will be at the new Dublin Walmart from 10 am toll 2 pm seeking donations of much needed items for the shelter and our pets. Hope you can come help out.

Wendesday Update

Well another busy day as usual. I had just walked through the door when I was caught by one of our potential adopters, that had been there the day before. They were a young couple that had previously adopted "Sassy" the cattle dog mix that we had last year. I was surprised to see how great she looked, she is so happy and well adjusted. Anyway, they came to take a look at Red Man and see if "Sassy" and he would get along. Well they seemed to hit it off, and after checking their references (which were excellent) the happy new family headed out to the pet store for some new toys and bones. I learned that our resident collie "Lassie" was picked up by her owner this morning and Belle the Boxer was adopted by a really nice family yesterday evening.

As some of you know we had a little surprise yesterday with Bell the Shepherd giving birth to four beautiful little babies. I took some pictures today so that everyone could see them, we have 3 boys and one little girl (she's the one that reminds me of a Holstein cow with her little black and white spots). Both mommy and babies were doing great today.

We also had some interest in our Dogo today by a really nice family with two very active sons who could run and play with our gentle giant. Hopefully we will be able to get him transferred soon so that we can get him neutered and then adopted to a nice home were he can spend his days inside on a couch. Barb and I also got some great new pictures of some of the dogs and they should be up on the web soon. Well that is about all I have to report, if I left anything out please feel free to comment.

Tuesday update

Rescue Waggin Day! We managed to send 20 dogs to rescue today, most were older dogs that had been at the shelter for a period of time and needed to be rescued. Sheba that we have held in rescue row also went this trip. At 5 am Rebecca, Nicole, Rita, Barb and I were on hand to help with walking the dogs then getting them checked in so they could be loaded onto the van.

After the van left it was all about scrubbing, disinfecting all the kennels that had been vacated.
That also meant washing and sterilizing about 50 dog bowls. Vaccinating 8 dogs that were in house as well as worming them. We vaccinated 4 kittens that have been placed into the condo and are ready for adoption. These were the ones that were being fostered till they became of age to adopt out so come see Snuggles, Cole, Marty, and Wallie.

The shelter is bursting at the seams with cats we managed to get 4 kittens sent to rescue today. But as these four left 4 more came in.

There are some absolutely adorable kittens at the shelter right now. If you know anyone interested in adopting a kitten please advise them to check out the shelter "NOW" as there are all ages, sizes, colors , breeds and they are all so sweet. Their sweet faces will melt your heart.

After 8 hours of cleaning today I had to go home. Rita and Nicole were still scrubbing the back kennels when I left.

Sunny the Black and White Pit was adopted out last Friday and Romeo was adopted out by AC today. Saturday Boone was adopted out to the same lady that adopted Draper last week.

We had some excitement today when one of the shelter dogs gave birth to 4 puppies today.
They are cuties and oh so tiny. Maybe we can get some photos posted in the next couple of days.

Well I guess that does it for now.

Later Anita

SPAY CLINIC TEST RUN

After 2 years of planning, our very own PCHS Spay Clinic held its first "test run" spaying 5 cats and 3 dogs!

The clinic is a limited service clinic that helps those most in need in our community - qualifying income citizens, animal shelter/rescue/humane society pets, and feral cats.

We have hired our own Licensed Vet Tech, Luann, that works every Wednesday at the shelter. I now understand how much technical experience this position requires. She ran between 3 rooms for 8 hours like a ping-pong ball! I didn't even get a shot of her face since her head was down the entire time - FOCUSED. Between calculating, shaving, sticking tubes down throats, vaccinating ----- whew --- there was a LOT to think about (another back shot of Luann).

We have 2 participating vets that we are ever so grateful for --- Dr. Vaughn and Dr. Call. Both have agreed to help us on alternating days of the month to perform surgeries for our clinic! We're thrilled to have such experience surgeons help us. It was a truly exciting day - even if a little tiring. We were fortunate to have both vets helping us today - WOW - you can't beat that !

For some reason I want to launch into ... "We are famil-ie"... between our fantastic volunteers that never cease to amaze me at how much they give and give and give - to our wonderful local vets that also give and give and give --- it's truly a family community, making things better for our Pulaski pets!

Many thanks to Lisa, Anita, and JoAnn for helping today. While we were getting the clinic up and running, our "she-women" were helping haul in dog food, walking dogs, and scrubbing down kennels -- these are tiring and extensive jobs. I thank them and David for all they do. Debbie was combing the condo cats and Barb and Billy were running around doing laundry, getting photo updates for the websites, and answering the publics questions.

It was a really busy day - but one filled with excitement and hope that one day not one shelter pet will have to be euthanized simply because there are not enough homes because people have not taken pet overpopulation seriously.




I would also like to thank our county for allowing us to exist in the shelter at no charge - without this facility, we would be back to square one. Animal control has allowed us to take over the back of the shelter on surgery days and we also appreciate their understanding and commitment to our clinic opening. I always say, if we can do it, anyone can - it just takes a famil-ie.

I guess you have to be a serious shelter volunteer to appreciate this photo -------- here today, gone tomorrow ---- well, actually it was more like gone in 10 minutes! Lisa got the best job of the day ------- someone's got to do it ! Poor little Oreo -- our "first" victim.

Bye-bye little gems.

Saturday Quick Post

Just a quick note to say Kungfoo did get adopted today. The family was thrilled to get him and the adopters had a prepaid reciept from vet. Now I have Lewy and Ms. Dot that need a home.

While at the office I also brought home and made adoption applications as we were out. Will bring them in later.

Indian Joe was adopted out by AC today. See ya all after the holidays.

Friday update

It was a busy day today. Mitch the huskie was adopted today by AC as was a Kitten from the back Lila she was a cute calico. I have brought her siblings Cole and Snuggles home to foster they are sneezing.

Bye Lisa

Bee Gee went to a great home with over 100 acres to run in. Lisa our condo cat was adopted today and went to a very nice young man. She had been in the condo since April of last year so I am glad she will have a new home to call her own.

Draper also went to his new home and the lady was also very impressed with Boone and said she may come back for Boone after Draper settles in. She left a donation to help sponsor Boone.

I had to say farewell to one of the kittens I had been fostering. Choy went to his new home today . He will be coming back July 17th for the Assisi van. So I will get to see him once again. They fell in love with him instantly. While the lady filled out the paperwork her husband was holding him and Choy was content chewing on the frame of the man's glasses.

Nicole was in today and walked some dogs and helped give Mitch a bath before he left.

I have started a new log for the animals that will be placed on the July 17th Van. All the pets are logged. The copier is out of toner and Julies office copier was not working. Barb was in and showed me how to make copies using the lexmark. Thanks Barb you are a lifesaver.

It was hot in the shelter today and before I left I had to top off everyone's water bowl.

Dixie will be leaving for rescue tomorrow so she got a new collar and all her paper work is on her Kennel. It is my understanding that Nicole will run that transport. Thanks Nicole.

The lady from Aussie Rescue came in to see Teeka and Onyx she could not take them right now but she will do what she can to help place them in foster.

There is a little orange kitten in back holding area needs TLC. Please be sure to check on him.

A couple came in to see Sunshine they took an application form and said they will come back tuesday. They asked me for information and I was reading the cover sheet and mentioned it was a female when they pointed out Sunshine is a male. I checked and sure enough we had a boy. So I made a correction on sheet and initialed.

People who had won raffle items were coming in to pick up their items. I marked them off on the sheet that was in office.

I gave some kittens in back some canned food.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a family who are coming to adopt Kungfoo. Next week I will be bringing Ms. Dot and Lewey in so they can get adopted. They are absolutely adorable so if you know anybody wanting a kitten these babies are precious.

Oh office folks don't forget to check the Vaccine box under AC window there was a tidy sum in the box when I checked it today enough to vaccinate 22 pets.

When booking animals on the Assisi Van please remember that the pets have already received their first vaccine when arriving at shelter. If an owner wants a booster vaccine that will cost an additional $5.00 to be paid day of van. It is highly recommended puppies and kittens get that booster.

We need some pet applications made so whoever can please do that and fill the folder on door. I got page 2 done but we need some page 1 then staple together.

We are looking for folks who are interested in fostering pets. The shelter has been brimming with animals. So if you are able to foster a pet or know someone who would make a good foster home please ask them to fill out a foster sheet. We will get back to them. We can even provide a cage in some cases. In some cases it may be just for a couple days just till we can get the pet into rescue. Or it may be a momma cat nursing her babies and we may need a home just till we can get the kittens weaned. So if you have a little time and a lot of love and want to help us save lives please consider this worth while cause.

And as always we are looking for Volunteers. There is so much to do. And our dogs need exercise and socialization, brushing and bathing. Believe me there is never a dull moment so if you can help we would like you on our team.

Well folks I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend.

Saturday Update

Hi everyone! I was back at the shelter today for an afternoon of fun and excitement. It was very busy today, so I was glad to have a big crew with me today. David H., Jessica, new volunteers Jennifer, Tonya, and Ashley, JoAnne, and Judith were all a tremendous help! JoAnne, David, and Jessica escorted lots of folks through the building today and got some applications filled out. Jessica, Jennifer, and Ashley walked the dogs, while Tonya helped out in the condo.

I had the honor of processing the paperwork on four adoptions today! I was so happy to have 4 adoptions in one day, after the 20 dogs that were surrendered or picked up on Monday and Tuesday alone. There are too many new dogs and cats to list. I haven't posted all week because I was so angry and disheartened at the human race and the speciesist attitudes of most people. It would have come through in my posts, and I didn't want to bum everyone else out, too. I just wanted to yell at people that animals are not disposable! However, I am a true believer in Karma, and the thought of people "getting theirs" one day just makes me all warm inside!

But back to the important stuff. One of our dogs and 3 AC dogs went home today. One of the AC dogs was Floyd, a white pit bull puppy who wasn't at the shelter when I left at 7:30 pm on Tuesday. He was cute and fiesty, as are most bully pups, so I figured he would go quickly. Dozer, the last of the Cocker Spaniel/APBT puppies, went to a nice family as well. And Emma, one of the Malamutes/Huskies, went home. All 3 are scheduled for the June 19 Assissi van.



Our little Willow/Anna was adopted today as well! For those who don't know her story, this little Aussie mix was a shelter resident earlier this year and was adopted. Unfortunately, she proved to be too energetic for her adoptive family, and they responsibly returned her to us. A nice lady, who wanted to adopt Willow when she was at the shelter the first time, saw that her picture was back on Petfinder.com and filled out an application. Willow's new name is Henna, and her mama is a dog trainer who plans to train Henna in obedience and agility. Henna's new sister is an Aussie/Great Dane mix who is very sedate and compliments Henna perfectly!


We got a fantastic application for our nub-tailed Draper. His potential new mama has adopted from us before, but she wanted to take a few days to think it over. Keep your fingers crossed! She would be a wonderful new mom to this handsome boy!

Another family came in after 12 and was interested in April, one of the wiggly black hound pups. I wish they had come sooner, so she could be in a home tonight!

I got a few phone calls from people asking if we had kittens. I told them we have kittens galore, just about every color under the rainbow, please come see them and adopt one or two! But no one came. I think they are calling just to get my hopes up.

A little birdie told me that Judith is fostering a deer. Judith, care to update us?

Jessica and I attempted to de-matt a cute little ball of fur named Hillbilly, but he is worse off than Sheba, if you can believe that! The clippers could not go through his fur, and the scissors couldn't get through all of his mats because they are full of burs, sticks, and dried mud (at least I hope I was touching mud). Jessica even found a metal wire in the middle of one of the mats--she found it when it stuck her hand! I can't imagine how long it's been sticking Hillbilly! He has an appointment at the vet to be sedated and shaved on Tuesday, and I am positive that he will find a home shortly thereafter!

Activism alert! Please support the Downed Animal Protection and Food Safety Act (HR 661, S 394)! This would require that critically ill or injured animals be humanely euthanized and would prohibit their slaughter for human food. Please read this true story about how downed cows are treated, and then go here to take action!

Shelter need alert! We are running very low on canned cat food. This is needed to give the cats medications and lysine, help wean our many, many kittens, and to fatten up any cats or kittens that come in underweight. Big Lots in Christiansburg has HUGE 21 ounce cans of Whiskas for 70 cents! And a 12-pack of Friskies is only $3.92 at Wal-Mart. These brands (and 9-lives) are NOT part of the recall. Please remember that our kitties prefer ground or pate style over the sliced or chunks, and it is much easier to mix medications with!