Doggone Bluegrass Season

The McGuire's Campground's First Annual Doggone Bluegrass Show benefiting the Pulaski County Humane Society

is scheduled for May 12th from 11:00 to 5:00 and the big day is just a month away! We are very excited and very much appreciate the hard work and effort of Mike and Sherry McGuire in coordinating and this awesome event!

Sherry will be stirring up some of her good Shamrock Cafe' cookin' with hotdogs and the fixin's while Mike and the boy's are mashin' it on the strings with live music throughout the day. You might even catch Laura Walters throwing down a little flat footin' on the stage.

We are going have lots of great music, fun activities, craft vendors, and awesome raffle prizes.

Corporate Sponsors are invited to participate in this fun event for the entire family. If your business would like to be a corporate sponsor or make a donation, please contact me. This is a great opportunity to publicize your business while making a tax deductible donation towards supporting homeless pets in Pulaski County.

If you are an area craftsman or vendor that would like to purchase a spot, you may call 276-233-3528 or email cris_thompson1@yahoo.com. Vendor spaces are $50 and these, as well as all other proceeds, go directly to the Pulaski County Humane Society.

One last thing...we need man and woman power to successfully hold this event. Scout troops, civic groups, and individuals are invited to participate. We have numerous duties (walking shelter pets, tickets, food, bake sale and raffle, set up/clean up, parking) and need your help. Contact me if you or your group would like to help.

So, mark your calendar for May 12th and join us for some good food, good fun, and good golly bluegrass at McGuire's Campground in Dublin. And keep checking the blog for updates!

Cris Thompson
cris_thompson1@yahoo.com
276-233-3528

Saturday's News

I hope everyone is staying warm this weekend!

I hadn't planned on going to the shelter this weekend, but since it was cold and I didn't feel like doing anything else, Billy and I rolled in at about 11 this morning. My original plan was for Billy and I to have some quiet time with a few dogs that need it (Poncho, Walker, and Bear), but I ended up doing so many other things!

Becky and Brenda were helping a family when Billy and I arrived. Brenda had already had Poncho out for a walk and had some quiet time with him in the education room. The family asked to see Wendy, the small yellow lab who came in a few days ago. She seems a little scared out of her kennel, so she may need to be added to the quiet time list. I offered to show them Al, a bigger yellow lab, and they really liked him! They found him to be very sweet and smart. He may also be house trained because he was scratching at the front door, so Billy took him out and he went to the bathroom. They plan to pick him up Monday, and filled out an application in case he was transferred to us.

A lady came in and seemed very interested in either Walker or Coconut. She took an application with her and plans to bring her fiance back to see who he likes.


Good news! Santino went to his new home today! Billy was holding him earlier and saying he couldn't believe that he was still at the shelter! He went to a very nice family, and I was glad I got to be there to say good-bye. Barb and Bill came just in time to say good-bye as well. And they brought dog food!


Cookie, the little black and white spotted terrier, went to his new home on Friday. Sheffey (the Dalmatian) and Trigger (one of Bell's trio of puppies) were also adopted this weekend.

Two cats came in on Thursday that I wasn't aware of: Burt and Edith. Burt is a tuxedo, and Edith is a pretty little gray and white kitty. They have not had their shots yet because they are possibly feral, but Judith has been working with them since they got here. A huge fluffy tuxedo named Mister came in yesterday; he was found stray and brought in by a citizen.

A sheriff's deputy brought in a pretty and friendly walker hound today. She was trying to catch rabbits, which is what hounds do. Unfortunately, the rabbits she was trying to catch were in someone's hutch! She was vaccinated and was sitting happily on a fluffy towel when I left.

Billy was able to spend some quiet time with Walker. He combed Walker and found him to be tick-free! Nicole and Rita-1; Ticks-0!

A lady came in with a donation of a very nice cat bed, toys, 2 litter pans, and some food. I wasn't up front when she came in, but Becky and I got the feeling that her cat recently passed away. Since we don't use the large, open litter pans in the condo, I scrubbed and bleached them and put them in the puppy room for foot baths--it looks so much roomier in there! The dog beds that were being used as foot baths are in the grooming room, along with the bed I removed from Cookie's kennel. We only need one more litter pan to replace dog bed in the front dog area, so we can start using the dog beds for their intended purpose!

I would really like to thank Judith for cleaning and rearranging the education room and straightening up the office. Wow! What a difference! Now we can get to the chalkboard easier to check the chore list and there is more floor space in the office. Great job, Judith!

Everyone, enjoy your holiday!

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Thursday's News

Today was one of those days where you wonder what the heck goes on in the Cat Condo at night! Those cats must be havin' some kind of party!



Got a late start this morning and had to call Laura and Judith (who graciously offered to come in to help me on her day off) to make sense of the condo log. Please try to be clear in the log about medical issues, medications, etc. so that no animal is left sick or suffering. Even if you know what you mean, the person coming in the next morning might not! It is also very helpful to start the log for the next day. I try to do this every Thursday, and I only hope that Judith can read my chicken scratch!

Luckily, I had lots of help today. David got finished with the back cat room, so he got a clean shirt and scrubbed up like a surgeon to do the education room and office cats. What a big help that was! Everyone please be careful what you put on top of the office cats' cage! I came in this morning to a shredded roll of paper towels that was stuck behind the basket! Also, Tex somehow got a hold of a large screw and was chewing on it---thank you David for finding that!

Jessica came in today and was also a great help. She scooped the general population litter boxes and swept the floor while I cleaned the cages. I also had her take down the last of the Valentine's Day hearts (we saved them for next year--they were very cute). Too late to decorate for Easter; any ideas for what to do next?

Susan came by "just to say hi." Seriously. She just rolled in, and rolled out. I don't know what kind of voodoo magic that woman is using, but I need some of that! She has evidently been sharing it with Laura, who also made an appearance.

Bob came in to handle the office--Thank goodness for the office folks! That's a job I could do without! I can deal with unruly dogs and fractious cats all day, but people are a different story!

Nicole came in to walk dogs, and JoAnne came in for PM meds. Thanks to both of them because I had several side projects going on. A lot of the plastic dog bed/platforms were outside leaning on the wall--only 2 dogs on rescue row had beds! So I scrubbed and bleached, and JoAnne put them in the kennels for me, and now our dogs don't have to sleep on the floor. Has anyone ever sat on the floor in one of the kennels? The concrete is COLD on your butt, isn't it? Imagine having to sleep on it.

All of the general population cat beds were flogged, laundered, flogged, dried, and flogged again, in hopes that the cat hair will lessen somewhat. Remember gang---comb just one kitty!

Some kinda sad/kinda happy news: unfortunately, Precious (the black terrier) didn't work out in his new home. We did learn that he should not be placed with cats (no kitties were harmed during the course of this adoption). His new mama had to bring him back and felt terrible but still wanted to get a dog from us, so she took home the other Precious--the white terrier. I hope she will get along with her new canine and feline family!

Another dog was returned today: Banika, the dog that never stops barking. She is in a big kennel in the back room now, and she barks less. She is still as cute and playful as ever!

Snoopy, the white pit bull who was related to Caine by marriage, was picked up today by his owner. That's all I've got to say about that.

No new cats today, but we did get 4 new dogs. Sheffey, an adult male Dalmatian, seems very sweet and is beautiful. Also beautiful is Hazel, a german shepherd that Bobby and Shay trapped today. Very bright and alert! She looks like a tiny police dog! Possibly, a tiny, PREGNANT police dog! A kind citizen brought in Wendy, a hound-y/lab looking mix she found stray. Another sweetie! My favorite of the day (and I'm sure Nicole's favorite, too) is Walker, a small male terrier that looks like the black version of Precious. Walker wins the award for having the most ticks Nicole and I have ever seen at once! His furry little butt was just covered in burrs, and he was stinky, so I started giving him a bath. Then the tick army started marching up my arms, so Nicole grabbed the "Death Jar" from the cabinet and we started picking. I'm sure we got 50 ticks off this dog, and strangely, they were just running around for the most part! Hardly any had bit into him, so we had to chase them! What made this experience even more enjoyable, though, was the fact that this dog was very gassy! So I had to worm him as well. What a tolerant dog!

No adoptions today, but lots of visitors. And there are a few animals that will be going out this weekend. The animal control website changes are nice, and hopefully, with the animals being kept up to date, more folks will come to see them! Thanks Linda!

Good luck to you in the morning, Judith. I'm sure the cats are pouring some out for their homies......

Update: Ruth went to Rescue

Ruth is doing wonderful! She is such a sweetie. She is very funny too. She likes to sleep alot. She found a favorite spot - the bottom shelf of a shelving unit we have in our laundry room. she squeezes herself in next to the towels and goes to sleep. She also likes to snuggle on the couch in the evenings. She is eating well and my 6 other dogs love her. She had a bath but did not like that at all. She smells really good now. Ruth does like to run off. She can not be trusted outside in our yard alone or she will run to the gate and try to squeeze out. I keep her on a long long leash (not tiedup to anything) and let her run around the yard that way I can catch her when she tries to make her escape. Yesterday she started to join in the evening race around the property. she tried to keep up with the younger dogs! We have 2.5 acres and she especially loves to explore the wooded area in our yard. We really love her and she knows it.

Precious

I checked on Precious today and she has learned to go downstairs and sleep in the bed. She had chicken for dinner last night and shared with her new dog friend Snoopy! She's not food aggressive but still a little scared of her surroundings and doesn't like loud noises. She likes to fetch and play ball. Ute says her dad likes her too! She's doing great!

Wednesday Shelter update

It was not as busy today as it was yesterday.

A large white pit bull which is believed to have been with Caine has been brought in. It has some injuries to its ear. It will be needing triple antibiotic ointment applied to the injuries. Nicole gave the dog a bath.

Three small puppies were brought into the puppy room. They are cute as can be. Billy, Nicole and I each grabbed one gave them a bath, removed ticks, cleaned ears and dried them with a hair dryer and brushed burrs from their coats. All above dogs were vaccinated.

An application has been approved for Cookie and the people will come on Friday bringing their dog to make sure that the two get along. Santino has been approved for adoption and should get picked up Friday or Saturday. There is a couple coming from Roanoke and they are approved for pets. Just check the approved adoption folder of not sure.

I looked for the kongs and I found 3 so just refilled and gave back to the dogs. Later I found the other 2 small ones they still had a biscuit in them. I am new to kongs and could not figure out how to get the biscuit out so I could clean , sterilize and give to another dog. I found those two in the little basket near the grooming room door with the toys.

Billy and Nicole walked all the dogs. Billy did laundry and put things away and made copies we needed.

There is a list of chores on the chalk board in the Education Room that need to be done.
So volunteers if you should run out of something to do check the board. Also if you see something that needs to be done and you could not get to it, please add it to the board.

Please remember to walk Precious the white terrier, and Poncho needs to take a nice long walk for socialization reasons. If you have time to play with him that would not hurt either.

Well Barb popped in got some info and pictures and will be featuring Bell's 3 puppies as pet of the week. It was hard trying to get 3 wiggling puppies to pose for a picture.

Exxon is so happy and you would never know she just had been spayed. However I did have the LVT check her and all seemed well.

I did ask about Maddy the dog on AC site and it was adopted out. Julie stated she went to a great home.

There is a choke chain and flea comb in the grooming room sink I sprayed with bleach and forgot to put them away so if you read this and go in please hang the collar on hook near back door and flea comb can go back in drawer.

If you are showing cats in the condo, please make sure people do not pet a cat through the bars then pet a different cat . Some of the cats currently in cages have colds. I had that happen today after I had just explained they should not put hands from one cage to another without sanitizing between cats. I tried to explain to the lady that she had just transmitted one cats illness to the other cat. She became very indignant and left. People just don't seem to understand how easy it is transmit disease. Hopefully we can educate them.

The shelter is open Friday regular hours.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter Weekend.

Spotlight On: Laura

Laura, PCHS President

5 rescued Siberians—Journey Wendy Destiny, Shadow, Autumn, 1 rescued chow husky-Wobbles, 1 rescued husky lab-Toad, one rescued cat-Merlin, two parakeets-Lime and Mango, 2 nameless red slider turtles-1 of which was rescued, 1 hedgehog GRRRRR, one rescued ferret-Samson and a fish tank. Various fosters from time to time.

From Galax, lived all over SWVA—now at Claytor Lake. Hobbies and interests besides animals include all types of boating and water sports. Pirate and early American history, Arthurian ledgend, Travel, particularly nature trips, antique boats, dragons, reading, and snowskiing.

Background MS Psychology and Business, RU Business Consultant with own business, Career Directions of 16+ years. I provide all types of soft skills training (teamwork, leadership, customer service) to businesses throughout the mid-Atlantic and assist individuals with career choices, job search and resumes.

Other volunteer stuff: Friends of Claytor Lake Board and chair multiple committees, US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 83 Secretary and Radio Comm volunteer, Pulaski Clean Community Council, DGIF Boater Safety Instructor.

Worked with Humane Societies since high school volunteer—Galax and Wytheville and Pulaski. Mom in Humane Society as well in Galax. Helped build first shelter in Galax, started Wythe Humane Society back in early 80s and with PCHS 1½ years. Currently my second full time job.

Short term goals:
Continue to develop relationships and increased communication with Animal Control and the County to facilitate exemplary shelter practices and treatment of animals.
Expansion of the volunteer base and support of current volunteers in all their efforts.
Facilitate training and knowledge base for volunteers and Animal Control through training whenever possible.
Decrease disease rates, death, and euthanasia and improve adoption rates to good homes.

Long term:
Hope to see us build a treatment/sick bay, and facility to house smaller and larger animals.
Hope to begin TNR program for feral cats in the area.
Develop an outside cat area at the shelter.
To decrease feral cat populations in the county through spay neuter and responsible pet ownership.
Most importantly create educational programs that will facilitate humane and loving treatment of animals.

Job at the shelter: Making the animals there more comfortable. Jack of all trades, master of none. Learning new things every day. Creating and coping with the day to day chaos.

Long term personal goals: Retire with more time for volunteer work and clean my house.

Tuesday Update & Assisi Van Day

Did you work this hard today?

Where do I start except to say we had a VERY busy day. The schedule for future Assisi vans is April 17th, May 1st, 15th, 30th, June 19th, July 17th. Please mark those dates on your calendars. Schedule animals on next available van unless they are puppies or kittens to small to go on the next scheduled van only those should be booked on future vans. (or if the van is full)

We need a minimun of 25 animals on each van.

Please note: no canned food is to be fed to dogs until further notice as there has been an expanded recall and we have to check the cans.

If you are interested in buying Frontline for your dog / cats from the van please fill out an Assisi form before April 17th. In the area that says "Please Check Today", add the dogs name , weight and how many applications you are interested in. Be sure you have the correct weight for your animals. Do not put anything else in the services requested area. Summer is coming which means tick and flea season. Protect your pet !

Well a bit of Great News Ute (a former volunteer) came in and adopted Precious our Pit/Mix. Bye Precious !!!!

Prissy was picked up by her owner. Banika was adopted friday while we were at the conference. Timmy the puppy was also adopted out last week.

Two dogs that came in yesterday were picked up by their owners (Aust. Shep and Golden Retriever).

Now some really WONDERFUL NEWS: Bucky, Flower, Shelly, Orbit, Layla, Beamer, Mally and one Humane Society dog Allie, were all transported to Assisi Rescue. Dr. Farrell also took Hershey and More, cats from the back. Thanks so much to Dr. Farrell for saving all those lives.

Exxon had to have an emergency spay she had gone into heat, along with that she had a prolapsed uterus. I want to thank Nicole for noticing that Exxon was needed attention. Dr. Farrell stated it may get worse before it gets better so I am asking everyone to please keep a watchful eye on her. Dehaven, Poncho, Tigger, Tippy, Hammer and Cookie were all put on van today along with Topaz a cat that was turned in today. Shadow the cat in ed room was also spayed.

Dehaven is in the quarantine room recovering and will be adopted by Donny.

I believe the white terrier Precious is housebroke so please be sure she gets walked.

Joanne had a volunteer come in, Nicole introduced all the dogs to the new volunteer and all the dogs got walked. The new volunteer went into the condo and groomed the cats that were out. I spotted Nicole out front with the pooper scooper. Thanks for tackling that chore. If possible try to put the dogs out in the exercise pen rotating them so they all get some fresh air and sunshine.

Nicole put away a large amount of laundry and I proceeded to get all of today's laundry done but it still needs to get put away. I will try to get that done tomorrow. The Ed room got mopped today Thanks Nicole! Dean and David were busy clearing drains.

I want to thank Lisa who did discharges today and put dogs back in cages. Catrina got all the rabies tags written up.

I was moving dogs up from the back to the front cages today with Julie's permission. After the cages were sterilized. I moved the food /water bowls put a treat in the cage and moved the dogs so they could be shown.

Dogs that had surgery needed beds put down to recover on and some of those dogs were also moved to the front. After the cages were sterilized and I put down bedding and got their food/water bowls, treats and put a ball in their cages.

A number of pet owners were late picking up their pets so they had to be moved to the garage cages. After they departed those cages were cleaned and sterilized.

Rebecca was in and updated all the Kennel renewals. Laura was busy answering the phone, checking out all the adoption applications, and addressing and filing away the aid applications, as well as adopting Precious out.

Volunteers please check to make sure that there are plenty of forms on the door, laundry is put away, that the grooming room is clean, the Education room is dusted and floors, windows are clean, check and make sure that the sinks don't have trash in them I found one today over flowing because it was plugged up, make sure all dogs get walked after which use the pooper scooper to clean up. If dogs need a bath please give them one and make sure they are pretty dry before putting them back in cages. We have plenty of towels and a hair dryer. You don't want to be the cause for them getting pneumonia. Don't trim dogs unless you have permission from Julie.

Please check out the Animal Control website. Linda has been working out a new method to keep the public updated on the animals that are in the shelter. It looks great and thanks for being the genuis behind the scenes. My understanding is Barb will continue to provide the pictures and information for the updates. But Linda with her magic fingers (and mind) will do all updates.

It was a good day!

Thanks everybody for all your help!

Web Updates

I FINALLY got all of the updates done! I've been out of town and away from the computer. It felt pretty strange.

I signed us up for a Pet Adoption Portal account last week. Basically, I'll update info for our animals on there and it will automatically update Petfinder, 1-800-Save-A-Pet, and Pets911 for me. Pretty snazzy.