Pet Report 09/12/07

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

Poor Jasmine – For Now, She is a Pretty Little Flower Only in Her Heart

Because we see animal cruelty and neglect far more than we would ever want, we at the shelter try hard to maintain our composure so we have the energy necessary to care for the needy pets that come through our door.

But when we received this poor little Jack Russell Terrier from another shelter, we were moved to tears. She was very thin, had chewed off much of her coat because of an untreated skin condition and looked exhausted. Without ever having been told her story, we knew by experience what she had probably been enduring in the past seven years of her life. Neglected and poorly-fed, she had been used as a “puppy-mill” – having litter after litter of puppies brought into this world only to make someone a profit.

As if this all wasn’t enough, when we got her to the vet for a check-up, it was found that she has some degree of kidney failure. With almost a week of vet care, her laboratory work improved, and she seemed perkier.

But, only time will tell what the future holds for Jasmine. Two things we are sure of – she will get good nutrition and the medicated baths she needs while she is with us. Her kidney function remains a question and only time and good vet care will tell.

Hopefully, this sweet little dog, the victim of life-long neglect, might have some quality time left. Regardless, what she needs is someone to show her that people can be caring and treat their pets with love and respect. Jasmine deserves every bit of this. If you feel you are the right person to turn her life around, please call the shelter and ask about Jasmine. She is waiting.

Reggie – He has Waited too Long for his Home Run

This handsome young butterscotch and buff boy has been at the shelter since July – for months, he has watched as other cats and kittens have gone to loving homes. There is nothing wrong with Reggie – he is sweet, playful, and loves nothing more than to be petted. It is just that he came to us at kitten season and cute kittens are a lot of competition!

Reggie gets along well with the other kitties in the room, and would be a good companion for another cat, maybe even a mild-mannered dog. He likes people of all sizes and ages.

Come meet Reggie, and let him steal the bases to your heart!

Don’t Forget our Raffle

- Great Prizes!

Our annual raffle is in full swing, and we have some wonderful prizes for the lucky winners, including nice resort lodging and meals at some of the Peninsula’s best restaurants, to name just a few. Tickets are only $2 each and the odds of winning are much better than the lottery! Plus, the money raised will go to help the shelter animals – truly a win-win situation. Tickets are available at the shelter, at Western Coastal Mortgage and at beachdog.com.