Chipper is getting less chipper with time

Chipper tries to keep his hopes and his spirit up as he spends day after day in a cage, but one can see by looking in his eyes that he is getting discouraged. This handsome Lab/Dalmatian mix was in another shelter for a while, and then sent to us in hopes he would get what he so desperately wants- someone to call his own.

He is about 6 years old, and about 40 pounds, an ideal size for someone wanting a medium sized dog. Chipper is still young enough to want to “go and do”, but is also mature enough to settle nicely into a daily routine. He loves to go for walks, and does well on a leash.

Chipper is not good with cats, and should go to a “feline free” home. He is interested in meeting other dogs, however, and might be a great canine companion for the right dog. He is very affectionate, and wants very much to please. He has a big heart, and so much wants to share his loyalty and love. Someone just needs to step up to the plate and give him a chance…

“I am a Javanese, if you please!!

This young female cat with the interesting and unusual multi-colored coat appears to be a Javanese mix. The breed was developed in Japan from cats of Siamese ancestry. True to her breed, Penny is very bright and people-oriented- she loves to “meet and greet”. Javanese cats are very playful and athletic, good with children, and can keep up with the most active families.

Because they so adore the company of people, Javanese get lonely if left alone, and Penny would do best in a home with a least another cat if her people are away during the day. She would be an entertaining and loving companion in a household where “busier is better”.

Protect your pets over the 4th

While we humans enjoy celebrating Independence Day, this holiday is often not so much fun for pets, which can become terrified by all the noises and commotion. Every year at this time when get lost pets in at the shelter, particularly dogs, who have run from their homes in fright and  become lost.

It is very important to keep pets secured this time of year, and to be sure that dogs have collars with current identification. It is very sad when we get frightened dogs in and so much want to reunite them with their frantic owners, only to see that the pets have no identification. We have a “chip reader” at the shelter, and scan incoming pets for microchips, but too often, the owner’s data has not been updated during a move, and we cannot contact them.

Incoming pets without identification simply must wait at the shelter, hoping their owners will find them.

Here’s a video on how to keep your pets safe over the 4th of July:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KLdB4Xt0Tic&feature=user

The proofs are in:
http://www.edstreit.smugmug.com/gallery/5161070_Mcczm#317646770_k9fsc

Thanks, Ed!

The summer of beautiful white kittens

Every year when kitten season rolls around, we notice a trend in the colors or patterns- one year, we had a tabby year, the next year, we had a majority of black kittens. This year, we have a larger than usual number of pretty white kittens. Rumor has it that there is a large and very busy stray all-white tom cat in the Ocean Park area…

The mamas of these white beauties have often been snow white themselves, and have blue eyes. Some of the kittens will remain all-white, but there is definitely an Oriental breed influence happening, as some of the kittens are starting to show lynx or flame point Siamese markings.

We are very much interested in catching and “tutoring” the white tom, so if he appears around your neighborhood, please give us a call. “Casper”- even though you make very pretty babies, enough is enough!!

Keda: this golden girl would light up your life!!

Keda is a very easy-going, well-mannered Belgian Shepherd Tervuren mix girl that now has the dubious distinction of being the dog that has resided at the shelter for the longest time. Not only can she not understand why she was given up by her previous owners, she can’t understand why no one is coming to give her a chance at a new life.

True to her breed, Keda would be a wonderful family dog. She loves children, would be very protective of her family and would be steadfastly loyal. Keda is very well-behaved in public with other dogs, but tends to become jealous if she finds herself in a home with another constant canine companion. She would be happiest not sharing her love and space with another dog, but would lavish attention on new owners. She has spent enough time at the shelter- if you have room in your heart and home for a wonderful dog, please come in and we will introduce you to Keda.

Hunter is AMAZING!  We love him so much.  He is absolutely perfect for our family.

The girls and I just got back from a 2 hour stroll around the neighbourhood with him.  He is very excited and smelling everything in sight.  He has met a couple of the neighborhood dogs, and done very well.  The squirrels do get him excited though.  Overall, I am so impressed with how well behaved he is.  He is such a sweetheart.  I can not believe how quickly he is bonding to us (and us to him also).  He really feels comfortable with our family, and the girls just love him.  My oldest daughter has wanted a dog for a few years, and we wanted to wait until the youngest was old enough, and until we were ready for the committment.  Now that we have Hunter it just seems so perfect.  We are so happy.  Actually, as we can home from our walk tonight Crag was getting home from work, so he has taken him out again for another walk around the block.

Can you remind me when he should go for his next shots (booster?)  Was it 2 months?  (end of August).

Also, what brand of food was he eating?  And how often was he fed, ie)morning, night or both.  He did eat one bowl of food, but he has not had a big appetite, and no poo yet.  Perhaps the long drive upset his routine/system!?
He traveled home in a crate we borrowed, and last night when it was time for bed, he did not want us to leave him, he did end up crawling into the kennel/crate and sleeping there.  Not sure if he was crate trained, or if it was just because he got used to that on the drive home.  I did buy him a really nice soft bed/pillow.  I guess we will see how it goes tonight.  When I got him out in the morning he was coughing/sneezing/wheezing for quite a few minutes at the start of the day, although it did stop after several minutes.  Any idea what that might be?  Allergies, cough, or is it a normal thing?

Anyways, thank you again.  I really appreciate all you have done for us, and my experience dealing with you was excellent.  You were so nice and accomodating and helpful with info, and made us feel so good about our decision to adopt Hunter, and it was so worth it, even if we (Crag) did have to drive all day to get him.  Even though it has only been 24 hours, now that he is part of our family, I can not imagine life without him.

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  I can not thank you enough.

Esther, Crag, Jaime, Chelsea

PS I am sending you the only picture I have taken so far.  I took this tonight of Jaime and Hunter at her school field.  I am usually photograph crazy and I take pictures of EVERYTHING, but I wanted to let Hunter get settled first, and get used to us, and then I will take lots more pics.  I will send some your way soon.

Paige is doing great and is getting a little chubby as you can see. Thought you might like to see how she looks so I am sending a few pictures. I don’t know what I would do without her!!

She told me to tell you all Hi for her!

We’ll keep in touch,

Teresa & Paige

Many thanks to the following:

The Peninsula Senior Center, for the many quilts, blankets, and soft things they have sent over to make our dogs and cats more comfortable;

Doris and Don Salley of Ocean Park, for yet another delivery of aluminum cans, which they collect from the Elks and their neighbors.  We take them down to the dump and cash them in, and they have accumulated over $120 during the past couple of years.  That’s a lot of pet food!

Jeremy Carter and the Kuni BMW dealership in Beaverton, OR.  About two years ago, he started collecting used ink cartridges and cellphones for us, and sends them to us in HUGE cartons.   (He took this on himself; we never asked him for his/their help.)  We forward them on to Cartridges for Kids (www.cartridgesforkids.com), and so far we have received over $250 from this wonderful recycling program.  Please click the link and see if this is something you would like to help us with: to raise funds for our beloved Shelter AND to keep a lot of stuff out of landfills.  If you would like local information, please call Harriet Cavalli at 360.665.3446.

See, now here’s an example of what I was just writing about.  We don’t know how Jeremy at Kuni BMW even found out we exist and yet Kuni send us BIG boxes of recyclables every month for our Cartridges For Kids program.

If you’re in the market for a car, please, give Kuni BMW a shot at your business.  Good people take care of the critters and these folks are quietly doing just that.

–Keleigh

I have known for years that our South Pacific County Humane Society was 100% funded by our community, but it wasn’t until I got on the Board of Directors that I came to truly understand what that means.  There are so many unsung heroes of our Shelter.

• It costs about $10,000 per MONTH to keep our doors open.  That number simply takes my breath away every time I see it.  And yet, every single month, the bills get paid because of the generosity of our community.
• We have less than 2 full-time employees.  That’s one full-time and 4-6 folks who share the rest of 30-40 hours per week.  All the rest of the work is done by volunteers.  VOLUNTEERS!
• People walk in the front door every single day just to hand us $5 or $100 or $1,000.  Many of these are sacrificing their own creature comforts to help a furry friend they’ve never met.  Some are literally ‘doing without’ so that our animals can prosper.  I’m incredibly moved by their generosity.
• Businesses and individuals throw benefit fundraisers for us.  They plan, prepare, advertise, do all the work, and we find out about it when a check shows up with no strings attached.
• People put us in their wills and set up trusts.  These donations allow us to sock away a few pennies here and there so that someday our Shelter won’t have to operate hand to mouth.
• We get checks in the mail almost every day.  All those $5, $10, $25, $50 and $100 checks add up to keeping our doors open.  They buy spays, neuters, food, medicine and veterinary care.

I’m heading to “the other Long Beach” in the morning for a family reunion.  I really want to take a minute in this incredibly busy day to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you.  You have taken time out of your busy lives to make sure the work continues and my personal gratitude goes out to you.

Thank you!

Keleigh

Keleigh Schwartz
SPCHS President 2008-2010

The dog (and cat!) days of summer are only at the shelter

There is a “BC” cartoon circulating right now in which one character claims to have found the ultimate sun block. When the second character asks what it is, he is informed: “It is directions to Washington”. Yeah, no sultry dog days for us yet- we are having our typical often-dreary June weather.

Technically, summer doesn’t happen until next Sunday, but at the shelter, we are already having dog (and cat and kitten) days. Summer is a great time to bring a new pet into the family. With school over, soccer moms and baseball dads often have a little more free time, and the kids always want something to do.

With some extra time, the family can welcome a new pet into the home, and the kids can get more used to having additional responsibilities caring for a pet before school starts. We have some wonderful family dogs, large and small and in between, just waiting to share in the summer fun.

Also, we are getting in some darling kittens of all colors and descriptions. These little cuties are just two of our playful kittens. Bring the family in and see if we have your next best friend!

Photo op for people and their pets on Doggie Olympics Day

Have your photo taken with Fido or Fluffy by professional photographer Ed Streit. This is a fund raiser for the Humane Society, and Ed is donating his time and the $25 sitting fee goes directly to the shelter.

Photos will be put in a secure location online after the shoot, and 5×7 prints can be purchased for $2 each, including delivery.

Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. Call Rod or Verna at 642-4748 to reserve your spot. This is a wonderful opportunity for owners to get a professional quality picture of their beloved pets. Pictures will be taken this Saturday, June 21, from 1:00-4pm at the Long Beach Depot building (just North of Dennis Company).

Thanks, Ed!

For more information on the Doggie Olympics, visit: http://funbeach.com/events/doggieolympics/index.html

For more informaiton on Ed Streit Photography, visit: http://www.edstreit.smugmug.com/

Handle an injured animal with care

• A cat should be held by the nape of the neck
• A dog should wear a muzzle (a leash can be wrapped around the nose).
• Always consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Wounds, Cuts, etc.

Apply pressure to control severe bleeding using hands or a clean cloth. Gently wash the wound with large amounts of water. Apply a clean bandage if possible.

Heat Stroke

Look for excessive panting and bright red gums. Get the animal into a shady area and apply cool water or wet towels.

Fractures

A fractured limb can be temporarily stabilized with a piece of wood, metal or plastic and cloth strips wrapped gently around the limb.

Vomiting/Diarrhea

Withhold food for 12 hours and offer small amounts of water or ice cubes. Offer small amounts of food for the next 12 hours.

Severe Skin Irritation

Rinse the area if a toxin is suspected. Apply cortisone or cortisone/antibiotic ointment by gentle “blotting” (do not rub) several times daily.

By Cory McKeown

June is Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month

And we are ready! We are finally getting kittens in, and have a cute selection. There are more feline families in foster care, and they will also be arriving at the shelter very soon. So, if you want to be “smitten with a kitten”, come on down!!

Even though much attention this time of year is focused on kittens, we want to remind everyone that we also have wonderful adult cats waiting for loving homes. Some of these adult kitties have been waiting too long for homes and just need to be given a chance. Ask our staff about our ‘adult cat special” and help a deserving kitty find a home.

June is also adopt Juno Month!!

Juno is hoping that some of the adopt a pet in June thinking will carry over to her and she will find a loving home. She is a year-old Chocolate Lab mix, and has a great potential to be a loving and loyal companion. Lab lovers know what wonderful pets they can make, but they also know that labs can be slow to grow up. Juno needs a patient and caring human friend to guide her as she becomes more mannerly and reaches her full potential. She definitely has the desire to be a very good dog- she just needs some love and attention and someone to show her the way.

In memory of a Greyhound

When Cody and Star were at the end of their Greyhound racing careers, they won the biggest race of their lives. For the first time, they were not seen as just money-makers born and bred to run, but through Greyhound rescue, were adopted into the comfortable home of a local couple, and finally knew what it meant to be loved.

At the shelter, we had the opportunity to know these gentle dogs when they were boarded with us from time to time when their owners traveled. When they first started staying with us, they were a little shy and frightened, but became more outgoing as they became more comfortable with us.

Star remained quieter and more subdued, but Cody quickly became a clown. He delighted in playing with his favorite shelter toy “Mr. Squeaky”, and loved it when we laughed at him, which we did often.

Sadly, last week Cody lost his battle with cancer and passed away. Rest in peace gentle boy. We will miss you.

The key to safety in a disaster is a disaster plan. Make sure your pets are part of that plan. Create a disaster kit for your family and be sure to include items for your pets:

• KENNEL/ CRATE
• LEASH, COLLAR, ID TAG (with cell phone numbers!), HARNESS
• FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
• HEALTH RECORDS, including RABIES CERTIFICATE and other SHOT RECORDS
• CURRENT PHOTO OF PET
• NEWSPAPER (DOG) or LITTER BOX/LITTER (CAT)
• 3 BATH TOWELS
• GARBAGE BAGS
• WATER (DOG: 1 GAL per 10 POUNDS; CAT: ½ GAL)
• DRY FOOD (1-2 POUNDS OF FOOD /10 POUNDS)
• PRESCRIPTION AND OTC MEDICATIONS
• ANTIBIOTIC OR ANTIBIOTIC/CORTISONE OINTMENT (BAG BALM IS GREAT)
• BANDAGES (GAUZE and VET WRAP)
• ASPIRIN (Do NOT use in cats. Dogs can be given ½ to 1 aspirin twice daily for pain.)
• TWEEZERS

Suggestions:

• Put the kennel together as a trial then store and transport it disassembled.
• Use a towel to partially cover the sky kennel during the height of the storm for added security.
• Allow the pet to become familiar with the sky kennel at home and before a disaster.
• Grocery store plastic bags make excellent pooper-scoopers.
• Avoid excess bedding, as it may become soiled and difficult to clean during a disaster.
• A chain and stake may be useful to secure a dog if the family must use a temporary shelter.
• Dry pet food is much easier to transport and use than canned food during a disaster.
• Make arrangements now to stay with friends or relatives in the event of an evacuation.

From the Chinook Observer, 6/4/08:
“The Peninsula now has a drop-off site where people can take injured birds and animals they have rescued.  The Sea Resources Hatchery in Chinook is cooperating with Sharnelle Fee, director of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, to create a place for this purpose.
If you have an injured bird or animal needing medical attention, call the Wildlife Center, 503.338.3954 or 503.338.0331, to alert them and get instructions/directions.  You will be asked to deliver the wildlife to the drop-off site, put it in a cage there, and your good deed is accomplished.”

This will be a much-appreciated service for people who have been kind enough to drive an injured wild animal all the way to Astoria.

Harriet