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By Cory McKeown with photos from the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project

When dogs cry

I knew I was in deep emotional trouble when in just watching the previews of last Friday’s Oprah show featuring puppy mills I was reduced to sobbing. As someone very involved with humane issues, I knew I should watch the show to learn more about the deplorable lives these dogs in these “puppy factories” live. After all, they say knowledge is power, and Oprah is a very powerful public figure who exerts tremendous influence on American Society. And her shows are always well done and informative. So, even though I knew the program would be hard to take, I felt I needed to know as much about the subject as I could learn to be a more effective and caring animal advocate.
Well, the previews were heart-wrenching enough, but the whole program was the things nightmares are made of for those of us who care about animals. The dogs were shown in beyond-deplorable conditions. Some of them couldn’t walk on normal surfaces because they were only used to walking on wire…. Female dogs being bred every heat cycle, producing litter after litter of puppies and getting no attention from their owners other than the basics, such as food. The expose said that the adult breeding dogs are often shot to death by the owners when they can no longer produce puppies…

While we have no large-scale puppy mills in our community, we do have “back yard breeders”. These breeders might treat their dogs a little better than the ones shown in the puppy mills, but the bottom line is the same: the dogs are bred time after time all in the name of profit.

The very sad thing we do have all too often in our community is dogs living their lives on the end of chains. Sometimes they have shelter; sometimes they don’t. Because their chains are usually in a fixed spot, the areas around the dogs, their entire worlds in effect, become mucky, muddy pits. And they live in these pits year after year, with little, if any, contact from their owners other than to be fed.

And because dogs are such social creatures, being so isolated causes them to cry and sometimes bark endlessly. This behavior often either concerns or aggravates neighbors, depending on how they feel about the situation.

We want to do something about chained dogs and are starting a new program at the Humane Society called the “3-F’ program. What this stands for is “Fences for Fido”, and we are hoping for donations of sturdy welded wire fencing and posts, or cash donations to help us get dogs off chains and into a cleaner, fenced environment. Our members donate the labor, and we have already put up several new yards for some dogs that were living their lives on chains. A wonderful secondary effect of these yards is that the owners are often much more likely to interact with their dogs and provide them much- needed human contact when the dogs aren’t leaping at them from the ends of chains, and jumping all over them with muddy paws. Please contact the shelter if you would like to help with this program.

One thing the Oprah program stressed over and over is that public awareness and action can put puppy mills out of business. There are some wonderful dogs and puppies available for adoption in shelters, even some pure-bred dogs. Did you know that statistically, about 99% of the puppies available in pet shops come from puppy mills?

Animal lovers, it is time for us to turn our passion into action. As they say: “think globally and act locally”. If you see dogs in our community living neglected lives, or dogs that could benefit from a better environment, please call us. Those of us who care need to be there.

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

A rose by any other name would be: a beautiful pointer!

Rose is a very aptly named dog: she is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. This affectionate spayed five year old beauty is a pure-bred German shorthaired pointer, or “GSP” as their admirers say. She is trim and athletic and loves to go and do- she would be a wonderful addition to an active family or a steadfast companion for a busy single person.

She walks well on a leash, and gets along well with most dogs, so she probably would be a good companion for another active dog, as well.

Rose is not a “couch potato” dog and would not be happy being confined in a small space or in an environment where she could not get adequate exercise. True to her breed, she is not “hyper”, but has a good energy level, and is attentive, learns quickly, and is eager to please.

If Rose sounds like the ideal dog for you or your family, come and meet her. This pretty flower is very anxious to be planted in someone’s heart and home!!

The kittens will be arriving soon- “foster parents” needed

]Spring is here, and soon also will be the kittens. Often we get in tiny kittens that have lost their mama but are not yet weaned. We very much need “foster parents” for these tiny tabbies that must be bottle-fed and carefully nurtured to survive. This can be a wonderful and rewarding experience that can be very life-enriching for people who have the time and dedication to help- ideal for “empty nesters”. We provide all necessary equipment, instructions, and technical and emotional support. If you are interested, please call the shelter at 642-1180 and talk to Diana, our shelter manager. We will soon have babies that need you!!

Shelter wish list

We would be very grateful to receive donations of good used heating pads to help keep baby kittens warm. Also, donations of Purina Kitten Chow would be most appreciated. Thank you for your support.

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

No, we haven’t mistakenly switched our dog and cat picture- this sweet black lab mix female dog is named “Kitty”. When we got her several weeks ago from another shelter, she was almost painfully shy. But, with some good old TLC from our staff and volunteers, Kitty is coming out of her shell and proving to be a very nice dog, indeed.

She is about 2 years old, housebroken, and has a very soft, sweet face with big brown eyes. Kitty loves to go for walks, and is a pleasure to take out. She gets along well with other dogs, and would probably even be a sweet companion for dog-tolerant cats.

Kitty would be the ideal dog for someone, individual or family, looking for a quieter, sweet-mannered dog. Visitors to the shelter often don’t notice our quieter dogs such as Kitty. But, if someone takes the time to pet her and speak softly, it becomes apparent that she is truly a good little soul who is just waiting to quietly enrich someone’s life.

Little Lady has been passed over now for months

Sadly, Little Lady’s story is one we see too often. She came to us way back in June, and had with her a family of tiny kittens. She and the kittens went to one of our “foster moms”, and when the kittens were old enough, the little family was brought back to the shelter.

The kittens have all gone to good homes and poor little mama lingers day after day in the kitty playroom- passed over for the more brightly colored or more outgoing cats. Little Lady is just barely out of kittenhood herself, and would love a quiet home where she would be appreciated for her gentle nature. She was a wonderful mama to her babies, and now it should be her chance at a good life.

Shelter Wish List

What we are really, really hoping for and needing is a good turn-out for our upcoming St Patrick’s dinner and auction. This is our biggest fund-raiser of the year, and is vitally important in helping us get the money needed to help care for the animals.

The event will be held on March 15 at the Chautauqua Lodge, with a wonderful Irish dinner catered by the Shoalwater Restaurant. We have received some very nice items for auction. We are asking for everyone’s support for this important event- two years ago at our last auction, our business supporters were very active participants, and everyone had a great time! Come on bankers, realtors, and other business people- the animals need your support! We are selling tickets in groups for those who want to reserve a table. Tickets are $30, and are available at the Humane Society shelter.

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

Hoss and Tammy: “We really miss our homes- are you looking for us?”

These two nice dogs are about as different as two dogs can be, but they have something very important in common- both were found as strays, and both were dragging leashes when they were found. They have been at the shelter for several weeks now, and sadly, no one has coming looking for either of them.

“Hoss” is a handsome older Rottweiler with a wonderful disposition. He was found in the Naselle area, and the vet estimates his age at 12 or so. This friendly, very mellow fellow was very stiff with arthritis when we received him, but is moving about much better now that we have been giving him arthritis medication. Hoss appears to be purebred, and is just an all-around nice guy.

Little “Tammy” is as small as Hoss is big, but shares his story. This sweet terrier mix was found waiting outside Jack’s County Store in Ocean Park, and is well-cared for. But, like Hoss, no one has called or come looking for her.

If these two nice dogs were lost by good owners who simply don’t know where to look for them, we are hoping with all our hearts that they will come and get them. But, if as sometimes unfortunately happens, they were “dumped”, then we hope that they can find new loving homes. They are both up for adoption. It would be so nice if they found homes, and we didn’t have to look at their sad “are you looking for me?” faces much longer.

Poor Sweet William has been planted at the shelter for 183 days!!

Several months ago, we featured Sweet William in this column, and sadly, he is still with us, watching the other cats go to loving homes. He is a very affectionate and mellow adult tabby cat, who loves attention and is good with other cats. Sweet William is very good with his scratch box habits, and lives up to his name all around.

Some people insist that animals don’t have the same sense of time passing that humans do, and this may be true. But, even though Sweet William can’t tell you himself that he has lingered here for 183 days, you can see the look of hope and optimism on his face when a visitor stops to pet him, only to have his hope dashed time after time as they walk away without him. Someone please give this wonderful cat a chance in a new loving home- Sweet William might have nine lives, but it would be a shame if he spent so many of them alone.

 Shelter Wish List

What we are really, really hoping for and needing is a good turn-out for our upcoming St Patrick’s dinner and auction. This is our biggest fund-raiser of the year, and is vitally important in helping us get the money needed to help care for the animals.

The event will be held on March 15 at the Chautauqua Lodge, with a wonderful Irish dinner catered by the Shoalwater Restaurant. We have received some very nice items for auction. We are asking for everyone’s support for this important event- two years ago at our last auction, our business supporters were very active participants, and everyone had a great time! Come on bankers, realtors, and other business people- the animals need your support! We are selling tickets in groups for those who want to reserve a table. Tickets are $30, and are available at the Humane Society shelter.

By Cory McKeown with Photos by Melanie Epping

Jax is a perfect “there’s no good reason” dog

“No good reason” dogs aren’t a new breed we are seeing at the shelter - these are the dogs we get in that are so nice, so well-behaved, so good with everyone that we wonder to ourselves what in the world the reason could be that they have lingered so long unadopted. Unfortunately, these great dogs often had the misfortune to have been born black in color. It is a well-known but sad fact in the humane community that both black dogs and cats are often the last to be adopted from shelters - and in “kill’ shelters, they are euthanized much more frequently because of this.

Such is the case with Jax, who was passed over at another shelter for several months before we received him. This very handsome and very nice black lab mix is just two years old and would make a loving addition to any home. He is gentle, likes other dogs, is housebroken, loves to go for walks and is attentive and very anxious to please.

Jax is such a great dog that we are sure that if given a chance his good qualities would quickly become apparent to anyone lucky enough to adopt him. We are sure he would have his new owners also thinking: “there’s no good reason why he wasn’t adopted sooner but we are glad we are the ones who gave him the chance he so needed.”

Loving adult kitties need homes before kitten season

In just a few short months, we will again be getting kittens surrendered to the shelter. In the meantime, we have some wonderful adult kitties still awaiting homes. We have cats of many descriptions and colors, all spayed or neutered and ready to be adopted. Kittens can be a lot of fun, but there is a lot to be said for bringing calmer, and usually better-behaved, adult cats home. Come and spend a quiet afternoon in the “kitty playroom” - you probably will find your next best feline friend!

Now is the time to prevent unwanted litters- check into our “Fix Your Cat Free” program

If you or someone you know is a low-income resident of South County and have a cat that needs altering, come to the shelter and get a voucher to have the cat spayed or neutered absolutely free! Vouchers are limited but are still available during our regular business hours which are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. It is a wonderful opportunity to do the right thing, and the price is right!We’re hoping you’ll be “wearin’ the green” with us March 15

Don’t forget our biggest fundraiser, the St. Patrick’s Day dinner and auction, is just around the corner. Tickets are only $30 and include a delicious full-course Irish meal catered by the wonderful Shoalwater Restaurant, and all the fun and excitement of the auction activities. Tickets are available at the Humane Society at 330 2nd St. NE, and at beachdog.com at 1517 Pacific Ave. N., both in Long Beach.

By Cory McKeown with Photo by Melanie Epping

Brodie: This Smart and Sensitive Dog Needs Some One-On-One TLC

For reasons we will never know, this nice dog was surrendered by his family of five years to another shelter, on the day after Christmas (Merry Christmas, Brodie….).
This handsome dog is a Kelpie, Aussie Shepherd, and Cattle Dog mix. Of the approximately 400 dog breeds in the world today, these three breeds are among the smartest, most loyal, and most trainable of dogs.

Brodie is five years old, and absolutely reliable in the housebreaking department. He acts like a dog that just maybe doesn’t know, from past experience, what kind of treatment to expect from humans. But one can see by looking in his intelligent brown eyes that he is very anxious to be someone’s special and loyal companion.

This sensitive young dog would love an active lifestyle, and would be a wonderful friend for a single person who can spend quality time with him. He is very good with people, but not good with cats, so his new home needs to be a “feline-free zone”. If you are looking for a special canine companion to enrich your life, come and meet Brodie.

St. Patrick’s Dinner Auction Extravaganza is Just Around the Corner

Our no-kill shelter receives no city or county support, and we rely on donations, adoptions, and fundraisers to care for needy animals. Our biggest fund-raising event, the St. Patrick’s Dinner Auction Extravaganza is coming up March 15.

Tickets are $30 each, and a delicious Irish dinner catered by the fabulous Shoalwater Restaurant will be served. Tickets can be purchased at beachdog.com at 1517 Pacific Ave N, or at the Shelter at 330 2nd St NE.

We are very grateful to have received some wonderful items for auction, but additional items would be very much appreciated. If you have something you would like to donate, please e-mail the event procurement chairwoman Marie, at marieemily@beachpets.com, or leave a message for her at the Humane Society, 642-1180.

Please support the Humane Society by attending this enjoyable event. With just a little “wearin’ of the green” on this evening, you can help us raise much-needed money to care for the animals and support our community programs.

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

There’s Nothing “Lucky” About Spending 103 Days in a Cage

Poor, sweet, goofy, 3-legged Lucky will have been at the shelter for over 100 days by the time this column is published. Kind of reminds you of the old “Lucky” dog joke, doesn’t it?? You know the one where there is a poster on the side of a telephone pole for a missing dog- a one-eyed, three-legged, deaf dog that has a hernia, and answers to the name “Lucky”. It is an old joke, but the longer this young lab mix stays in a cage, the more this joke comes more to mind. The only “lucky” part of the story for him is that he is at our no-kill shelter, and although his time is running on, it will not run out.

Lucky lost his leg in a fall from a truck, but doesn’t let his “tripod” stance slow him down- he is a real trooper, and loves to go for walks. He wouldn’t be a good companion for a jogger, but is a wonderful friend on shorter walks. He probably would enjoy the company of another non-aggressive dog, but would be happy being an “only” dog as well.

There has to be room in someone’s heart for this wonderful but “imperfect” dog that tries so hard to please. Adopting a “special needs” pet can be very rewarding. Please come and meet Lucky- you might just be the one to turn his luck around.

Sterling is Also a “Long-Timer”

This young, very handsome pewter-colored cat was with us only a short while when he came down with a horrible “kitty cold”. The virus involved caused damage to his eyes, and one of our dedicated volunteers took him home and spent weeks treating him back to health. His eyes now look great- only a hint of cloudiness, and he sees so well he can fling a toy up in the air and catch it before it falls to the ground!

The volunteer who took him home fell in love with his wonderfully easy-going and friendly nature. He gets along very well with other cats, likes dogs, is incredibly affectionate, and is immaculate with his scratch box manners.

Unfortunately, the volunteer is on “kitty overload” at her house, and Sterling needs to find a forever home. If you are looking for an especially nice, big, “mush ball” kitty, Sterling would just fit the bill!!  See Sterling on petfinder.com.

Shelter Wish List

We would be very grateful to receive canned dog food- we love to spoil the dogs with a little canned food on their kibbles, and we are almost out!!

Thank you very much for your support.

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

It’s Time to Fall in Puppy Love!!

We have darling puppies again awaiting adoption to good homes. There are four girls and two boys in this little canine family, and they are about nine weeks old. The pups are truly mixed breed- perhaps a combination of Shepherd, yellow lab, and husky. Also, rumor has it that Daddy may have been a traveling salesman from Chow City….

They are very healthy and playful, and adore attention from people. The pups should be medium/large to large dogs and ideal canine companions for individuals or families. They have their first shots, will soon be spayed and neutered, and ready to come home! See these puppies on Petfinder.com.

R.C. - This “Bandito” is Ready to Steal Your Heart

This young Cattle Dog was found several weeks ago, running up the road wearing a harness and trailing a leash. No one has come to claim him, and now he is up for adoption.

He is a very friendly and extremely intelligent dog, and his “raccoon eyes” markings make him look like he might be up to something- hopefully stealing someone’s heart and finding a good home.

R.C. loves to go for walks, is housetrained, seems good with cats and other dogs, and has some basic training. He is so smart and anxious to please, and should take readily to further training. He is athletic and a great size- about 40 pounds.

This “Bandito” would make a wonderful hiking companion, and would fit nicely into an active household or even as a loyal buddy for a single person or couple. Come and spend some time with R.C. - if he is the dog for you, he will steal your heart! R.C. on Petfinder.com

Dear Santa,

I barely remember last Christmas. I was just a 6-month old youngster then and my brain couldn’t really settle enough to take it all in. Now that I’m a big teen of a lab of 18 months or so, I’m VERY much ready to have a forever home. I’d really like to live with a person or family who needs a good exercise program. I am a great motivator! I’m full of energy and my playful spirit will encourage my new mom or dad to take me for long walks and <oooh!> runs on the beach!

Love,

Booker
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9678245

Dear Santa,

I think this will be my third Christmas. Honestly, it’s not something I think about much; I’d rather dream of my future home and the person I can give my devotion.

They say I’ve got a figure envied by movie stars. Is that because I’m tall and thin? Or because one of my parents was a Shepherd like Rin-Tin-Tin? Or because the other looked like Lassie? Hard to say…

I’m a GREAT listener. I pay attention really well and they tell me I’m brighter than the average dog. Sometimes, one of the humans who work here lets me follow her around while cleaning the shelter after hours (when it’s quiet). I like to give her gentle little dog kisses on the hand while she works.

I like kids just fine but see myself more with a single person that I could really devote myself to nurturing. Can you help me out?

Love,

Julie
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9579216