The perception that county government provides support to this noble cause actually does the humane society a disservice. Many think that the care of stray animals is taken care of by tax dollars, when it’s not. Maybe the choice of name for the shelter proved to be a mistake. Should the words “Rock County” been left out, replaced with “South Central?” Would the public then understand that the care of local strays and orphaned animals remains everyone’s responsibility?

As an animal lover, I often advocate for the agency. When a local community group seeks a worthwhile agency to support, I often explain the predicament of the humane society, and how donations keep the shelter open. Usually, when I have explained how the shelter depends on the generosity of local citizens, most groups jump at the chance to provide some type of support.

You can make a difference in your community as well. Here is a list of ways to help your local pet rescue – most of whom do not receive government funding.

1. Coordinate a Bedding Drive
This is an easy project for a Girl Scout, Boy Scout, or Sunday School group to tackle. You can have the kids gather old towels, blankets, and sheets from family and friends for use as bedding in the kennels. These linens help make concrete floors a bit warmer for both cats and dogs in the winter.

2. Collect Dog and Cat Food Free Samples
This project can be a fun challenge. I spend time on the Internet looking for free cat and dog food giveaways. When I find an offer, I ask friends and relatives to register for the sample. You would be amazed, but this network can collect 20 cans of food pretty easily.

3. Take Advantage of Bleach Sales
Shelters usually need plenty of bleach; at least I know my local shelter uses gallons of it. Next time you come across a sale on bleach, pick up several gallons. If you do this every couple of weeks, before you know it, you’ll have a trunk load to deliver. (Remember, it doesn’t have to be name brand bleach, so it won’t cost you a fortune).

You can assist your local shelter in dozens of ways. Hopefully, the suggestions above give you an idea of how you can support the animal control effort in your area of the US.

One question I have – how can people be so heartless and cruel? In years gone by, I have heard about people taking unwanted kittens and dumping them in the country, or about others who place them in bags and then drown the poor creatures, but I had never heard of tossing a defenseless animal under a car.

Others are equally upset. I found a Facebook page devoted to spreading the word about these occurrences.  The site is called, Justice for the Kittens. They explain their mission as follows: “There has been a rash of incidents in the New Orleans area of kittens being tossed from cars. These helpless kittens deserve a voice, and these animal abusers should be brought to justice.” So far, the page has 122 likes.

In addition, the group describes in more detail what happened. “There was an incident in New Orleans on July 9 when a witness reported two cars throwing kittens out of the window onto the interstate, only for them (the kittens) to be run over immediately by passing cars. Another person reported finding the carcasses of kittens in near a busy intersection in Marrero.”

Another question I have – why don’t the individuals who obviously don’t want these kittens just take them to a shelter? For example, there is no-kill shelter called Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) that is open each afternoon. Is it because they are too lazy to find available shelters, or are they just sick thrill seekers who get some sort of enjoyment out of suffering?

I guess the only way to stop these types of people – the ones who throw animals from cars, the ones who release kittens in the country, or the ones who drown them in sacks – is to put some sort of pressure on them. Pass laws that specifically state such actions will result in fines or worse.

In Seattle they are doing just that. As reported in Seattle’s Weekly, on June 22, 2011, a man threw a cat down a storm drain with the intent to kill it, but he will not go unpunished. In fact, Olympia’s Animal Services offered a $2,500 reward for information on his whereabouts. I don’t know if he has been caught yet, but I do know the cat survived by treading water until help arrived. At least that cat had another chance. The kittens in New Orleans did not.

From one animal lover to another, let’s help create a society that takes the responsibility of being a pet owner seriously. Let others know that animals have value; they do not deserve to be thrown away.

Why? Because animal shelters and rescue groups are becoming increasingly creative about marketing dogs and cats for adoption. These groups strive to go to where potential pet owners congregate, including the market mentioned above. They are also going to malls and to a variety of businesses. You may remember that a few weeks ago, I wrote about a minor league baseball team in Ft. Myers, Florida that partnered with a local shelter to sponsor five dog adoption events this summer.

But do these events really work? Yes! Based on information from the ASPCA, these large scale adoption strategies really do place animals with loving owners. These events “… can match hundreds of animals with good homes in a few short (hours or) days.”

Some people are skeptical about getting a dog or cat in this manner; however, if you are searching for a new dog or cat, it is better to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization vs. buying from a pet store. The reason is simple; this action saves innocent lives. The Humane Society of the United States asserts that “between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in animal shelters in the United States. But if more families looking for a pet this year would adopt their new furry friend from a shelter, we could put an end to this tragedy.”

You see, when you adopt from a shelter or rescue group (either on-site or at one of these large scale adoption events), you put an end to the senseless killing of homeless pets across the country.

It is also interesting to note that you can usually find the breed you want at the shelter or at one of these promotions. For example, the dogs available at my local farmer’s market were Labs. The group that coordinated the event, the Labrador Education and Rescue Network or LEARN, specializes in Lab adoptions. As stated by the president of LEARN, many people don’t realize that they can get a purebred animal from a rescue operation. She also explains that the group finds loving and stable home for approximately 150 dogs per year, although there are many more dogs who need homes.

And the same holds true for cats. Many times you can adopt the cat of your dreams (maybe a Persian) at a shelter or special event, because cats are many times victims of divorce, loss of jobs, or even owner death. (Personally, I adopted a cat, because he was jet black, and black cats suffer from bad press. You know, the incorrect assertion that black cats bring bad luck?)

So, be on the lookout for a creative pet adoption event near you. You just might find a perfect pet for you and your family.

It’s true that cats are not part of the natural ecosystem, that they may want to hunt even if they’re fed, and that they prey on native species of birds and small animals.

I asked Cindy Hewitt, who has worked to TNR over 7,000 cats, how she would answer critics. To begin with, she agrees that “Humans created the issue of free-roaming cat populations, and we should humanely resolve it.”

She points out that, as I’ve written before, the greatest threat to these wild animals is us humans, through “destruction of habitat, use of pesticides that
negatively affect  reproduction, window strikes and telecommunications towers”. I’d also add cars and, in some places, wind generators. And we can’t even claim to be just following our instincts.

Cats are not free from the threat of predators themselves — coyotes, for example, and even free-roaming dogs. In Florida, where Cindy is based, alligators and large snakes are also a danger. Any large carnivore can be.

It’s also true that feeding feral cats won’t completely stop them from hunting, but Cindy says, “A managed colony of sterilized cats  will have less impact on wildlife than an unmanaged colony, which is the  frequent result of efforts to oppose TNR.”

Managing a colony includes controlled feeding — giving food only to sterilized colony members, only at certain times of day, to avoid attracting new members or other animals.

Cindy has seen feral colonies stabilize and decline when TNR was introduced. The most dramatic changes occur in groups with large numbers of adoptable members (usually kittens). For example, one colony went from having 60 members to just eight — after 25 kittens were removed to homes. However, she says, even without removing any cats for adoption, a colony will decline gradually if it’s carefully managed.

TNR’s not perfect, but it’s an effort by humans to take responsibility for problems our species has created.

I’m curious to see how she is going to respond to being away from us for a few weeks. I have no doubt in my mind that she’ll remember us, but I just hope that she doesn’t have a hard time adjusting to her new life. Theoretically it shouldn’t be too big of an adjustment for her. She’s been there for a good portion of her life and it is almost like a second home to her. She knows a lot of the dogs there and the last time she was there, she was even allowed to run around with the other dobermen at the rescue. She was recently bit pretty badly by a big dog in the neighborhood, so I’m a little concerned that she is going to be timid around the other dogs. Just before leaving, she had been miserable and so scared that my dad had to pick her up and bring her down the stairs to where she is let out.

I think that Gracie will respond okay in being boarded for an extended period of time because she is familiar with the Rescue and the caretakers are familiar with her. However, had we brought her to a completely different place, I think it could have been a different situation.

Boarding your dog for a long period of time can be stressful for your pup. You should make sure that you find a kennel that allows your dog more than just a cage. Your dog should be able to run around and see the sunlight. If you can, try to leave your dog with an acquaintance or have a friend look after your house and dog while you are away.

The best thing to do is to make your dog feel as close to home as you can. Bring some old T-shirts that you don’t mind getting ruined, bring your dog’s own bed so they are used to the smell, bring some of your dog’s favorite toys, and try not to switch up the food. You want to make sure that your dog is going to continue to eat and be comfortable while you are away.

Another tip is to board your dog for a night beforehand to “test” out the response.

Although wildlife rehabilitators of the WRA  don’t work with domestic cats, not even feral ones (pet rescue groups take responsibility for them), they find that many of the wild animals they take in have been injured in cat attacks. (250 out of 3,101 injured animals in 2010.) These are just the injuries that come to human attention and get treated — countless others must take place also. An attack by a dog or cat doesn’t have to be “successful” to be fatal to a wild animal — a pregnant or injured creature can die of exhaustion running from a pet.  Krystal Brennan, Education Coordinator at the WRA, says, “Even when people think the bird is OK after flying away from a scrap with a cat, the bird will often die of its injuries later as a result of the cat’s clawing or saliva from bite marks. ”

Of course, feral cats must be responsible for their share of this. Also, cats in general are a distant second to cars (read: us) when it comes to injuring wild animals. Still, it’s helpful if cat owners can take a few steps to keep their pets from going on rampages.

Though cats may fit into human households, especially those that want to be rodent-free, they are not a natural part of the local ecosystem. Their instinct is to hunt down prey, and it persists no matter how well they’re fed by their owners. (In one study, cats eating their favorite food were suddenly shown a live mouse. Every one of them stopped eating to kill it.)

The obvious solution is to keep your cat indoors, or take him out only on a leash. But there are more innovative ideas, like these I picked up from the WRA.

The CatBib, made of neoprene, fits over a cat’s collar and simply gets between the cat and birds or small animals. Its bright color (it comes in purple and several shades of blue) also acts as a visual warning for birds. This is more effective than a bell, which a cat can learn to avoid setting off.  The bib only interferes with the cat’s movements when he crouches down in hunting position. It was invented by a cat owner/bird lover and sells for about $10.

Outdoor cat cages are another option. These range from large enclosures you can build to open off your basement window to smaller, tent-like mesh structures. The cost can be anywhere from $50 to over $2,000. One WRA staff member built one herself with wooden posts and hardware cloth.

With a little work, your cat can enjoy the outdoors without hurting anyone.

The reasons people give for surrendering their Huskies shed some light on the difficulties of choosing the right dog for your family. For example:

Not knowing the breed’s “issues”: People who buy from pet stores may not know anything about their new dog’s breed, except that it produces beautiful puppies. But every breed has its quirks, and you need to think about whether you’re willing to put up with them. Pit bulls demand attention the moment you get home. Huskies, Baker says, “are escape artists, shed constantly, are easily bored and often relieve their boredom by de-stuffing the sofa, etc… “

Medical problems, which are all too common in pet store dogs. These may have come from puppy mills where profit is the only motivation. Heartworm is a common problem in dogs, yet Robert Baker says, “We get dozens of applications from rescue groups in the Southeast and Southwest, where most dog owners never seem to have heard of HW preventive such as Interceptor or Heartguard.”

Mistaken assumptions. Baker says, “The other most common problem we encounter is young couples who tell us, ‘We are expecting a baby and can no longer keep the dog.’” Yet dogs and babies are not only capable of co-existing, they can be great for each other. (Remember our recent article on what children can learn from dogs.) It just takes some preparation, like getting the dog used to the baby’s scent and letting him know he’s still a member of the family (the dog, that is).

It’s true that some dogs, especially large ones, do better in a home without small children. Knowing the individual dog before you make a committment to him is as important as knowing the breed.

Taking the time to do your research is the key to finding a family dog you won’t have to surrender.

First of all, when purchasing a pet, I suggest buying directly from a breeder or from a reptile specialty store, not a PetCo or Pet Smart.  The larger chain stores are more likely to sell you a sick pets, as many of theirs are mistreated or sick.

When you begin to look at pets, make sure to use this check list or a list similar:

1. First, look at the body in general.  Avoid animals that are excessively skinny or obese.  If the animal is at all swollen, it is also presumably sick.
2. As part of the overall check, examine the skin.  It shouldn’t be excessively dry or wrinkled.  Also, look for scratches, bruising, and discolorations.
3. Make sure the animal is clean.  It may crawl or slither in dirt all day, but it shouldn’t have any feces or blood on it.
4. Look at the vent for dried and/or clumped feces, dried up urine, and blood.
5. The eyes shouldn’t be swollen or have any “gunk” on them.
6. Runny noses or mucus is a bad sign, while salt deposits are normal in some species.
7. The mouth of the reptile should be pink and moist, without any discolorations of any type.  Also, it shouldn’t be dry.  In some geckos, you should check for calcium.
8. Check the body for small black or brown specks.  These are mites and are a sign of bad conditions.
9. Handle the reptile to check for muscle tone and to make sure it is not aggressive or excessively afraid of humans.
10. Finally, make sure it lived in safe and healthy conditions and wasn’t overcrowded.

With this basic check list, you can make sure your pet will be a safe and happy reptile, not one that has any health problems.  If a store is mishandling its animals, contact the ASPCA or a rescue group.

Out of every hundred huskies the group helps, about 65 are strays or shelter dogs. (The rest are surrendered to the society.) One reason for this is the breed’s history as sled dogs for nomads. Their instinct is simply to get out and run, and they’re all too good at it. A husky owner who left the door open a second too long saw the dog vanish — then, only six hours later, got a call from a shelter 60 miles away.

“Remember that these are the guys who pull a fully loaded sled 300 miles a day in the Iditarod,” says Robert Baker of Tails of the Tundra. “[T]hey could be 300 miles away by the next day – and it is impossible for the owner to call every shelter within a 300-mile radius.” (A tag or microchip is lifesaving in cases like these.)

The Save Our Siberians – Siberspace Rescue Fund is another group dedicated to helping Siberian Huskies. Its mission is to raise money to help pay unexpected expenses for groups that rescue the dogs. Robert Baker also works with this group as applications coordinator, and says the most common expense is heartworm treatment (dogs bred in puppy mills are especially vulnerable to this). Torn ligaments are another, a result of the rough play Huskies enjoy.

SOS-SRF has one unusual way of raising money — sales of yarn and other items made from fur shed by Huskies. It accepts donations of washed fur from Husky owners, but it’s also happy to get money. The society has other Husky-related items for sale, too.

Fostering a Husky is obviously a big job that takes a willing attitude. Baker says the important thing is that the foster family “will care for the foster dog just like they care for one of their own.” Many people love Huskies enough to do just that.

There’s a way to make your donations to animal welfare groups more personal — virtual adoption. No, this doesn’t mean getting a virtual pet, it means providing for a real animal without taking it to live with you. The animal stays in a shelter or sanctuary where it can get good care. You pay a one-time or recurring fee, and in return get regular updates, photos, and visiting rights. Some groups will post your name (or business logo, in the case of corporate sponsors) in the animal’s living space.

The fee can run anywhere from a one-time payment of $25 for a shelter dog or cat to $125 a month for a grizzly bear. That’s one of the fun things about virtual adoption — you can choose an animal you couldn’t possibly keep in your home. The Fauna Foundation of Québec, for example, lets you “adopt” a chimpanzee.

An animal which will need to stay in a sanctuary permanently is obviously a bigger commitment than a shelter pet, which will hopefully find a real home eventually.

If you choose virtual adoption, you can be sure there’s an animal somewhere that’s just right for you.