A Happy Little Girl

Peyton was so excited this afternoon . . . she has a Loopy to call her own. I wonder if she will sleep with Loopy tonight? If she does, it will be a nice, comfortable sleep with great dreams. Thanks Peyton!

Coming soon . . . Loopy will be available for anyone who wishes to have one. Just wait, it won't be long . . .

The Passing of the Phone

Loopy is so excited. Today is her first day at the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. She is "the" new HSSET Loopy. She is not on loan, she does not belong elsewhere . . . this is it. She's the one and only . . . just for the HSSET. So, she took a moment to pose. Her fur is fresh, her eyes are all clear, her collar straight and clean and then it's in the car and on the way.

In the word's of Dr. Seuss, "You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting! So. . . get on your way!"  Aren't you excited?

The official phone has been passed. Our Loopy on loan has passed it on and the HSSET Loopy is ready to go. She's very serious about her new position at the HSSET. You'll be seeing more posts and new ideas, new volunteers and new tips. So be prepared, the learning is on!

It's Not a Tough Job . . . But Their Are Tough Days

Meet Leroy . . . he's looking for a forever family. 

When I share with people where I work, I often here "oh gosh, that must be difficult", you know what, it's not. I have learned more about pets, pet owners, proper care, and so much more since I began to work here.  I have learned there are kind caring people that would give up something of their own if would help one of the find furry friends. But sometimes, that is just not the case.

The difficult part is when the adoptions are down and the space is low. You see, 72 days is the minimum stay for all animals. As long as adoptions are steady and new kennels are opened, difficult decisions do not have to be made.  Think about it. Would you want your own put in a kennel for 6 months? The staff here is remarkable with the resources they have. The volunteers who come regularly do their best to help as well. However, not all dogs draw the attention as much as others.

The other night, I sat with a friend and saw the sorrow in her eyes as she was trying to make the decision to let go over her beloved pet that represented so many memories. It is also that way here. The staff that spend their entire day caring for each of the animals develop special bonds, relationships and loving memories of each of the animals here. Come by one day and here their stories. They are amazing.

If you know ANYONE that would be a good pet owner but has not taken the step, please help. This is a day . . . it has to happen. They won’t take it home today, but if they are adopted, they save a life. Please, pray about it. 

34 Acts of Kindness

This Sweet lady visited the HSSET... the hearts of people never cease to amaze me! She left the following message with her donation of blankets and towels:

"Hi, my name is Amanda. In celebration of my 34th birthday I'm doing 34 acts of kindness. Enjoy the kindness and try to pass kindness along in your own way."

Thank you Amanda!

Pay it Forward? Paying Back?

We have been very fortunate that when we put out the "HELP" call, our friends, volunteers and staff step up to the plate and help us meet the needs of our furry friends.

This time, we are able to step up and help others with extra special needs. We have two calls out at this time to help our friends in need.

Yesterday we received a visit from Chris Berger, GM at "The Grill" here in Beaumont. She is taking donations to help in Oklahoma. She had dropped by to see if we had anything we could share. Her car was too small so today she stopped by with a friend and a truck. Happily we gave her a a truckload of food that will be leaving tomorrow.  

Chris found out about the truck leaving tomorrow from a friend's post on FB. However, it is in Nederland with limited drop off times. She wanted to offer a Beaumont location as well. She said they will take donations up until 8:00 pm in the evening. Even if you cannot get by there before tomorrow, she has offered to continue taking donations and will find a another truck to take it. Chris said she just wants to make sure everyone who would like to help, has a way to do so. 

Pictured here is a friend of Chris's who volunteered the use of his truck to help load more dog food to take to Oklahoma.  



Don't forget we put out the call last week for help for the animals in and around Grandbury, TX. - The area was also destroyed by tornadoes on 5/13/13. The Humane Society of North Texas dispatched personnel and supplies to assist in this area. If you would like to make a contribution to specifically help the animals in and around Grandbury who have been displaced, injured, etc, please go to our website: www.petsforpeople.org and click on donations. In the memo area, please note the contribution is for Grandbury.

You Mean You Don't Play All Day?

Serena makes notes in the cat records
as each cat is weighed. 

When I use to go to school with Audine, she had a list of "Must Do's" for her students. These were things that either had to be done daily or weekly for each child.

Here at the HSSET, the staff also have a "Must Do" list. The particular task shown here is a weekly activity. All of the animals are weighed weekly. There are several reasons for this:

• Checking the weight of the animals allow the staff to know if there has been any change in said animal. If there has been, it is something to be watched to insure the animal is not having other health issues.
• As noted earlier, part of the ‘intake’ process is giving the animals preventative medicines. They have 5 days of de-worming. Then, 10 days later the Vet Techs will do another round of 5 days. After that the shots are once a month. The amount of medicine given is based on their weight.
• Our local veterinarian uses the weight information as she also cares for the animals.
• Animal records are updated almost daily. Noting any changes of appetite, hair loss, sneezing, weight and other items that we, as pet owners, don't always know to watch. Just another one of those "Must Do's". 

While socializing and getting our furry friends ready for their forever families, there are many other tasks the staff at the Humane Society of Southeast Texas do to take care of the animals on a regular basis. Keep watch as we continue to our own education of behind the scenes of the HSSET. 

We've Been Smitten with the Kitten's

Our young friends from the Central Middle School enjoyed their time with the new kittens we have here at the HSSET. One of the girls even said " I don't do cats" ... however, just like I have found Audine from time to time, she had one of our beautiful older felines all snuggled in her lap almost the whole hour they were here. Huh . . . Next she'll be saying "I don't do Loopy's" we'll just see about that!

Surrender? Give Up? Or Just A Well Meaning Person?

You may ask... why can't I bring a pet any time I find one?  Several years ago, that was the policy. During that time, the euthanasia rate was much higher. We are working hard here at HSSET not put any animals down because of limited space. Our new manager has been diligent and since she took on the task, there have been no animals put down just for space issues. BRAVO!!

Alicia closed her eyes, she didn't want
 to see her picture!

First meet Alicia and Melissa. They are the Veterinary Technicians (Vet Techs) here at the HSSET.



 I'd like to share with you the process of what we do here at the HSSET.

1. On Mondays, one of these wonderful ladies begin taking calls to set up "intake appointments". This means we are taking in the pet you wish to surrender. (You'll see why below). Appointments are taken until all available spaces are filled (this is for cats and dogs). Unfortunately, we have had to say no more pit bull or pit bull mixes because they are too challenging to adopt out.
2. When the animal is brought in, the Vet Tech does an initial exam check. They look for pregnancy, hair loss  (often reflects the animal is ill), illness (runny nose, weeping eyes, etc) and injuries.
3. An $25 donation is asked of every surrender to help cover the initial vaccines. These include: flea and heart worming prevention. Initially they receive 5 days of shots and then it is reduced to once a month.

All new animals go into quarantine for two weeks. This is usually when any illness may show and the Vet Techs work quickly to get it in control before exposing anything to the rest of the animal population.

We appreciate our friends who find the lost dogs and cats with no one to love them. We appreciate our friends who do their best to keep their animals but fall on hard times. More than anything, we appreciate your willingness to admit when you need more help. Those are just well meaning people.

This little one came from a large litter. Just too
 many  for the family  to care for properly.  

But sometimes, people take on more than they should and all of a sudden they have a momma dog with puppies and no where to put them, they give up. Some will let them out on a deserted road, some will drop them off at a neighbors... and yes, some will drop them off at one of staff's home because they know they work for the HSSET.  Those are the ones that make us sad as we have to follow all the rules everyone else does.

The Vet Techs also have some challenges helping people understand we are trying our best here at the HSSET to care for the animals the best we can and if we just take any dog or cat, it is not always possible to give them the care they need. As we are a non-profit organization and depend totally on donated funds, we must make limits. It is not easy for them to have to turn away an animal they know needs the care. So, if you do come to the shelter, please remember they are doing their best to help as many animals as possible!

We Have been Honored. . . by the Honor Society. . .

Central Middle School Honor Society

 Audine and I were just returning from our daily errand run when much to our surprise there in the parking lot was a large yellow bus! I knew this could only mean one thing . . . more kids . . . YAY!

We were even happier when we saw what they had to share with us . . . FOOD!

Each student brought a bag of food (Purina and Pedigree only of course).

     Warm cuddly blankets and bleach for cleaning were also a part of the "stash". We love our friends from the Honor Society at Central Middle School in Nederland.

Thank you friends!

Pardon Our Silence

It has been really been busy around the HSSET and I have been just as much a part of it as everyone else! We have been on the phones, on Facebook and emailing all of our friends trying to let others know we need help. Some of my furry friends here at the shelter have been here a long time and to get them into a home of their own, we needed some adoptive families ... actually we still do! But for now, we have been able to help get some of our bigger friends into a home with room to get outside and play. After all, finding forever families is what we are all about.

You will be seeing a few more post from me soon so stay tuned.

It's A Sister from Another Mother ? ?

Meet the newest addition to the Loopy Family. It has been a process but finally another Loopy has been created. I mean, how can you truly re-create me?? However, it's pretty close so I give Audine some credit. Watch as we move forward in the process. After a few more have been completed, we will begin taking orders for these and anyone can have their own Loopy! This one belongs to a very special little lady who requested hers to be green.

Just to let you know 50% of the profit will be donated to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. Woo Hoo. So, if you purchase one of these sweet soft pups you will also be contributed to the care of my other furry friends at the HSSET. I am so excited! I can't wait until we begin doing just that!

Newspapers Anyone?

 It's that time again . . . the staff is gathering the information, making their list, ordering the paper, stocking up the supplies and getting ready to fold, stamp, sort, glue and stuff the newsletters. Don't forget the ever faithful volunteers who also gather around to help make it all possible!









Woo Hoo. . . can't wait for you to see all the good things that has been happening the last couple of months at the shelter.

Part Two of Heartland Academy Visit

After we read our story, the children from the Heartland Academy talked a little about the animals at the HSSET, we took a tour of the facility. The children were so anxious to see all the animals we have it was difficult for them to wait for their turn to spend with our furry friends.







"Fascinated" seems like such a small word to describe their faces as they looked on at the different animals spread out around the shelter.

It was so much fun to watch how well they handled their time with our animals. They were all very gentle and caring with each of the animals with whom they spent their time.



After everyone had a little time with the animals, they finished off their time at the shelter eating sprinkled cupcakes just like the cat in our book. Needless to say. . . they enjoyed that time as well.

In the Presence of Greatness

Yep, I am here. I finally made it into the presence of greatness. Meet Stephanie. She was voted the employee of the month for April by her co-workers. In this picture I was learning about all the time she (and others) takes in processing and new family's adoption application. Let me tell you . . . it is not taken lightly. No wonder it is so difficult to chose just one employee of the month around the HSSET. There are just too many things everyone does to make it an easy decision.  Next time you are at the HSSET, look for Stephanie, she's either in the pound room or the front or helping a family select a new furry family member or cleaning one of the quarantine rooms or walking a dog, or talking on the phone to a potential family or helping another co-worker or helping . . . or helping . . . or helping . . .

Working Together

Our shelter manager, Carrie May, is not afraid to do whatever is necessary to get the job done! She consistently shows others how team work is a vital part of what makes it all happen at the HSSET.

I Love Making New Friends

Meet my new friends from Heartland Academy. They came to visit the HSSET yesterday and brought bags of food to share with my other friends here at the shelter.

The lucky little girl who let me sit in her lap won the opportunity for sitting quietly waiting for directions.

Audine read the group "If You Give a Cat A Cupcake" by Laura Numeroff. It was a great story and we had fun learning of all the cat's adventures.

In the story, the cat decided if it was going to eat a cupcake it needed sprinkles. So we all had to practice putting sprinkles on our cupcake. That was so much fun as we got our "wiggles" out.


. . . stay tuned. More of this story to follow soon.

A Busy Day at HSSET

On Saturday we had an influx of wonderful visitors. Our friends from Trinity United Methodist Church visited us.

 The group spent some time learning about the history of the HSSET, learning how we care for our animals, how adoptions work and then volunteered spending time with our special animals friends.

 We love when our volunteers are able to come and spend time with our dogs and cats. Although we all try to spend time with animals, we are not able to give the individual attention our sweet animals need on a daily basis.

The church is also in the middle of an animal food drive which will culminate next weekend and we will once again have an opportunity to touched by this group once again when they gift that collection to the shelter.

A Note From Loopy - Doing My Part

The staff are really busy doing their daily chores as well as helping with the new groups and tours, showing around potential adoptive families and helping work with new volunteers. So, I decided to I would help with the paperwork involved in working with my bigger animal friends in shelter. 

Here I am at Brittany's desk in the back to begin the tasks. The only problem, I can't reach the desk. Hmmm... I am not sure what I was thinking. I can't even type my own blog! Geesh! Well, at least I can love... oh yes, as you can see, I am pretty good at letting others know what is going on behind the scenes. Stay tuned, I am sure I will have some new information coming this week just to help you all know why we do some of the things we do at the HSSET.

A Birthday Surprise for Us!

Grace shared her toys
 with one of the cats. 

Meet Grace. 

Grace chose to celebrate her 8th Birthday a little differently this year. Instead of sharing what people could get her for her birthday, she asked everyone to give money she could then share animals that are unable to care for themselves.

 Grace chose two different animal organizations. We are thankful that Grace chose the HSSET to be one of those (she also gave to a wildlife organization).

A very Special Young Lady!

 Grace visited us Saturday with an armful of toys and a gift card from Pet Smart of which all totaled close to $100.00. We appreciate the selflessness of Grace and her friends for sharing with our furry friends something so special! 

Incognito

As the Seniors from Kelly High School began to finish out their assigned areas just before lunch, I sat in the newly cleaned out flower beds and soaked in the sun. Despite the wet morning, the sun came out and made it easier for the workers to sit outside and eat their pizzas and enjoy great company. Personally, I'm kinda sweet on a couple of them... but I can't tell you who. I may have to visit the school one day. Then maybe I can find out if my feelings are returned!

What a gorgeous day!

A Busy Day with New Friends

Please pardon me while I admire the guys these hard workers. They helped moved a good bit of that pile of dirt today. Despite the hard rain during the early morning hours, these guys were able to plant several new Rose bushes. They worked together as a team and accomplished their task beautifully.


These young ladies also helped. They were making new signs for the kennels to help promote adoptions. They even allowed me to sit and watch their artistic abilities. One of these fine ladies worked to help draw some ideas for a new logo for the Humane Society. Shhh... we can't show you ... yet.

Can you see me... I was trying to blend in as I quietly watched this handsome young man spread fresh mulch in the flower beds. The group who was working here pulled weeds surrounded by thorns on the roses, pulled off dead flowers and built up some of the ground with fresh dirt.

Why Are Black Dogs Less Adoptable?

from Guest Blogger Audine ....

Huey

While some may argue the point but workers who deal with dog adoptions day in and day out say that they see perfectly adoptable dogs get rejected by potential owners simply because of the color of their coat.

A few of the most common thoughts behind this are:

1. Black dogs are difficult to photograph. It is difficult for people to see their beautiful features and capture their personality for all to see.

Bear

2. Movies --- black dogs are often portrayed as mean and/or evil dogs that are out to harm. Because they are difficult to photograph, they are not used in commercials or market campaigns. We don't see them as the warm and loving friend as their lighter colored counter parts.

3. Not all shelters have good lighting. Without the help of the shelter staff guiding future adoptive families in their directions, black dogs (and cats for that matter) are often passed by because they do not stand out as others.

Socrates

As a former teacher of children with disabilities, I am quite familiar with similar thought process. It is interesting to note the innocence of each and yet both are so eager to love no matter if that love is returned so freely.  It's not fair to those who are not always able to speak for themselves to be prejudged on appearance alone. Get to know this precious animal who just wants to be loved like all the others.

Please remember: 

* A dogs coat color has no affect on the dogs temperament and personality. 

* Black dogs are just as playful and loving and fun as dogs of other color.

If you or a friend want to adopt a dog or cat... don't forget to look for the black ones. Take a second look and make an effort to see ALL of the animals that are available. Unfortunately, black dogs and cats tend to have a higher euthanasia rate because it is difficult find them good families.  Don't walk out of the shelter thinking there is no dog for you because you over looked the black ones. Make your adoption decision based solely on the dog that will be the best fit for your family regardless of the color of his/her coat.

Saucy

I leave you with this quote by Mother Teresa: 

. "When we judge others, we leave no room to love them"...  won't you open your heart to love them all? 

We all have to do different things around the shelter. I decided to help do my part today outside of the confines of Audine's office. So, I climbed up the side of the trash can to throw away some trash in the break room. I threw it in the trash... and then ... my paw was stuck!! As today is such a busy day of cleaning, it took forever!!!! for someone to rescue me. But alas, a kind soul found me and returned me to resting place. I have decided I will not venture out on my own again. I could have ended up on the outside and never seen again. We just cannot have that. You would have missed me.... right? .... right?!?

I have had the honor to make so many new friends here at the HSSET. However, I want them to find forever homes. Our staff work hard every day to help each of my furry friends to learn good manners and how to adapt to being in a family with a safe and secure home.

Please remember, when you take me home, I many not know how to act in the beginning. I may need some extra time, extra loving and a lot of patience. My friends will love you unconditionally and are so excited to be with you. They will make mistakes. They will frustrate you. But, I can guarantee, they will always love you.

 Are you willing to help them through the transition? Do you have the patience to work with one of these lovely animals? We have several looking for homes and we know there is the "just right family" waiting... come by and see who is waiting.

Volunteer Groups Abound

We have a few groups that visit the HSSET to volunteer time. One of the requirements for groups is they bring in donations with them. This group of cub scouts all brought in large bags of dog food.

Their visit helped us in two areas. First, their donations allowed us to save some money on food and second, it gave our beloved some more lovin' time


Each area is important to us and we enjoy hope to continue to build relationships with young men and help them learn the importance of good dog care as they continue to come.