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. 

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!

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.

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? 

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.

Great Days Ahead

When it is gloomy and rainy outside...
we look for the positives in our days!

Dad Signs the Adoption Papers~

It may be raining outside but our cats and dogs are warm and cuddly inside. Another family sun shines inside as they sign the papers to increase the size of their forever family. WOO HOO... Ring that Bell! 

Another Happy Family!

What joy it is to learn another forever family is being formed. Meet the Rodriguez family. They had such a difficult time deciding which dog to bring home... at the time of this post, it is still up in the air. However, don't count out a double adoption!

Forever Families Wanted

Have you met Cinnamon? Well my friends, it's too late. Cinnamon has a new forever family and will be going home in just a day or two. We are really excited for him. We had 4 adoptions today. Woohoo! There is a lot of work that goes into each adoption.

First our staff help the new family find the 'just right' match. After they make the match, then they begin the paperwork phase.

Next, the family completes the adoption application (some have already completed one via our website www.petsforpeople.org)

The staff begin the process of doing what is called a 'vet check'. This is where they call the family's vet and make sure any previous/current pets of the family have been well cared for as well as preventative care.

Sometimes landlords are called for permission. Sometimes we have to check out the family to make sure they are prepared to welcome a new family member into their home.

If all checks out... an appointment is made with the clinic to have our furry friend spayed or neutered and then it's time for the new family to go home together.

The whole process may take 2-3 days but our staff works to complete the task as quickly as possible so our new family can begin their new lives together.

Did you hear it??? That's the bell ringing again... another friend has been adopted!

It's All About the Animals

The bell rings again... we love the sound of our adoption bell ringing. It's something we all cheer about when it rings. This is our adoption board one day last week.


We love these kind of days as it means we have found homes for all these animals and we now have room to save a few more lives. Woo Hoo! Thanks to the hard work of our HSSET Staff.

Ring That Bell Baby!

I only put my head down for a minute! And then, all of a sudden it was done! I heard that bell ring again.


Another family approved to adopt. I have to warn you, just because you walk in the door and want one of my furry friends, does not guarantee you are going to get one!

Sometimes there isn't a dog or a cat that will be the 'just right match' for your family. It's not always a no, sometimes it is just a 'wait'. Our goal is to find forever families. That means every application is reviewed and checked for your history with animals.

If you can see in this picture, Rachel and Diane are looking at a map to make sure this applicant's home has a fence and is in a a suitable area.If a family is seeking a large dog and will keep it outside they must have a fence. This helps prevent the animals from running away. It's also important our friends feel they are in a secure environment. The staff will also call the family vetinarian to insure their current animals are well cared for and given the necessary shots. Landlords must also give their permission in advance.

 This prevents a person from taking home an animal that may have to be moved because they didn't follow all the rules of their lease. Today it was interesting. A family came in to adopt a cat and changed their mind. After reviewing the application and talking with the family, the crew here just knew this was not a dog family.

I love hanging out with new adoptive families. They are always so excited!

Put yourself in our place here... a family wants a dog but all of the staff at the HSSET knew it was a really a cat family. If they were not so in tune with understanding our furry friends, and just gave them what they thought they wanted, the dog is returned to the shelter.


Now, do you really think that dog understands for a couple of months it ran free in this home and yarn and now, it's back in  a kennel? How would you feel? We understand that same thought. So, our job is to make the best fit!

Imma Bear Watcher

Have you met my friend Bear? He is so loveable. He's two years old and and is every bit of the momma described "terrible two's" you can think of. He's in and out of everything. So loveable and climbs up and down, wants to love on you and then runs... and runs .... and runs.

Bear had been a stray when he was brought to us. He had no idea how to act around people but thrived on their interactions and hugs.He just didn't know his own strength and would get excited. Bear just wants to love everyone.

His best friend at the shelter use to be an older female who let him know in a loving way 'stop' and Bear would stop.But, alas, she found a forever family.

Today, I watched Bear play with the pups for quite a while. It was fun to watch Bear play on the outside of the cage with the pups. Bear would run and the pups would follow. Then he would run to the other end and the pups would run the other way. I am not sure who had more fun, the pups or Bear!

Bear has calmed down a lot since his arrival. His manners are improving daily and he has learned to respond to stop and no. Bear has watched several friends go to their forever families and is a little sad right now. I hope he too can find a forever family soon. Do you know one? 

Ever have one of those days?

I tried running like Bear so the pups would chase me. It didn't seem to work the same. For some reason the pups thought it would be more fun for me to run this way. Hmmm.... what's wrong with this picture?

Meet "My Buds"

I just love these guys. I was walking around with Audine yesterday morning and they saw me. They came running. Audine just started laughing she thought it was so funny. I was looking everywhere for a mirror. After all, you must always look your best when someone is attracted to you!  

Enie, Meenie, Minie, Moe... I have so many special friends,
I feel like the bachelorette! I don't think I can give a rose to any of these guys.
 It may not be too healthy!