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. 

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!

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! 

Fair Warning!

Audine is one of the early staff arrivals at the shelter. After a long night alone, Fife often joins us in the office. I try to be patient as Audine spends some quality time with Fife. However... HELLO!!??!! I am LOOPY... I am the one who gets her undivided attention!! I will share "Mr. Fife" but only for short time periods. So do not think it is okay with me that you jump up on her desk trying to get all of the attention... consider this fair warning!

Frolicking Felines Finding Their Way

For obvious reasons, I, as a soft pup, do declare myself not always willing to snuggle up with a cat. However, Fife is one cat that has me open to the idea. Today, Fife was walking around the shelter as if he were the king... hmpf... maybe he is and no one told me. However I will tell you what I have learned about these frisky felines that I was not aware of before now.

Fife

First, cats are nocturnal. I had to think about that as I realize how often I could hear Audine's mom's cat roaming the house late at night and quietly snuggle closer wondering if it would find it's way into her room... phew, didn't happen. I also learned the one thing Audine does not like about cats is when they rub up on her legs. Did you know this is when a cat is marking his territory? I had no idea! I am still so fascinated by the things I continue to learn on the backside of the HSSET. Have you learned anything new?

Who Needs A Sandbox?

Who needs a sandbox? 

Mondays the HSSET is closed. This is when all the staff 'deep clean' their designated areas and have some quality time with some of the animals.

Here I am playing in one of the litter boxes being set up for tomorrow. Do you see all of these litter boxes? Every day a fresh set are set up for the next day.

One of the many bags of cat litter used to keep
the cages clean and the cats healthy. 

In the afternoon, just before everyone goes home for the evening, they bring in the fresh set of pans to prepare for the morning cleaning.


Can you imagine how much litter we go through every week? I haven't actually counted ... yet ... but I can tell you there is a large amount in what is called the "cat patio".  I commend our staff as they are very careful to keep the cat cages clean to prevent illness and promote good health.

I'm thinking of getting a special box just for me to play in. I wonder if my friends would let me?