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?!?

Germ Free

Today I really wanted to help out. I must have spent 2 hours trying to get this darn glove on my paw. Does anyone know if I can buy these to fit better? I need them to clean out some of the cages. Our animal lovers must be very careful when cleaning out the cages around here. So, they wear gloves when cleaning them each morning. Every precaution is used in each area to help prevent any animal from getting ill. If you don't follow the rules around here, it could become a serious situation. So way to keep the spreading of unwanted diseases... gloves. If you can't wear them, you don't get to clean. Well, guess I will find another area to work. I know the best place... the break room. There are always things I can find in there to eat  clean.

Final Stages of Cleaning Pt. 3

Cupcake

Cupcake is one the dogs you just can't help but love, no matter what. She just filled my face with sweet dog kisses. Just loves and loves and loves to be around people. She gets so excited she just jumps up and down in the cage.

Dancing anyone? 

Yet, I digress again... so back to the cleaning. Once all the cages are cleaned, new paper is put in and the dogs returned, it's time to clean up the cleaning supplies.

We dump the water buckets in the floor drain. Then we sweep. I tried to get Audine to let me sweep. I even pulled the broom closer to me but other than slide down like a fireman's pole, there wasn't much else I could do with the big thing.

The last thing we had to do was mop up the floors. I thought about sliding all over the wet floor but once again, it's a bleach and water mix and I just couldn't see getting all washed out.

Stephanie and me. 

After the rooms were all clean, Stephanie and I went to the front desk to begin our next job... adoptions. More calls to make and people to please. Our work is never done!

Cleaning Part 2

Earlier, I began to tell about learning to clean out the cages.I want to share the next part of the process. When Audine and I were out, Stephanie was able to get Devon's cage all nice and clean and ready to get back in his temporary home.

Devon all tired out from his morning walk. 

Next, we began to clean out one of the other cages. Cinnamon and Katie were  next on our cleaning list. If you look at the cages with our precious furry friends, you would not know what all is done but I am

Cleaning food bowels. 

glad to learn about  all the care that is given to insure they are so protected. These to stayed in a small crate while we cleaned. First we had to remove the newspaper and shredding from their cages. Then we used a hand towel soaked in the bleach/water mix. We cleaned the sides, the bottom and the top of the cage with the cleaner.

Katie

While those dried, we took the water dish and let it soak in the bleach mix and the food dish and let it soak in the soap and water mix. Then we dipped them in the clean water and lay them on the towel to air dry. (The bleach will evaporate during this step).

The last step in cleaning the cages is to lay a few layers of newspaper flat on the bottom. Then get the long shredded paper and put enough for our small furry friends to "nest" comfortably. Then we put their water bowels back in their correct places and attached them with the cable ties to the doors. Then, back to their temporary homes the sweet pups went. Phew, I was getting tired just watching all of this!

Maid Service Available!

Before I do anything up here, I
 have to drink at least
one cup of coffee. It's a must! 

This morning, Audine and I helped out in one of the small dog rooms.

I must admit, it was fun learning all about how the HSSET cleans the cages, why certain things are done and the best way to do it.

Ms. Stephanie was so sweet and patient teaching me all the new things about working in this one room. Glad I was here to help. So, if you need some cleaning help just call... I know how to spill the bleach water really well!

Ready to go walking. Hmpf, this is
 one big handle. 

Here is what happens: first we fill three different buckets of warm water. One is soap and warm water, one is part bleach and water and the other is just clean warm water.

Then we carry these all back to the room and put them on the table. We begin the cage cleaning process one cage at a time. Now here is one of those situations of if/then. If the dog is of the right age (that depends on what Ms. Stephanie tells me), we take the dog outside for a walk.

Rachel and Coleman

Some of the dogs are younger and are not quite ready for those longer walks. We took Devon and Coleman out one at a time.  They were so excited to get outside I am not sure who was walking who at that moment. It was a little chilly and the ground was wet. Sweet Coleman kept hopping like a rabbit and having so much fun Audine and I just laughed watching him.

While we were out, Stephanie was able to get Devon's cage all nice and clean and ready to get back in their temporary homes.

Bow WOW!!

Cleaning the dog kennels can be a real chore. In spite of this, our HSSET staff are busy every morning cleaning. There are three different rooms that are open to the public.





This is the puppy room. This room holds our younger dogs and the some of the smaller dogs. Rachelle and Kayla are getting a group of pups out so they can go play while their cage is clean.

These pups are much closer to my size... but, still they could chew me up and spit me out just for fun. Makes me shiver just thinking about it!! Back to the task at hand... it takes two people, working together to clean out the dog kennels. There are the pups, the small dogs, the large male dogs and the large female dog areas. Then we have the intake quarantine area.

When I first came I was like wow, who does all of this? Then, it takes a lot of team work, co-ordination and a loving group of people to spend the first three hours of their work day cleaning out after each dog. I've heard Audine complain about cleaning up after her dogs at home... I wonder what she thinks about now??
 hmmm....

Now, I went to see our bigger dogs. All by myself. I thought I was being so brave. What should happen? I found Josh cleaning one of the kennels. He thought I needed a shower but I quickly ran. Phew, just in time.

I may look like I have short legs but these little things rarely fail me when I need them most!










Brittany is the back supervisor. Don't you like her wild pants? I bet you didn't know they have to clean all these cages with bleach. Yes, bleach. The staff where one set of clothes when cleaning. After they have finished cleaning out their assigned area, they change into their nice staff shirts with clean jeans and they are ready to serve the public.

What happens to all that bleach? While the dogs are outside playing, the staff will use a squeegee and get most of the excess water and bleach mixture out. Then the towel dry. The rest will dissipate while the dogs are still outside playing. Bet you didn't know that, huh? Boy, I could make all kinds of bets today and very few could win but me... I could be rich! I know, I new house just for me. I might even invited some of my friends from the shelter to come to my house warming... oh well, another story for another day.

The Reason We Open at 11am

Kenny and Theresa clean cat kennels one at a time. 

This cleaning process begins every morning at 8:00 am and the staff works straight through to 11am.The crew was hard at work this morning cleaning out the cat and dog kennels.



 Just imagine walking in and taking a big whiff of all these dirty cages... Phew... I can tell you. "It ain't a pretty smell!"  Of course, the staff will not let their special friends live in such conditions all day. It's not healthy.

Fresh rugs, blankets and/or towels are put in the bottom of every cats kennel.

 


 I took a walk today and I had to wear mask. I tried to sneak up on a couple of people but they heard the little click, click as I walked around.

All clean and ready for a new day!

  
I need my nails clipped... ahem... AUDINE... where are you? I NEED GROOMING. I'll check back later.



 First, I am off to find that wild woman, Audine, again. She sure does seem to hide when the camera comes out. Have you noticed that?
 
 "Yawn"... watching all of these people work so hard has made me tired. It's time for a nap ..."yawn" ...

SHHH ... They are Sleeping

Hmmm... I am sitting here in the dark. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the various members of the staff. I have to whisper as not to disturb those who are still sleeping. I can hear some of the dogs and cats that have recently been brought to the center. It's scary for animals to be here in the beginning. They don't know what is happening, they don't realize, yet, the people here are going to help them. When pets first arrive they have to be 'quarantined'. This means they are in a separate room for 2 weeks to insure they are free of disease and have all their well and safety checks. This is not just to take care of them, but also to care for all the other animals already here at the facility as well. The public are not allowed to interact with these animals until they are moved into the other areas. This area also has limited staff interactions. I am glad to know the staff that care for these scared animals are so loving and talk to them and help them adjust to their temporary setting.

The staff begin arriving around 7:30 am. I will check in and have Audine take some pictures so you can see how busy it is as they start their day cleaning all the crates and kennels. The day begins energetically as the dogs bark excitedly and the cats meow loudly when they see the other humans come in. One day, you should come around and see. By the way, how often do you clean out your pet's home?