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!

Techies not Trekkies

Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to treat or to help veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals. Our Vet Tech's work under the supervision of Dr. Hahn who's practice is on the other side of the parking lot from our shelter. Alicia is one of our Vet tech's. I caught her viewing the slide of one of my furry friends who has been feeling under the weather.

I am so excited to see Melissa returning from Dr. Hahn's office. After an animal is taken in to the HSSET they go through a check list of wellness check's. If everything shows all clear, they go into a special room for new animals for two weeks. This is to insure nothing new shows up during their first couple of weeks here. After two weeks, they are moved into the public viewing area depending on space available.

If they are ill, then our Vet Tech's are quick to begin the healing process. We are a caring bunch of people at the shelter and we want all of our precious friends to be at their best.

I am not one to enjoy the poking and prodding, but I am certainly glad to know all of my friends are watched carefully and all animals receive monthly preventative medicines as well. I am usually able to hide when I see one of these guys coming ...