All About Animals shares some sad news about a starved dog. Precious Paws helps an injured kitten. More animals need homes and several rescue groups have planned fundraisers.

Munchkin, renamed Bella, is seen prior to her adoption. Sadly, she has passed away due to medical complications.

Bella loses her fight

It is with at heavy heart that All About Animals reports that Bella, formerly Munchkin the starved dog removed from an Oil City home, has passed away.
Bella, then Munchkin, was taken out of an Oil City home by Precious Paws’ humane officer.
She was locked in the basement of the home without food.
Tri-County Animal Rescue of Shippenville took in Munchkin, who then went into foster care in order to gain some weight back.
She then came back to Tri-County, according to a Facebook post on the rescue’s page.
“Munchie was loved by all for her sweet disposition. She continued to have digestive/medical issues related to her neglect,” the rescue said.
Then, along came Brianna, who fell in love. She adopted Munchkin and renamed her Bella, Tri-County said.
“A month ago, Bella developed serious medical issues and was in a specialty clinic in Pittsburgh. The bills quickly mounted for intensive care and a blood transfusion,” Tri-County said.

Munchkin, later named Bella, when she arrived at Tri-County.

Bella came home and did well for a brief time. She then became anemic again along with other issues. She was rushed to Clarion Animal Hospital, but despite their best efforts, Bella lost her fight, according to a Facebook post.
“Brianna showed Bella more love in two months than she had known her whole life before being rescued,” the rescue said in a Facebook post.
“If there was ever a dog who deserved the wings it was Munchie/Bella. She suffered such a cruel fate at the beginning but she left this world knowing what love felt like and by so many people,” another Facebook post added.
Other posts thanked Bella’s adopter for the care she had given to Bella in her short life.
Tri-County said, “Brianna is a college student and is working two jobs right now. She still owes a significant sum for Bella’s bills.”
A GOFundMe page that had been set up to help Brianna pay Bella’s medical expenses https://www.gofundme.com/25k9nt8 .
Other posts indicated the person responsible for Munchkin’s original starved condition was ordered to pay restitution. To this date, the posts said, Precious Paws has not received any reimbursement nor has Tri-County.
“It is time we all start fighting for harsher punishments (for animal abusers) … ” a member of Tri-County Animal Rescue added.

Lending a helping paw

Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin was called into action earlier this week to help an injured kitten.
Theresa Weldon posted on Facebook that several people stepped forward to help with transporting and caring for the kitten.

Miracle

Weldon said the rescue’s Oscar Fund, used to help animals in need, was depleted from another animal’s surgery.
But she continued “This kitten, however, could not be turned away as it was suffering and had no owner to care for it.”
The kitten’s paw was severed and dangling and there were indications of infection, according to the post.
The veterinarian recommended amputating the leg at the shoulder.
Thursday evening, Weldon posted that the kitten had survived her leg amputation surgery and was being watched for signs of infection at Franklin Animal Hospital.
Precious Paws dubbed the kitten Miracle and is looking for a home for her when she is available for adoption.
“The kitten is very good natured and super sweet. She’s very vocal and precious,” Weldon said.
The rescue is asking folks to consider donating, “even $5-$10,” to the Oscar Fund to help pay for the kitten’s surgery which was estimated at  $900-$1,100.
Donations can be sent via Paypal to AdoptPreciousPaws@gmail.com or  GoFundMe for the Oscar Fund (Paypal is preferred because GoFundMe takes a fee where as Paypal does not) – https://www.gofundme.com/OscarFund – or checks mailed to P.O. Box 784, Franklin, PA 16323.

The rescue is also looking for homes for some other kittens as well.

Kitten up for adoption from Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin.

Thursday morning the rescue had another kitten brought to us that had been left behind to fend for itself by its owner in Oil City.
“A lady has taken in mom and two babies. This sweet kitten has survived by itself for two weeks,” a Facebook post said.
Earlier in the week the rescue took in three kittens  about 4-5 weeks old. They were dumped along with their mom at a known feral cat colony.
The mom is not feral, but she’s scared to death, which means she was probably a mostly inside cat, a Facebook post said. One of the kittens died. The other three are weak but doing much better being inside after some care. We are still trying to catch mama but we had to take the babies because they were wandering on the road, the post continued.
” We are looking for good, safe indoor homes for these babies,” the rescue said.
The three girls won’t be ready for a few weeks until after they have been tested, dewormed, vaccinated and fixed.
Adoption applications can be filled out on the group’s  website www.pparfranklin.com under adopt.
“We’d love to have homes lined up ASAP. They won’t be ready to go for a few weeks yet,” a Facebook post said.

More information about Precious Paws is available by calling  671-9827 or on the group’s Facebook page.

Beautiful boys

Clarion PAWS in Shippenville has Matt and Romie who could use homes.

Matt

Matt lives on room 6 with Molly. Matt and Molly, and Mary, actually came from the same barn home before coming to the PAWS house. It may look like Matt is mad in this picture but really he is just waking up from his afternoon nap.
This sweet boy gets along with everyone. His mellow personality allows him to fit right in with most of the other cats at the PAWS house. Come visit Matt from 5 to 7 pm Monday through Thursdays and make him your newest furry family member.

Romie

Romie got his name because he was found roaming the streets of Clarion, most likely after being left behind, and because he is quite the Romeo.
If there is room on your lap Romie will be there soaking up all your attention and love. He may be a bigger cat but don’t let that fool you, this guy loves to play.

Clarion PAWS is located at 11348 Route 322, Shippenville, Clarion River Hill, between Scrap Happy and Clarion Electric. The adoption center is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Fridays and Sundays. More information is available online at www.clarionpaws.org, the group’s Facebook page or by calling (814) 229-1231.

No room at the inn (or shelter)

The Venango County Humane Society as of today is completely full with dogs as well as cats,” a Facebook post said earlier this week.
People should call before surrendering a pet. “We have a few cages for strays and police drop offs, but no public cages available at this time. Please consider adopting a pet, come see what we have! Thank you,” the post continued.

Riley

Riley, a 9 year old German Shepherd mix, is at the shelter waiting for a home.
Riley has a very out going personality and loves people. He does not seem to like cats but seems to be ok with other dogs. He is a very mellow, loving dog. If anyone has any room in their homes and hearts for Riley you can meet him at the shelter Monday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m.
The shelter also saw some volunteers from the  Oil City YMCA Adventure Club help with some projects at the shelter, earlier in the week.
The humane society is open from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It is located at 286 S. Main St., Seneca.
More information on the humane society is available by calling 677-4040 or online at venangocountyhumanesociety.org.

A pet show sponsored by the Venango County Humane Society and assisted by the DukeFest Team will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 27, in South Park, Bandstand Park, Franklin. Registration, music and games will be held at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. All animals must be on a leash that is no longer than 4 feet. Categories include: Dog — tallest, shortest, most unusual markings, best dressed and best tricks; Cats — biggest, smallest, most unusual markings, prettiest eyes and best dressed; Other animals — any category that fits them.

Slobberfest is July 9 in Union City

An attendee of last year’s Slobberfest

Slobberfest 2016 sponsored by Droopy Basset Hound Rescue of Western Pennsylvania is slated for July 9 in Union City. The theme for the 17th annual event is “Bassets in Wonderland.” It begins with registration at 10 a.m. and at 11 a.m. the Basset games start. Games admission is $15 for the first Basset and $5 for additional Bassets. Cost for non-basset games are $5 for the firs dog and $2 for additional dogs. All friendly dogs are welcome to participate. Dogs must be up-to-date on shots and on a lead. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.  Attendees should take chairs. The rescue is located at 15581 Stewart Hill Road, Union City.
The rescue said the name Slobberfest was born in 2000 when a young rescue was thinking of an event name that any Basset owner would understand.
The rescue said that over the year, many Bassets stories have been told.

Dogs and humans participate in a Slobberfest contest.

This year the rescue has seen more senior hounds than ever before. About half of all seniors, 10 years and older, will be come part of the rescue’s forever fosters.
So far this year the rescue has taken in three senior hounds adding to the five seniors already in its program. Some of the hounds are unadoptable due to health issues, some due to behavioral issues that come with old age.
“There are wonderful people who adopt the old hounds, knowing their time with them may be short,” the rescue said.
“These sweet, silly old hounds deserve a good life and we provide that. Slobberfest is our only major fundraiser and it makes it possible for us to take in some Basset that we know will stay forever in our program,” the rescue said.
More information is available online at www.DroopyBassetRescue.com.

Just Us for the Animals holds event

Just Us For the Animals, a non-profit organization, will hold its fourth annual Party 4 Paws event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Lindsey fire hall, 1010 West Mahoning St., Punxsutawney. Party vendors are available and there will be lots of cash and carry items. The event includes a sweet treats back sale with gluten free and vegan options. Drawings will be held at 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Just Us For the Animals. The group is raising money to help with its spay and neuter effort. It serves the Punxsutawney, New Bethlehem and Rimersburg areas. The group will also have some of their adoptable animals there. .
More information is available on the group’s Facebook page or by calling Lynn Porada at (814) 249-3640 or Stephanie Bonanno at (814) 221-0688.

Vendors wanted

The fourth annual International Homeless Animals Day, IHAD, is approaching fast. It will be held from 11 a.m. to dusk Aug. 20, at the Clarion Park in Clarion across from the Courthouse.
This event features local rescues, a vaccination and microchip clinic, raffles, speakers, games for kids and much more. Attendance has been very good in the past, and this would be a great opportunity to showcase your business, the rescue said.
Vendors should bring their own tables and any other supplies they need. The cost is $15 if registration form and payment is postmarked by July 31; $20 for registration after July 31st. People are not required to participate for the entire time of the event and can set their own hours.
Interested persons can email the rescue at contactus@tricounty-arc.org.

Living the good life

A couple of Clarion PUPS’ rescues are living the good life.

Gus and Rico

Senior Chihuahua Gus and Rico are living their life in their happily ever after home, according to a Facebook post on the Clarion PUPS page.
Check out PUPS Facebook page for more of their adoptable dogs.
More information about PUPS is available by calling (814) 764-5580 or emailing
clarionpups@gmail.com.

(All About Animals is a weekly blog that appears on Venangoextra.com and Clarionextra.com. Interested persons or groups can submit information to bigdogs.thederrick@gmail.com. More information about the blog is available by contacting Anna Applegate at 814-677-8364.)