Tri-County’s IHAD celebration is right around the corner. Precious Paws has a senior dog who could use a buddy. Clarion PAWS and the Venango County Humane Society have some awesome adoptables. And Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Saegertown is treating a 30-year-old bald eagle for lead poisoning.
Saturday is the day
The Tri-County Animal Rescue will hold its fifth annual International Homeless Animals’ Day event which will be held from 3 p.m. to dusk Saturday, Aug. 19, in Veteran’s Memorial Park across from Clarion County courthouse.
The International Society for Animal Rights conceived and began International Homeless Animals’ Day (IHAD) in 1992. Since that time, IHAD observations have consistently grown in number throughout the world. Every day, animals are abandoned or placed into kennels, dependent on charities and goodwill. These organizations are strained beyond coping, and are desperate to raise awareness of the plight of homeless and abandoned animals. IHAD aims to educate people about pet abandonment and the benefits of spaying/neutering domestic animals.
People who attend the Saturday event in Clarion can meet some of the local rescues and the people who dedicate their time to making lives better for animals.
Just Us for the Animals of Punxsutawney will be honored as Rescue of the Year. Its mission is to reduce the overpopulation of animals, especially in the region, by promoting spay and neuter, along with education of TNR (trap, neuter and release) of feral cats through low-cost programs. Its rescue mission is to be the bridge for the unwanted animal between being homeless to getting adopted through a rescue or shelter. The rescue’s Facebook page has more information about the group.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Charlotte Bloom-Grimme who has done many things for decades and is currently very active with Humane PA PAC in getting animal-related bills promoted and passed.
The Animal Advocate Award will be presented to Jess Lybrook from Erie Animal Network who helps the elderly and victims of domestic abuse with pet issues, as well as rescuing sick animals and assisting with TNR programs.
Festivities include a Chinese auction with many great raffles, games for kids, a pet parade, music, dog massage and vendors. A blessing of the animals will take place after the parade at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Various speakers are lined up throughout the day who will talk about animal care, humane issues and puppy mills, to name of few of the subjects.
There will be a special raffle of a beautiful quilt that was handmade and donated by a generous supporter. Tickets cost $2 and are on sale now at the center, through any volunteer, at events during the summer and throughout the day at IHAD. A maximum of 1,000 tickets are available. The drawing will take place at IHAD. The winner need not be present, but the quilt must be picked up in person.
The lighting of the luminaries brings the day to a close in a beautiful tribute to beloved pets who have passed to the Rainbow Bridge.
Raffles
The shelter posted a teaser on its Facebook page of some of the baskets and items that will be raffled off Saturday during the IHAD event.
Tickets for raffle baskets cost $5 for a sheet of 25 regular tickets and one for a grand prize.
Winners will be drawn at about 6:30 p.m. The winner need not be present.
Various baskets include gift certificates, spa items, kitchen items, car wash items and more.
The Shippenville center will be closed on Saturday due to its event at the Clarion park.
Tri-County is located at 9562 Route 322, Shippenville.
More information about Tri-County Animal Rescue Center is available on its Facebook page, by calling (814) 918-2032 or emailing contactus@Tricounty-arc.org.
Kittens of all colors
The Venango County Humane Society in Seneca posted an update on its Facebook page on Monday that its cat room was now open to the public.
So now there’s no excuse for not stopping in and checking out the cats of many colors at the shelter.
They have several kittens that range in ages from 4 to 5 months old who will be eligible for adoption as soon as they are spayed or neutered.
People who are interested in giving a home to one or more of these furry friends may stop in and sign a pre-adoption paper.
The shelter’s hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through August.
The humane society is located at 286 S. Main St., Seneca. More information on the Venango County Humane Society is available by calling (814) 677-4040.
It’s all black and white
Clarion PAWS has Debbie and Della available for adoption.
Debbie
“Debbie and Della can be rather shy. However, we’re sure for the right family they would come out if their shell,” the shelter said in a Facebook post.
Della
The shelter also posted on Facebook that it could use a few helping hands.
“Our precious PAWS residents depend 100 percent on us for their care and attention but frankly there are just not enough of us to go around,” the rescue posted.
“We desperately need people to commit to just one shift per week. That two hours on the same day every week (especially on the weekends) will allow our furry residents to live in a clean environment and get the love and attention they need,” the shelter said.
“We are blessed that so many CUP students stop in to help and log volunteer hours and we love them but their attendance can be sporadic,” the post continued.
Shifts begin at 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. On Saturdays, the shifts start at 1 p.m. Starting times on Fridays and Sundays vary, but the shelter will work with volunteers to find a time that is appropriate.
The shelter is also looking for food donations.
“Our residents and colonies that depend on us for food would love if you could bring them some food. Not only do we feed our 70 plus residents but we also provide food to colony caretakers,” the shelter posted.
“If you see any food on sale during your back to school shopping we can use any brand,” the post continued.
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.
Buddy needs a buddy and a forever home
Theresa Weldon with Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin posted about Buddy earlier this week on the rescue’s Facebook page.
Buddy
“Buddy’s owner died this week and no one in the family would take him. Precious Paws stepped up to keep this senior guy out of the shelter, where he would likely be scared and confused,” Weldon posted.
“Buddy, or Pea Pot, as he was nicknamed, had been well cared for all of his life. He is a diabetic and takes daily insulin shots,” she added.
A Precious Paws volunteer has stepped up to foster this senior guy until the rescue can find him a home.
Buddy is 13-years-old and grieving for his owner. He is now settling in to his new foster home.
“If you have a soft spot in your heart for these senior pups, please let us know and we’d be happy to let you have a meet and greet,” Weldon said. “Buddy was owned by a senior citizen so we are looking for a similar home for him. We will not be placing him with children or a lot of other animals.”
Murray
Meanwhile, Christy Fackler reminded folks that feline Murray is looking for a home.
“Purr-motor Murray is still looking for his forever home. This little guy is about 5 months old now and very much a lap cat. He likes to share my pillow at night and purrs to sleep. He likes being held and will meet you at the door when you come home,” Fackler posted on the group’s Facebook page.
Precious Paws can be reached by phone at (814) 671-9827 or by email at AdoptPreciousPaws@gmail.com.
More information about the group and its low-cost spay/neuter program, SNYP, can be found online at pparfranklin.com or on the group’s Facebook page.
Cat clinic scheduled
Hog Heaven Rescue Farm in Cochranton will be having a low-cost spay and neuter cat clinic on Friday, Aug. 25.
Regina Martin posted that she will be transporting the cats to Animal Friends and bringing them back that evening.
The cost is $65 for exam, pain meds, spay/neuter, rabies and FVRCP.
There is an additional charge of $5 for females for e-collars. People should call (814) 425-1850 to be put on the schedule.
Martin posted that she must leave her facility at 6:45 a.m., so the cats need to be there no later than 6:30 a.m.
Get the lead out
The 30-year-old Bald Eagle found in Kiski township is examined. A specially-fitted eagle hood, covers his eyes and reduces his stress during the exam.
In this photo from left to right: Carol Holmgren, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, examines Kiski’s wing for signs of damage; Laryssa Rote, a volunteer wildlife medic, restrains his legs; and Brittany Claassen, an Allegheny intern, stabilizes Kiski’s chest with a gloved hand/arm.
Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Saegertown posted on its Facebook page about 30-year-old bald eagle that it was treating for lead poisoning.
“Nicknamed “Kiski” for the township where he was found on Sunday, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials believe he is one of the eagles that was brought from Saskatchewan to Pennsylvania for reintroduction efforts when eagles were endangered in our state,” the center posted.
“Band numbers reveal his age and history. Kiski was released as a fledgling in Dauphin County in 1987 and has had an eventful life. In 2012, he was injured in a car collision and spent a month in rehabilitation before being released again. At present he is being treated for severe lead toxicity and in guarded condition,” the center reported.
On Sunday, the eagle was found in Kiski Township, Armstrong County, letting people get unusually close.
It was captured by Game Commission Deputy Berry and the bird was taken to Humane Animal Rescue and then transferred to Tamarack on Monday for testing and treatment when lead toxicity was suspected.
Eagle admitted from Venango to Tamarack center
Unfortunately, Tamarack has admitted two other adult bald eagles just this weekend with severe lead toxicity — a female from Cochranton and a male from Venango.
Eagle admitted from the Cochranton area
“Both passed away despite receiving chelation therapy. Kiski’s condition is guarded, especially because metal – likely to be ingested lead – was detected deep in his stomach and can be a source of continued absorption,” the center posted on Facebook.
A Pennsylvania Game Commission deputy who brought two of the eagles for admission suspects the birds acquired the lead from eating woodchucks hunted with lead ammunition, the center said.
“The best way to help wildlife like this eagle is limiting the use of lead ammunition. If lead ammo is used, burying the carcass is a great way to keep eagles, hawks and other scavengers from getting secondarily poisoned by the lead,” the center posted on Facebook.
Those interested in learning more about how to avoid using lead ammunition when they hunt can check out the website www.huntingwithnonlead.org for more information.
“It is a deep privilege to treat all these eagles. Knowing Kiski’s history through his band numbers, is spine tingling. He has played a crucial role in returning eagles to our state,” the center posted.
People who wish to support the treatment of this eagle and the center’s other wildlife patients may visit www.tamarackwildlife.org.
Those wishing to contact the center may call (814) 763-2574. The center is located at 21601 Stull Road, Saegertown, PA 16433.
Not checking out till spring
Red-tailed hawk being treated at Skye’s
Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville was dealing with yet another case of West Nile virus.
“Sadly, West Nile virus is rearing its head … again! This juvenile red-tailed hawk was brought by a conservation officer,” the center posted earlier this week on its Facebook page.
“He’s very depressed, lethargic, dehydrated and emaciated. All we can do is provide supportive care … he can’t eat on his own so he’s being tube fed throughout the day,” the center said.
“We sure could use some sponsors for wildlife care, this hawk alone will cost the center $3 to $5 a day and will most likely be here ’til spring,” the post continued.
People can help by donating at www.skyes-spirit.com or by mail to SSWRC, 889 Farren Surrena Road, Harrisville, PA 16038.
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. Readers may also submit photos or stories of their animals. More information about the blog is available by contacting Anna Applegate at (814) 677-8364.
