Theresa Weldon with Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin posted about “The Myth of the Free Kitten” on the group’s Facebook page earlier this month.

“It’s that time of year – when newspaper ads, signs on the side of the road, social media, and Craig’s list ads will blow up with the phrase, ‘FREE KITTENS’ No doubt people will be swayed, because who doesn’t like something free? Everyone! Count me in! A free kitten however, that is another story!,” Weldon wrote.

These kittens are coming from barn cats, feral cats, and un-spayed and unneutered family cats that live outdoors, according to Weldon.

They are labeled ‘FREE’ because year after year the kittens keep coming and the people who ‘OWN’ them simply want to get rid of them before the next batch comes along, she added.

At first getting a free kitten may sound like a perfect idea, however they are never ‘FREE’ for long if they are cared for properly, she wrote.

Once you get your free kitten home you will undoubtedly notice it has a variety of worms, sneezing or goopy eyes and will need to be treated at the vet’s office, costing you upwards of $50 or more for the procedure and office visit, Weldon posted.

This is of course followed by vaccinations which can be done for around $100 at surrounding veterinary clinics. Last, but certainly not least comes the spay or neuter surgery which will run you $150 to $200, Weldon said.

“Now you have spent upwards of $450 on your ‘FREE’ kitten,” she posted. “So this year please keep in mind that at Precious Paws, you can adopt an adorable kitten this spring for $50.”

For this you will receive a healthy forever companion who has been vet checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and who has been tested to be free of communicable disease, she added.

“It isn’t “FREE” but it sure makes a lot more sense don’t you think?,” she wrote.

Check out these two adorable kittens up for adoption through Precious Paws.

Foster kitten Smokey, who has the bravery to stand up to the dreaded vacuum, and her cute sister, Ash, need loving homes.

Smokey and Ash’s foster mom Mary Gurnée posted her two furry housemates earlier on PPAR’s Facebook page.

Here’s what she wrote.

“Hello! My name is Ash, I’m a PPAR foster kitten. I’m a sweet little girl, I love to cuddle and play. I also love to purr and get lots of pettin’s. My sister Smokey and I are orphans, we were found dying in the woods when we were tiny babies. We are still hoping our forever family will adopt us soon. Could it be you? Do you have a tiny space in your home and heart, im just a tiny kitten, I don’t take up much room. We are both spayed and have our shots. Please go to pparfranklin.com and click on the “Adopt” link.”

Gurnée also posted about Smokey’s faceoff with the vacuum cleaner.

“PPAR foster kitten Smokey has nerves of steel! She’s been hanging around while I vacuum the whole room! I’m not surprised. You’d have to be tough to survive freezing temperatures as an orphan in the woods, and having a slug crawl into your ear to try to eat your brain! This little girl is a silver tiger on the inside,” Gurnée wrote.

Other animals waiting for forever homes from PPAR can be viewed online through its pet finder listing m.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/PA176 .

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.

 

Penny is priceless

Recently Tri-County Animal Rescue Center in Shippenville saw cats, Dani, Jovial and Shooter, and dogs Takoda and Jax find homes.

But senior dog, Penny, is still looking for her forever family.

As she glides through the yard with the ease of a doe in her shiny German Shepherd coat it’s hard to believe that Penny is one of the senior citizens at Tri-County Animal Rescue Center. Fit and spry, Penny thinks that walks to the mailbox, drives through town, the mellow company of others, and a soft spot on the end of the couch while someone rubs her ears is about as perfect as life gets. Penny loves people of all ages, and is completely housebroken. She would love to hang out with you while you putter around the garage, make cookies, practice your golf swing, tend the tomatoes, or watch the evening news. She is a whiz at ucher, checkers, scrabble and cross-words. She is a great listener who never interrupts. If you appreciate the value of an unhurried pace and understand that the best things in life can’t be rushed, then you already share a lot in common with Penny. Penny LOVES vanilla ice cream cones! To schedule a game of checkers or an outing to Dairy Queen with Penny, contact Tri-County Animal Rescue Center.

Cooper is also looking for a loving home.

Here he tells us a bit about himself.

“When I leave this shelter I’m gonna start my own ice cream stand and then y’ all can call me SCOOP DOG!  Along with my ice cream stand I would love a fenced yard to zoom around in, or to go for hikes, or long walks, or a run, or to be by your side whatever you’re doing, because life is like ice cream–you have to enjoy it before it melts!   Even though I’m a Mr. Softie at heart, I’m built to last with a big head and strong shoulders; I’m a size large, weighing in the 65 to 70 lb range.  I know how to take treats gently from your hand and I’m a good kisser too!  If I were ice cream I would be your favorite flavor!  I’m working on my leash manners now, and some basic commands like “sit,” “wait” and “come” so that I’ll be ready for you when you come to take me home.  I’ve been waiting here for months, but I never lose hope because life is like an ice cream cone: you have to lick it one day at a time!”

Those interested in sharing some licks with Cooper can contact Tri-County Animal Rescue Center on Facebook, or call (814) 918-2032, or email: contactus@Tricounty-arc.org.

Tri-County also submitted this poem about Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat month.

“Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat month came and went,
we are pleased to say it was a successful event!
Eight joyful kitties found forever their homes,
Nevermore the streets they will have to roam.
Harmony, Whiskers, London and Felicity,
Appreciate their brand-new type of captivity.
Senior Matilda, Jordan, Celeste and Zeal,
Think their affectionate homes are super ideal.
Thanks to all who adopted these special eight,
Tri-County thinks our adopters are great!!!”

 

Clothes for a cause

Looking for some new duds? The Venango County Humane Society has a few snazzy options to help fill out your closet. Tees are $15, long-sleeved tees are $20, crew neck sweatshirts are $20 and hoodies and jackets are $30. They can be purchased at the shelter in Seneca or at the Thrift Store located at Eighth and Liberty streets in Franklin.

Meanwhile, Angel and Sassy could use good homes.

Angel, a lab retriever mix, is an 8-year-old spayed female. She has a short black coat with white on her muzzle and paws and brown eyes. She’s a gentle, house trained girl who likes people. Angel is leash trained and readily responds to her handler. She’ll need a moderate daily walk and will be happiest living inside with her family.

Sassy is a very sweet girl but can be very shy in her cage. She is not adapting well here and would love to find her forever home. She is spayed and up-to-date on all her vaccines. She comes out of her shell and cheers up when

she gets to know you.

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 (814) 677-4040 or online at venangocountyhumanesociety.org.

Earlier this summer the humane society got a helping hand or hands from the Oil City YMCA’s Teen Adventure Club. Dominique Guiste, Nick Richar, Dana Wenner, Sam Faulk and Jen Kissell-Dudek helped with some projects at the shelter.

Hang out with the boys

A Facebook post earlier this week from Clarion PAWS urges folks to stop by for some cat companionship.

“Who wouldn’t want to spend time with these handsome boys. … we didn’t have enough days to tell you about all of our fabulous feline residents. If you stop by during our open hours you can meet them all just like Domino, Bear and Frank,” the post said.

PAWS still has spots open for its July 24 low cost spay and neuter clinic. The cost is $65 for females and $45 for males.

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.

A Paint Your Pet Painting Class will help benefit Clarion PAWS. The class is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 14 at Deer Creek Winery. The cost is $30 per person and pre-registration is required. Reservations can be made online at DeerCreekWine.com or by calling (814) 354-7392. A percentage of the proceeds go to Clarion PAWS.

Drool or drizzle?

Meanwhile, it may be a little damp on Saturday in Union City but it may not be due to rain.

Slobberfest setup is already underway, according to a post Wednesday on the Droopy Basset Rescue’s Facebook page.

“Right now the big tent is being put up. So rain or shine we have you covered,” the rescue said.
“Those of you coming from the south or west. Even if it is raining where you are…. plan on coming anyway.”

The rescue said it has more canopies this year than ever before.

“So get your Bassets ready and bring your chairs … you don’t want to miss this year’s Slobberfest,” the rescue said.

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 first 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.
More information is available online at www.DroopyBassetRescue.com.

Stray looking for a home

Jerico is up for adoption through Clarion PUPS. The young handsome stray was never claimed.

“We are now accepting applications to adopt,” a Facebook post said.

More information about PUPS is available by calling (814) 764-5580 or emailing
clarionpups@gmail.com.

 

Time for a road trip

The DukeFest team will be attending the Conneaut Lake Bark Park Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9. DukeFest will have pet tags made on site by CART, dog treats from Safehaven Small Breed Rescue, items from Precious Paws, Catnip mats, decals and more at the team’s tent.

The Pet Expo will be held at the Bark Park at 12810 Foust Road, Conneaut Lake.

The event is open to the public and there is no admission charge. There is no charge for barking – oops – parking. Dogs must be on leash no longer than 6-foot long. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The rain date is July 16.

More information is available by calling (814) 382-2267 or online at www.conneautlakebarkpark.com or on the park’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/clbarkpark/.
Pet Expo Schedule:

10 a.m. – Vendors Open
10 a.m.- Dock Diving Competition Begins
11:30 a.m. – Blessing of the Animals
Noon – Geert Canine Cancer Walk
1 p.m.- Canine Muttrimony
1:45 p.m.- Bark Park Ambassador Appointment

 

Upcoming event

Petfest 2016 will be held from noon to 6 p.m. July 30 at MacBeth’s Cabins near Cook Forest State Park. Clarion PAWS, Safehaven Small Breed Dog Rescue of Tionesta, Tri-County Animal Rescue of Shippenville and Willow Run Sanctuary of Cool Springs are scheduled to attend the third annual event.

Cook Forest Sawmill Center of the Arts will be selling pet-oriented arts and crafts and other vendors will sell pet treats. A canine ice cream licking contest will be held at 3 p.m. by the pavilion. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. Participating canines must be on a leash, well-behaved and supervised at all times.

More information is available by calling (800) 331-6319 or online at www.macbethscabins.com.

Help the hungry one

Earlier this week, Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville posted some information about a baby hawk that came to the center from the Clarion area. The baby was brought in by a game officer, according to the Facebook post.

“We don’t know anything more so we can’t attempt renesting.  At this time we’re also not positive of species, but it’s either a red shouldered hawk or broadwing hawk. We’ll know more as it grows!,” Skye’s said. “This little one eats quite a bit.”

Those who want to contribute to its care can make donations through center’s website, www.skyes-spirit.com or mail funds to SSWRC, 889 Farren Surrena Road. Harrisville, PA, 16038.
The center also has a Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/skyeswildlife.

 

(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.)