It’s better to give than receive

Three area animal rescues and shelters were the recipients of great gifts from generous donors and others received help from “Giving Tuesday.” But the lists are long and the needs great, plus folks can keep on giving even after Tuesday has long passed. Be sure to keep on scrolling to the bottom because there’s lots more animal news this week (it’s what we get for taking a week off.)

Hounded by cuteness

Venango County Humane Society in Seneca has canines Rowdy and Stoeger and feline Diamond up for adoption and the shelter got some extra supplies thanks to a Rocky Grove High School student’s senior project.

Rowdy, a Treeing Walker coonhound mix, is a 3-year-old neutered male. He has a sleek black and white coat with brown on his face.

“Rowdy will need a good daily walk. Because of his strong tracking instincts, he should always be on a leash unless in a safe area away from any roads or highways,” the shelter said. “He was brought in by his previous owner and additional information on Rowdy is available at the counter.”

Stoeger

Stoeger, a German Shorthaired Pointer, is a 7-year-old neutered male. His liver coat has a white patch on the chest. German Shorthaireds are friendly, bright and willing to please, according to the shelter. Stoeger will need a long daily walk and lots of chances to bond with his new owner, the shelter said.

“His previous owner tells us that Stoeger is good with other dogs but not with children or cats,” the shelter said. “He is leash trained and crate trained.”

There can be only one

The society also posted about feline Diamond who is FIV positive. Diamond was brought to the shelter as a stray.

“This beefy Siamese mix is slowly adjusting to shelter life; he will let us pick him up (although reluctantly), hold him in our lap and pet him. His former life on the outside has made him a little cautious. With the right family he is sure to make a wonderful and loyal companion,” the shelter said.

The shelter said Diamond is a special needs kitty as he is FIV positive, which means he will need to be an “only” cat or be in a home with other FIV+ cats.

“He will need to be an indoor only cat as well,” it posted.

FIV can only be transmitted through a bite and is not transmitted to people or dogs, according to the shelter.

“Diamond does not have a bite history and has not tried to bite since he’s been in our care,” the shelter said.

Good news

In late November, the humane society posted some good news on its Facebook pages.

A student of Rocky Grove High School, Stacie Warrington, completed her senior project with a wonderful donation of supplies for the Venango County Humane Society, the post said. Some of the donations include: paper towels, dog and cat food, toys, towels, a cash donation, etc.

“We appreciate all the effort and donations! Thank you from all the animals as well!” the shelter posted.

More good news came in the form of many, many adoptions including little guy, Goosebump, who went home to his new family with jammies and all.

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 Venango County Humane Society is available by calling (814) 677-4040 or online at venangocountyhumanesociety.org.

Happy Howlidays and Meowy Christmas

Tri-County Animal Rescue Center will hold its Christmas memories event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Tractor Supply in Clarion. The event includes photos with Santa for $5 a CD, raffles, baked goods and more. Santa arrives at 11 a.m.

The shelter also reminded folks that it will not have public hours on Saturday at the Shippenville shelter due to the Christmas event.

In late November, the shelter posted about a generous donation from a lady who didn’t give her name.

“Thank you to the kind lady who didn’t give us her name for all the amazing donations! Pedigree puppy, cat litter, paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent, tape, garbage bags, batteries, Friskies canned pâté, toilet paper, clippers, kitten chow, cat chow, a stapler, manila folders, binder clips, blankets, markers and kitten milk replacer …  Very much appreciate your kindness,” the shelter posted.

Meanwhile, the shelter posted a wish list for “Giving Tuesday,” however we’re sure they will still accept donations long after the date.

“Please consider a gift to Tri-County to allow us to continue to provide for the cats and dogs of our community. Monetary donations help pay vet bills, buy supplies, pay rent and utilities. Donations of food for our food bank or our animals – Purina Kitten Chow, canned Pate style cat food and canned dog food are needed the most – clumping litter, laundry detergent, bleach, etc., are greatly appreciated,” the shelter posted. “Also consider donating your time and energy to helping the animals by becoming a volunteer.

The shelter 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.

Giving and receiving

Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin had an inspirational visitor at its SNYP clinic building earlier this week. The rescue is also planning a Photos with Santa Paws fundraiser on Dec. 10 and is starting a Seniors for Seniors program.

Theresa Weldon posted about a young girl named Isabella.

“Izzy just had her 11th birthday and she decided that she was going to do a ‘Presents for Pets’ in lieu of gifts for herself. So she told everyone on Facebook that she was going to be out at Kmart parking lot with a pickup truck for four hours collecting donations. And people came,” Weldon posted. ” … she came down and delivered a huge truck bed load full of food, supplies, toys, cat litter towels, blankets and dog beds.”

“Thank you so much, Izzy, for inspiring us all to be a little kinder, a little nicer, and to love with so much enthusiasm that it is contagious!! You are going to change the world,” Weldon added.

Come see Santa Paws

Precious Paws will be sponsoring Photos with Santa Paws from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Seneca Tractor Supply. People will receive a CD for a $10 donation. People will be able to take photos with their camera as well. Dogs and cats are welcome, and kids too.

 Seniors for Seniors program started

Weldon posted about the rescue’s Seniors for Senior program.

“Partnering with local senior residential facilities, we are placing some of older animals – many surrendered by seniors who have either passed away or are entering facilities themselves – as live in companions for the residents,” she posted.

PPAR provides any veterinary care they might need for the life of the animal, and the facility provides food, litter and love, according to Weldon.

“If the situation doesn’t work out, they simply call us to take the animal back. Our pilot program is with Sugar Valley Lodge and we sent our first comfort kitty there today,” Weldon posted.

The kitty’s name is Izzy and the rescue reported that things went well for Izzy’s first meeting.

Weldon said the program is free to the facility and PPAR absorbs the cost.

Weldon added, “If this is a program you think is worthwhile and you’d like to sponsor a Senior for Seniors, you can send us a donation earmarked for Seniors for Seniors.”

Those who know of a senior who might appreciate an older, calmer pet in their home, at no cost to them, may contact the rescue.

“This is a Win-Win for the often-hard-to-adopt animals who need homes and the residents who miss the companionship of a loving animal,” Weldon said. “No one deserves to be thrown away, just because they are old … all lives matter.”

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.

Bottle-babies

Clarion PAWS in Shippenville posted earlier this week on its Facebook page about the orphaned kittens it has been caring for.

“In 2016, we have had countless orphaned kittens, or as we call them bottle-babies. … Some are found alone, others with the entire litter. We are thankful for our wonderful volunteers who are willing to give up their time, and sleep to save them,” the shelter said.

Donations can be dropped off at the PAWS house, mailed to its P.O. Box 804 Clarion Pa 16214, or made via paypal.
“Any and all help lets us continue helping those without a voice like these little guys,” it added.

The shelter also thanked those who gave on GivingTuesday.

“We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your support. Not only did we get some wonderful donations but Ella and Theo also got to go to their furrever homes,” it posted.

Meanwhile, folks can help make a kitty’s Christmas by stopping by Tractor Supply in Clarion and take one (or more) ornaments from Clarion PAWS giving tree. The shelter’s current needs are:

* Purina CAT, the blue bag, or Kitten Chow, the yellow bag and Equine Pelletized Bedding, Tractor Supply.

* The shelter is accepting any brand of dry cat food and clay litter for the barn cats and ferals waiting for a new home.

* Any brand of cat or dog food will be accepted for the shelter’s pet food pantry. “We have many that need food assistance to keep their beloved pets and our shelves are empty,” the shelter said.

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.

Up for bid

DukeFest is hosting a benefit online auction titled Paws and PJs, which features more than 180 items. Interested people can like the DukeFest Facebook pages and check out the auction items in the photo album titled DukeFest Auction Photos.

The rules are posted on the page. The auction ends at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

“This is YOUR way to give back to our community rescue groups while getting some great gifts and stocking stuffers,” DukeFest posted.

The auction will benefit the six local rescue groups of The DukeFest Team.

Below is a link to the auction page
https://www.facebook.com/DukeFest-Benefit-Online-Auction-507426799451035/?fref=ts

Time to get your licenses

Venango County dog licenses

The 2017 dog licenses are available at the Venango County treasurer’s office in the courthouse annex at 1174 Elk St. in Franklin.

State law requires that all dogs, aged 3 months and older, be licensed each year. The cost of an annual license is $8.50, and a lifetime license is $51.50. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the cost for an annual license is $6.50 and the lifetime license is $31.50.

Discounts are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities.

If a dog is lost or stolen, a license provides information that can help reunite the animal with its owner.
Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and could result in a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog. The minimum fine is $50 plus court costs.

The Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law in Harrisburg will mail notices to county residents reminding them to purchase the dog licenses. There is no cost to the county for the mailings.

In addition to the treasurer’s office, the Oil City Agway, the Venango County Humane Society and the Seneca Veterinary clinic also sell the licenses.

The licenses may also be purchased online using the Venango County website. There is a $1.95 convenience fee charged by the provider of the service, and a 2.49 percent fee will be charged on purchases exceeding $78.

The application may also be downloaded and printed from the county website and completed and mailed — along with a check or money order payable to county treasurer — to Venango County Treasurer, P.O. Box 708, Franklin, 16323.

Clarion County dog licenses

Clarion County dog licenses are available for purchase at the county treasurer’s office.
State law requires dogs age 3 months and older to have a license tag.

Applications for the licenses are available at www.co.clarion.pa.us. Licenses also may be purchased by sending a renewal card or completed application with check or money order to Tom McConnell, treasurer, at 330 Main St., Room 110, Clarion, 16214.

Homes for hogs

Hog Heaven Rescue Farm of Cochranton is looking for some indoor homes for a couple of real pigs.

“Babe was on overload in her temporary home for five days and went after the dog. She is being returned. Was there anyone else that was interested in her as an indoor pig? She needs to be kept separate from all animals for time to allow her to adjust,” Regina Martin posted earlier this week on the farm’s Facebook page.

Martin also posted about another indoor pig looking to be homed.

“The owners have done a great job, even though he was taken from his mom to early and they were ‘advised by the breeder’ to only feed him a few tablespoons of food daily. … they went with common sense and did some reading and did the right thing for the piglet,” Martin posted.

Kevin Bacon is 1 1/2 years old and approximately 35 to 40 pounds. He is an indoor pig that uses pee pads.

Hog Heaven Rescue Farm began in 1998 and was incorporated and established as a not for profit registered 501(c)(3) hoofed animal rescue in 2000. More information about Hog Heaven is available online at www.hogheavenrescue.org. The rescue can be reached by email at hogheaven1@windstream.net.

Making a difference

Bright Futures Farm in Cochranton looked back on a busy year according to a Facebook post in late November.

Bev Dee with the rescue posted:

“This year, Bright Futures Farm has…

–Rescued 19 horses. 6 from a place I called the hanging barn – a story most of you are familiar with

–Professionally trained 10 horses to give them the foundation they need to find a permanent home

–Placed 21 horses into new homes

–Cared for 15 elderly or disabled horses at their farm in Cochranton

–Boarded six additional horses because they needed a soft landing and BFF was full.”

“The most difficult job in horse rescue is not when we save a horse from a sad, desperate situation – it’s when the emergency fades and we have to find the funds each month to continue that care. The horses we rescued from the hanging barn in May were with us just five months,” Dee said. “Yet, because of their dire condition, it cost over $18,000 to make them healthy again. Medical expenses for these six horses, alone, were over $10,000. Funds we raised for their care was $8,500 short of our need.”

“It costs, on average, $250 each month to properly care for one of our permanent residents, and we have 15! We never shortcut medical care. We never deny a horse in need when we have room and we make sure each horse that is adoptable has a good foundation under saddle before it goes to a new home,” she added.

The rescue is approaching its 17th year of helping horses in need. The rescue has the highest accreditation an equine charity can achieve – accreditation by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Bright Futures Farm receives no funding from state or federal agencies and relies soley on donations.

“Please donate now. Your gift truly is a gift of life,” Dee posted.

People can donate at www.brightfuturesfarm.org/donate or donate by mail to: Bright Futures Farm – 238 Old Franklin Pike – Cochranton, PA 16314.

Holiday hoots

Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in posted earlier this week on its Facebook pages that there are two opportunities to help wildlife and get in the holiday spirit.

Folks who are willing to take a little road trip can meet the center’s ambassador birds and educators from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie.

The center will also have one of its ambassador raptors at the Erie Vendor and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Lake Shore Fire Department, 3150 West Lake Road, Erie. There will be a Chinese auction and food available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the wildlife center.

Located at 21601 Stull Road, Saegertown, Tamarack Wildlife Center is a non-profit 501©3 organization dedicated to care of injured wildlife in order to return them to the wild, and to promoting appreciation and understanding of wildlife through education.

For more information about the center, interested persons may go to the center’s website, www.tamarackwildlife.org, or call the center at (814) 763-2574.

Matching funds

Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville is rasing money in hopes of getting some matching funds from the Gates foundation with no fees.

“In honor of #GivingTuesday, the money I raise for this fundraiser will be matched up to $1,000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Facebook is waiving all fees,” the center posted.

Here is a link to the fundraising page: www.facebook.com/donate.

More information about the center may be found online at www.skyes-spirit.com. The center can be reached by phone at (814) 786-9677.

 

(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 to bigdogs.thederrick@gmail.com. More information about the blog is available by contacting Anna Applegate at 814-677-8364.)