Labor of love

Safehaven has its work cut out for it with this newest rescue. Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin is planning on having a scary good time with two Halloween-themed activities. The Venango County Humane Society and Clarion PAWS have many adorable animals available for adoption.  Hog Heaven is looking to help some hoofed animals. And we include a little news about two wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Working on wellness

Safehaven Small Breed Rescue in Tionesta has taken John under its care.

Earlier this week the rescue posted on its Facebook page that “our little old man John is basically a train wreck.”

“He has a grade 4 heart murmur and we will have to monitor him for CHF. He has two oral-nasal fistulas, one really rotten and infected tooth (molar) and is missing the front of his lower jaw due to bone rot,” the rescue posted. “When their teeth are so infected the infection can travel to the bone and cause it to deteriorate. That is why he looks like he is smiling all the time,” the rescue said.

According to the rescue John is missing his chin. He also has a few wounds that are slightly infected, ear mites and is only 3.7 pounds.

The rescue posted that John would receive high calorie high protein foods, vitamins, antibiotics and lots of love. “We can handle that,” the rescue added.

An update stated that the pup was fed, his ears cleaned and treated and he was sporting a  nice warm sweater.

“He is already looking better,” the post said.

Meanwhile, the rescue has a chance to raise a little money during Applefest.

The rescue said this year Galaxy Federal Credit Union in Franklin has offered its parking lot to the rescue so that Safehaven can make a few bucks during Applefest. The rescue will be charging $5 a car (comparable with other groups) and needs a few volunteers to collect donations.

There will be two- hour volunteer times:

Saturday, Oct. 8 – 8 to 10 a.m., 10 a.m. to noon, Noon to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 9 – 9 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering for any of those times may contact the rescue.

Safehaven Small Breed Rescue is located at 318 Barber Drive, Tionesta. It can be reached by phone at (814) 463-5004 or email at safehavensbr@gmail.com.

More information about the rescue is available on its website at www.safehavensmallbreedrescue.org.

What a crew

The Venango County Humane Society in Seneca has canines Captain and Gunner up for adoption.

Captain, a Rottweiler mix, is a 5-year-old neutered male. He has a black coat with tan markings and dark brown eyes. Captain is an alert and imposing dog who’ll need a walk every day, preferably with a harness and leash, the shelter said. A good outing on leash or off leash in a safe area will help Captain be a calm family member, it added. Rottweilers enjoy cold weather and may become overheated in hot weather.

Captain will be happiest spending lots of time inside with his family. His coat care is minimal.

Gunner, a Lab Retriever/Husky mix, is a 1 1/2 year old neutered male. He has a tan and cream coat and dark brown eyes. Gunner was brought to the shelter because his previous owner rents and is only allowed one dog, the shelter said. She told the shelter that Gunner is house trained and crate trained. He gets along with kids, cats and other dogs, according to the shelter. Gunner will need a daily outlet for his energy, a long walk on leash or a chance to run in a safe area. Being a sociable animal, he’ll be happiest living inside with access to a yard, the shelter said.

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.

Relaxed or ready to play?

Clarion PAWS in Shippenville has felines Mickey and Melody ready for “furrever” homes.

Mickey has a very complicated daily routine, the shelter posted on Facebook. Most of his day is spent napping and lounging in the sun. It is hard work deciding when to readjust and have a snack, the post said. Mickey is an older man who just needs a home filled with love and relaxation, PAWS said.

Melody used to be very shy and hide from volunteers and visiting people, the shelter posted on Facebook. The shelter said that recently Melody decided she is ready for a “furrever” home and has come out of her shell. “This sweet girl is ready to show off her playful side,” the post continued.

Meanwhile, Clarion PAWS will be out today for the Autumn Leaf Festivals Farmers and Crafters Day. The group will be on the corner of Wood St. and 5th Ave. with Clarion PUPS. PAWS will be selling T-shirts with its new logo, baked goods and some gift items.

The shelter also reported that in the past two weeks Joey and Miss Kitty found homes.

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 scary good time

Precious Paws Animal Rescue of Franklin is helping everyone get into the spirit of Halloween.

The rescue is hosting a Halloween pet photo contest. The contest is free to enter and there are prizes. There will be a winner in each category: dog, cat and other which includes ferret, bunny or other farm animals.

There are three ways to enter.

1. Email photo to AdoptPreciousPaws@gmail.com
2. Message the group on Facebook to the Precious Paws Animal Rescue Page
3. Text photos to (814) 671-9827

Those submitting photos should include the pet’s name, age, breed or description and their person’s name, phone number, email and address.

Photos may be submitted from Sept. 30 to noon on Oct. 20.

Facebook voting will begin on Thursday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 30. The top “Like” getting photo in each category will be declared the winner at 10 p.m. on Halloween night.

Precious Paws will also hold a “Howloween” dog party from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at its SNYP Clinic, 720 Atlantic Ave., Franklin.

The event promises to be fun afternoon of fun for folks and their dogs. There will be snacks, treats and games along with Cathy Baldwin playing everyone’s favorite tunes.

Admission is free to well behaved dogs and their people. Those attending are asked to leave the kitties at home.

Prizes will be award for best dog and people costumes — Scariest, Silliest, Sexiest and Most Original.

Those attending should take a donation of cat food for the rescue’s pet food bank.

Meanwhile, Novah still needs a home. She was adopted earlier this week, but is now back with Leah Anson of Precious Paws Animal Rescue of Franklin.

“Due to some unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances, Novah is back with me,”  Anson posted.
“So, again, I ask you to share her information. Novah is my PPAR adoptable dog. She needs a quiet, experienced home. She is a sweet, fun-loving dog that just needs some time to adjust,” Anson added.

The rescue also has several very cute and cuddly kittens available for adoption.

Christy Fackler posted a nap time photo of kittens Rosy and Cobalt 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.

On the right foot

Regina Martin, president and founder of Hog Heaven Rescue Farm in Cochranton, is hoping to help a donkey get his hooves fixed.

Martin said earlier in the week that she had received a call about 40 goats, 10 cows, three calves, two donkeys with rocker feet – hooves so long they can’t stand,  rabbits, 20-30 pigs in a trailer and chickens everywhere.” Martin said the animals weren’t located with in the immediate area, but that she would still try to help.

“So sad. A young man doing some work for a neighbor called the local shelter regarding some of the animals. They called us and I went to check them out,” she posted on Hog Heaven’s Facebook page.

“Thanks to a compassionate young man these animals will get help,” she added.

Martin said she was hoping to pick up the donkey with rocker feet today.

“If you see something please reach out to someone. You are their voice,” Martin said.

She added that donations will be needed to help the donkey as it will need extensive farrier work and gelded.

Meanwhile, the rescue continues to be flooded with pot belly pig surrenders.

“People need to educate themselves prior to getting a pot belly,” she said. “No matter what the breeder says, pigs WILL NOT stay under 30 pounds,” Martin said in a Hog Heaven newsletter.

In the newsletter, Martin said the rescue had knowledge of a potbelly that was starved. It was taken to the vet and the owner stated she was doing what the breeder instructed her to do.

“Starving your pig to stay small IS NOT care. It is abuse and that is criminal,” Martin continued in the article.

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. The rescue is a dream come true for the founders, Regina Martin Allman and David Allman.

More information about Hog Heaven is available online at www.hogheavenrescue.org. The rescue can be reached by email at hogheaven1@windstream.net.

Titusville church to host Blessing of the Animals

TITUSVILLE — St. James Memorial Episcopal Church in Titusville will host a Blessing of the Animals at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The church is located at 112 E Main St., Titusville.

Interested persons may take their pets or farm animals to church to be blessed by Vicar Martha Ishman.

In past years the church has hosted several dogs, cats, turtles, a pot-bellied pig, horses and miniature horses.

Those who cannot take their pet may take a picture of their pet to the church for a blessing.  All the animals will receive a personal blessing from Ishman and a St. Francis of Assissi charm. The animals stay in the church throughout the service.  There will be a coffee hour following the service with snacks for everyone, including the animals.

Fryburg church to host Blessing of the Pets

FRYBURG — St. Michael the Archangel Church in Fryburg will offer a Blessing of the Pets in recognition of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at 1 p.m. Sunday. The blessing will be held in the upper parking lot of the church. Treats for attendees pets will be provided. The event is open to all pet lovers and the community.

Lutheran churches to bless animals

The Oil City Lutheran Ministry Team will hold its first annual Blessing of Animals in Oil City on Tuesday.

Dogs, cats, birds, fish, lizards, livestock and more may participate in one of two separate services.

The first will take place at 11 a.m. near the front steps of the Zion Lutheran Church at 207 State St.

The second will start at 6:30 p.m. in the lower parking lot at Good Hope Lutheran Church at 800 Moran St.

In case of inclement weather, the services will be held in each church’s social hall.

Nasty virus

Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville saw another case of West Nile virus symptoms.

“My heart breaks for these beautiful birds…yet another great horned owl with West Nile virus symptoms. Brought by a game officer, it was somewhat perky upon intake but that was most likely is fight/flight reaction to being picked up…now she’s having a hard time standing,” the center posted earlier this week on its Facebook page.

The center has a few days left for matching donations.

Those wishing to donate can do so online at fundrazr.com or by mailing donations to SSWRC, 889 Farren Surrena Road. Harrisville, PA, 16038.

The center can be reached by phone at (814) 786-9677.

Wildlife Center schedules open house

SAEGERTOWN – Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center invites public of all ages to meet live raptors at its free annual open house  from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

Non-releasable “education ambassador” hawks, owls and falcons will be presented “on the glove” by handlers for the public to view up close and personal.

Each of these special birds has a disability which prevents it from surviving in the wild, but is otherwise healthy and inspiring to meet, the center said.

Children’s crafts, tours of the admissions facilities, educational displays and refreshments will be provided.

There will be a raffle, and clothing, wildlife photos and center memberships will be available for purchase.

The center’s licensed rehabilitators, educators and volunteers will be onsite to answer questions and discuss exciting successes of the past year.

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 open house, interested persons may go to the center’s Facebook page or call the center at (814) 763-2574.

Ride to benefit Bright Futures Farm

UNION CITY — A color/costume ride to benefit Bright Futures Farm will be held Sunday, Oct. 2, at Top Notch Stables, 11103 Dyer Road, Union City. The ride will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $15 per rider.

Attendees may come in costume or paint their horse (and themselves) prior to the ride. Those wishing to paint their horse at the event should arrive by 10 a.m. and non toxic tempera paints will be provided.

Lunch will follow the ride. Those attending should take their own lunch. Coolers will be provided. Snacks and beverages will be provided at each site.

First through third ribbons will be awarded to the “best dressed.” There will also be an additional cash prize for first place as long as there are at least 25 participants at the event.

There will also be a 50-50 raffle. The drawing will be held during lunch.

Registration is required and riders can sign up and pay the registration fee via mail to: Bright Futures Farm, 238 Old Franklin Pike, Cochranton, PA 16314, or through paypal to: bdee@brightfuturesfarm.org.
Information is also available on Bright Futures Farm’s Facebook page.

 

(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.)