Zero needs a hero

Zero, the one-eyed dog, needs a loving home. Meara, the three-legged kitten, has several adoption offers. Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center could use some funding help.  Local shelters and rescues have many animals up for adoption.

Be Zero’s hero

Zero is an 11-year-old male spaniel mix who is up for adoption at the Venango County Humane Society.
Shelter manager Heather Hacherl said Zero is a very friendly dog and seems to get along with other dogs.

“She may be protective of her family … especially if she bonds with you,” Hacherl said.

She’s been with kids before, but she might do better with children who are slightly older, possibly those age 7 years old and up, she added.

Hacherl said the shelter still has a waiting list for those wanting to surrender animals.

There are plenty of kittens. There are no puppies, but there are lots of older dogs waiting for good homes.

Hacherl said the shelter always has a need for non-clumping litter and kitten food.

Triscuit is one of the many cats available for adoption at the shelter.

She came to the shelter very pregnant and gave birth here at the shelter to five equally beautiful kittens, who are all doing well and ready for adoption also.

Triscuit is looking for that forever loving family!

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.

Kittens receive help

Theresa Weldon posted an update on Meara, an injured kitten helped by Precious Paws rescue in Franklin.

On Tuesday, Weldon posted that the SNYP team got to meet and love up on cute little Meara (short for miracle).

“Thank you to all who donated. We have just over $700 in donations. We’re still a little short on what we need for her vet bill but so happy to see her thrive,” Weldon said.

In the following posts, Weldon said several adoption applications had been received for Meara.

Those wishing to help donate toward Meara’s vet bills can do so by giving to the Oscar Fund. Donations can be sent via Paypal to AdoptPreciousPaws@gmail.com or the GoFundMe for the Oscar Fund  – www.gofundme.com/OscarFund – or checks mailed to P.O. Box 784, Franklin, PA 16323.

 

Meanwhile, Precious Paws was called into help yet another kitten.

Weldon posted, “This is Marty, named because he was abandoned at Walmart. He’s a 6 week old male long haired gray and white kitten. He got tested for feline leukemia, FIV, and heartworm today (all negative) and had a spa treatment and flea drops.

“His eyes were really goopy so he’s on antibiotics for upper respiratory infection,” Weldon added.

He was wormed and given his first kitten viral shots. He will be up for adoption soon through Precious Paws.

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.

 

Purrfect partners

Kate, Malachi and Buster are available for adoption at Clarion PAWS in Shippenville.

Kate is shocked that no one has come to meet her. This kind girl used to live outside and is now enjoying the luxurious indoor life. All that is left is for Kate to find her furrever home.  Kate can be a bit shy but it doesn’t last long. This kind girl is hanging out in room 5 at the PAWS house with Ken. She enjoys lounging in the tower for sun-filled cat naps, playing with those crazy spring toys and getting more comfortable with people.

 

Malachi is looking for the purrfect fit for him. Compared to his roommates, he is a quiet boy. He likes to hang out by the door so he can see any visitors. Don’t let his laid back personality fool you, he has a purr machine hidden behind his quiet personality.

“Buster came to PAWS with what we thought was a clean bill of health only to find out that he had parasites making him extremely sick,” a Facebook post said.

Now that Buster has been on medicine for a few months and is finishing up the last of it, he is ready to start looking for his furrever home. Buster is a sweet polydactyl cat with lots of energy. He loves making his roommates play with him, sometimes when they don’t want to.

PAWS still has spots open for its July 24 low cost spay and neuter clinic. “Get your cats spayed or neutered now before it’s too late,” a Facebook post urged. 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.

 

Donations needed to help wild animals

Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville needs more money to be able to help injured wild animals.

“I can not bear to be closed to new intakes anymore…it breaks my heart that animals may go without care so I have changed my message again and I’m hoping people will see the need to help these beautiful animals and contribute,” a post on the center’s Facebook page said.

“Please help me to help them,” the post continued.

Donations can be made on the center’s website, www.skyes-spirit.com or mailed to SSWRC, 889 Farren Surrena Road. Harrisville, PA 16038.

The center also has a Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/skyeswildlife.

 

You can’t say ‘no’ to these faces

Droopy Basset Hound Rescue of Western Pennsylvania has several “sad” faces up for adoption.

Betsy Ross was found during 4th of July weekend so it only fits that she should have a patriotic name. She is about 9 years old and all basset – this one has bassitude down to a science. Betsy came into rescue with pins in her rear leg from some accident in the past, but it does not let it slow her down one bit. She loves to go for walks and usually ends up dragging whoever is on the other end of the leash quit a distance. Better have good walking shoes on to take her for a walk. She loves to snuggle up in your lap for a nap or have the ears rubbed. Betsy gets along good with the other dogs in her foster home and enjoys the cats as well. Betsy can also do stairs very well despite her stiff leg. She refuses to use the ramp off the porch to get to the yard. Instead, she insists on going up and down the stairs. Please don’t let Betsy’s handicap stop you from thinking about adding this wonderful girl to your family.

Sophie is still needs a forever family. Sophie is a beautiful girl around 8 years old. If she chooses you as her person, she will LOVE you unconditionally for eternity. She’ll give you her beautiful doe eyes and lots of hugs. Sophie will need an experienced dog owner as her person. She would also like to be an only dog.

Meanwhile, the rescue’s major fundraiser, Slobberfest, will be held Saturday, 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.

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 $ Paws event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Lindsey fire hall, 1010 West Mahoning St., Punxsutawney.

arty 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.

Be on the alert

Two recent rabies cases in Venango County and one in Clarion County serve as reminder for pet owners to make sure their animals are vaccinated.

A bat found in an Oil City home, a gray fox in Pleasantville and a raccoon in Clarion County all tested positive for rabies over the course of a week.

A raccoon found attacking a dog in Mercer County also tested positive for rabies this week.

Most of the animals who were exposed received boosters and were quarantined for a period of time.

Residents are reminded that Pennsylvania law requires all dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity. Failure to comply with the law may result in a fine of up to $300.

Talking dogs: Keeping your dog safe during summer months

By Lisa Moore

Summer is here, and that means longer days, warmer temperatures and — hopefully — more time available to spend with your dog. It also means looking at your pet’s daily routine with fresh eyes, and ensuring that the “dog days of summer” are both safe and enjoyable.

Start by taking a good look around the yard, where your dog spends time. Things to make sure you provide are adequate shade during the heat of the day and access to plenty of water that is also under shade. Many dogs thoroughly enjoy frolicking in water, and a small wading pool makes it easy to provide them with some splash time. Make it an extra special event by tossing some hot dog chunks in and let the games begin.

When the temperatures really start to rise, your dog is best kept inside. Particular attention must be paid to our short muzzled breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.) who tend to really struggle in the heat. Change your walking routine so that you and your dog get out in the cool mornings or evenings, and regardless of the type of dog you have, don’t walk them on hot concrete or asphalt. Dog’s footpads can burn and blister. Place your palm on the concrete for 10 seconds; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog to be walking on it. Another extremely hot surface is the truck bed. Even with a moving vehicle, the metal bed can heat up quickly, leaving a dog with no way to avoid scorching his footpads. A safer alternative is to contain your dog in the cab, in a crate, or leave him at home where he can be comfortable. Never, of course, leave your dog unattended in a vehicle during the summer months — not even for a few minutes.

Flies can create many problems for our dogs, but are easily kept at bay as long as things are sanitary.

on’t feed your dog outside — a food bowl, even if empty, can attract flies. The same goes for a dirty, unkempt or matted coat — fly eggs become maggots, resulting in a true health crisis for your dog. Routinely bathe and brush your coated dog, or get him off to the groomer and let the professionals do it. And daily “pooper patrol” in the yard will give flies a lot less of a reason to hang around.

The Fourth of July holiday is a dangerous one for our pets. Even the most stable of dogs can have a rough time and become anxious and scared when the fireworks start. Keep your dog inside, as far away from the sounds of fireworks as possible. A cool room with lots of background noise and a yummy chewing project may do the trick, but if not, talk to your vet about some pharmaceutical help. The right drug can make all the difference. Ask for a benzodiazepine diazepam (Valium®), alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), lorazepam (Ativan®) and clonazepam (Klonopin®). These drugs work by increasing the activity of a chemical in the brain that interferes with activation of the fear networks. They can be used on a short-termed basis, and are a far better choice than the commonly prescribed Acepromazine.

Taking a vacation this summer? Perhaps your dog would benefit from going with you. If he travels well in the car, behaves well out in public and likes to be a part of the action, consider including him. But if he is anxious when in the car or uncomfortable around strangers or new locations, he’d probably be happier remaining behind. While dogs usually cope well with being left home alone during a work day, leaving them to fend for themselves overnight or longer is not a good idea. So if your dog isn’t going to join you on your vacation, make arrangements for him to be cared for and kept safe in your absence by having someone stay at the house, or take him to a reputable kennel; this way, you can all enjoy your time spent apart, knowing your dog is safe and happily awaiting your return.

(Contact Lisa Moore in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto, CA 95352.)

 

(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.)