Western Pennsylvania Humane Society Blog

My name is Possum and I am a 1 year old Tortie. I am ready to find my new forever home. I have lived with cats before so having a playmate would be awesome. I am not sure how I would do with dogs so please take some time to… ask a staff member how to properly introduce me to them. I am loving and ready to just shower you with my love. I love attention, and would love to spend some time showing you my personality in our play room!

Chewey is very excited about being our bun of the week! She is 2 years old and has a very sweet disposition.  She found herself at the Western PA Humane Society after her owner had to move.  Now she is waiting very patiently for her perfect furever home, so come visit her today!

This handsome fella is Manny, our 4 year old mini lop.  He is super friendly, and is our Mr. Congeniality.  He loves to be petted and loves to play with other bunnies, like his shelter girlfriend, Ellie! Manny is anxious to meet his furever family, so hop on in to visit!

Our sweet boy Quincy is 10 years young! He is looking for the perffffect household that will let him be lazy and find the sun spots.  He has a beautiful black coat, and enjoys affectionate pats on the head.  Quincy would make a wonderful addition to any family who is looking for the perfect senior cat.

This sweet boy is Kane, a 4 year old pit bull terrier.  As you can see from our previous post, he is quite the ham!  If you are looking for a goober, than he is your match! He has spent a lot of time in offices at the shelter, and has provided lots of entertainment and affection. He will make a great companion, so come visit him at the shelter today!

Meet Esmerelda, a 6 month old Lionhead.  Our bunny volunteers say that she is feisty and curious.  She loves to roam freely, and will take treats out of your hand.  If you sit down on the floor, she will hop right up to get some attention.  If you would like to visit Esmerelda, visit the North Shore shelter today!

This is Charlie, an 8 month old beagle.  He is a fun, active little boy! Going to a home with someone who has his breed knowledge would be a plus. Charlie is a smart, driven pup and would be able to bond with his new owner …by attending some fun obedience training classes. He need to go to a home with respectful children due to how active an 8 month old pup can be. Bring the whole family down to the shelter for a visit!

Samantha is a 4 year old shorthair. She LOVES to curl up and snooze next to people. She loves to be petted and talked to and can be a big flirt. She is a fantastic companion and fun to spend time with. Samantha is a talker-… she answers and initiates “conversation”. When she is upset or wants something she has different sounds than her play or “chat” meows. Samantha LOVES to play. She loves feathers on a string and similar toys to share with people. She will “fetch” and bring the toy to you.  She likes the laser pointer and play-hunting. She also plays independently with cat balls/mice and small toys, sometimes hiding them under furniture then trying to retrieve. If Samantha sounds like the right cat for your home, please stop by the shelter to meet her. You will both be so glad you did!

In honor of April as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month we are sharing some of the stories of pets our humane officers rescued over the last year; and recognizing the work of our humane police officers. This is Tulip’s story, by Officer Cathy Bricker

On March 8th 2011 Animal Control and I were called by the Sheriffs Department after they had entered an apartment at 37D Midway Drive in the Mon Vue Heights complex in West Mifflin with a warrant looking for a suspect in a recent stabbing. They did not find their suspect but saw an emaciated pit bull-dog confined to a filthy crate in a bedroom.

 I responded with Animal Control and went to the property manager’s office where I learned that the tenant, Janine Wilson, has been evicted and locked out on March 3rd. The property manager sent a Housing Authority maintenance worker with us to enter the apartment.

 In an upstairs bedroom of 37D we found a feces filled crate under a blanket. Inside cowered an emaciated female dark-colored pit bull-dog with feces crusted on her body, tail and legs. She had pressure sores on elbows and her butt as well as a skin condition. There was no water or food inside the crate. The 2 empty bowls had feces and urine in them.

 The property manager signed a release for me to remove the dog. I offered a small amount of food and water to the dog prior to transport which was inhaled ravenously and promptly regurgitated and then ate again.

 At the Fallen Timber Shelter the dog was started on a “starvation diet” which means offering small amounts of food and water several times daily in order to acclimate the dogs system correctly. She was examined by the vet and started on treatment for dehydration, starvation, infection and mange. She weighed just over 20 pounds.

 “Tulip” as she was called by the staff adjusted nicely and just 12 days later and now weighing 30 pounds, blossomed into a very nice looking and friendly dog that passed her behavior evaluation with flying colors! She finished her treatment for mange was put up for adoption.

 At a hearing before District Justice Richard Olasz Jr. in West Mifflin, “Tulips” owner Janine Wilson was found guilty in absentia for the neglect and fined $300.00 plus court costs.

 Tulip was adopted in May, 2011.

 Heat is dangerous for cats as well as dogs. Here are  some tips to help your cat cope with high summer temperatures and humidity:

Never leave your cat in a car without the a/c on for any length of time in warm weather.  A car can get to over 120 degrees F inside in just a few minutes

Always have clean, fresh water available wherever the cat resides, esp. in hot weather. If your cat is not a big water drinker, feeding canned food at least once per day will help to increase water intake.

White cats and cats with white skin/hair around the eyes, ears, mouth and nose are prone to getting squamous cell carcinoma from sun exposure. Keeping your cat indoors can reduce the risk of cancer from sun exposure.

If your cat goes outdoors, make sure he/she has access to shaded areas.

Keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day (11:00am-3:00pm).

Avoid strenuous exercise or playing during hot times of the day.

If your house is hot and you are uncomfortable, your cat likely is too. Signs that your cat is over heated are panting, lying on their side with legs stretched out, flushed or pinker than normal tongue, nose and gums. If you are able, turn on a/c or get a fan going.

If you think your cat has heat stroke (has signs listed above plus has collapsed and non-responsive), this is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency veterinary clinic ASAP. Never immerse  your cat in cold water in this situation, as this could make you cat worse. You can wrap the cat in a wet towel and apply some rubbing alcohol to their footpads.