Making the Commitment to Our Pets in Need: Angus’ Story

In the middle of January 2013, a litter of feral puppies were surrendered to the Western PA Humane Society. The person who brought them said they had found them under their porch.  The puppies were approximately 5 months old, and were lab and shepherd mixes.  The staff at WPHS decided to invest in these puppies’ futures, and find the right training and foster homes to make them “adoptable.”  This was not a very easy task, since the puppies feared eye contact from people and were by no means house trained.  Staff even reached out to several trainers, who said that feral puppies that old were a lost cause. The staff made a commitment that it would exhaust all options to ensure that these puppies would have the best outcome possible.  It took several weeks in foster homes before they could be brought back to the shelter to then be assessed.  There have been some amazing breakthroughs, but also some heart breaks.

Angus, the only chocolate-colored pup, has been one of our successes thus far, and the pup who has spent the most time interacting with shelter staff.  He spends most of his time in offices, where the staff can get him acclimated to things that he will be encountering on the outside, and forming bonds with him that we didn’t think were possible.  Most recently, Angus went home for the weekend with our Lost and Found Manager, Joy Kealey. Joy has dogs and a cat of her own, and a nice big fenced in yard- Angus’ dream home!

Angus Share with Skyler

Joy was so excited about the progress that she saw with Angus in her home, and documented all of Angus’ experiences and his reactions to the home environment.  He made claim to a spot on the couch, but made sure to leave plenty of room for the owner of that couch- Joy’s pup Skyler.  He also met Joy’s husband for the first time, and allowed him to gently rub his neck and chest.  This was a huge step for Angus, who just weeks before would shy away from someone reaching out their hand. Angus also got to experience being in a fenced in yard off-leash.  His nose was going the whole time and he played and frolicked with the other dogs.  He seemed to enjoy himself immensely, but still came to Joy when she called to him and always kept her in his sight.  This is very important, since we originally thought he was only social around other dogs; not trusting the humans in the room.

Angus in the Yard

We can only hope that Angus’ progress continues exponentially.  His future adoption will be a much celebrated feet, since so much time and effort has been put into his growth in the past 4 months.  It is quite amazing to look into his eyes now and to see a questioning look back, not a quick run back to a corner to hide.  Angus will be lucky to count himself as another success of the Western PA Humane Society’s staff and volunteers.  If you wish to donate to support the care of Angus and other pets in need like him, please  visit www.wpahumane.org/waystogive.html.

A Challenge From Our Executive Director!

Spring is inching closer by the day, which means it’s time to get serious about this year’s Pittsburgh Marathon! As a team, we exceeded the goal for 2012, and I’m ready to set the bar even higher in 2013. As the new Executive Director of WPHS last year, I was motivated to prove my dedication to the organization. This year, I’ve got a new motivation, in the form of my newly adopted WPHS puppy, Astro.

In order to make an even greater impact on WPHS animals this year, I’ve decided to make a pledge to my supporters. Here it goes: If I am able to meet my personal fundraising goal of $10,000, I will go bald(yes, completely bald)- and the top WPHS marathon fundraiser, with help from a WPHS staff member of their choice, will have the honor of shaving it off for me!

Fundraising from last year’s marathon helped us buy new kennels and hire additional staff, ultimately expanding our offsite adoption efforts and allowing us to assist more animals than ever before. We are looking to save even more lives in 2013, so please donate what you can and spread the word!

To help me reach my goal, just stop into the shelter with your donation or visit http://www.crowdrise.com/teamwphspittsburgh2013/fundraiser/davidjanusek by March 1st, 2013.

Remember, every penny counts and all donations are tax deductible!

An Update from Two Unexpected Friends!

In October 2011, I adopted a 6-year old Mini Rex rabbit named Chloe. Chloe was already litter box trained and free roaming, and essentially the perfect pet for a college student with no space. There was just one problem; While rabbits tend to thrive in pairs, Chloe’s bossy nature kept shelter staff from successfully matching her to anyone else. Just one year later, I was able to find the perfect, but quite unlikely, match for my little furball– a Doberman Pinscher.

I found Rooney (then named Ivy) at the Western PA Humane Society last November at about 8 months old. I’d always adored dobermans, but upon my first interaction with the awkward pup, I knew she had to be mine! Within a week or so, this dog (surrendered for being “untrainable”) had settled into our home perfectly. She was already fantastic with potty and leash manners and had mastered about 10 commands. Most important to me, however, was Rooney’s total lack of reaction to cats, birds or small animals we encountered on walks and pet store trips.

I eventually felt comfortable enough to introduce my girls, first through a gate, then with Rooney on leash.  From the day they were allowed free roam together, Rooney and Chloe were great pals. Although I was surprised at how  quickly Rooney gained Chloe’s trust, I was not at all shocked to see all 6 lbs. of Chloe bossing around her new  friend with grunts and nudges. Luckily for us, Rooney responds well to Chloe’s “herding” and respects that the bunny is boss!!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have such success introducing a dog to my Chloe, especially so quickly! I certainly don’t believe that there is a more perfect canine match for me and my family. Rooney and I are starting our first round of obedience classes at WPHS in order to earn a therapy dog certification. We hope to not only touch the lives of others through our therapy visits, but also to change negative misconceptions about shelter dogs and the doberman breed as a whole.

Thank you WPHS!

Author: Jamie Rempel

Brand New Program Benefitting W. PA Veterans

Western PA Humane Society Creates new Veteran’s Adoption Program

The Western PA Humane Society (WPHS) is excited to announce the creation of “The Western PA Society Veterans Program” at the Western PA Humane Society’s North Shore and Fallen Timber Shelters.  The program’s goal is to successfully match veterans with adoptable companion pets (dog, cat or rabbit) from the Western PA Humane Society’s North Shore or Elizabeth shelters.  The program provides financial assistance with adoptions, obedience classes and pet care supplies sold at the WPHS shelter retail stores.

• ADOPTION FEE WAIVED
• COMPLIMENTARY ONE YEAR WPHS MEMBERSHIP (reduction in vet care      costs)
• COMPLIMENTARY PERSONALIZED ID TAG
• $50.00 TO $100.00 VOUCHER FOR WPHS STORE (depending upon type of      pet adopted)
• COMPLIMENTARY OBEDIENCE TRAINING CLASSES

“We are very excited about this new adoption initiative,” says Executive Director David Janusek.  “We have been building this program for a long time and looking at different organizations that have done this sort of match-making in their cities.  We are looking forward to bringing this special adoption plan to Pittsburgh and its large population of military veterans.”   For any active military personnel or honorably discharged military vet that is willing to adopt please visit our website www.wpahumae.org and click on “programs” to fill out an application and to find out more about adding a companion to the family.

The Western PA Humane Society is one of the oldest Humane Society’s in the United States, serving Pittsburgh for 138 years.  The Western PA Humane Society is an “open door” shelter, meaning that they take all animals into their facility without a waiting list or a required fee (although the shelter does ask for a donation when animals are being released to their care.)  Last year the Western PA Humane Society took in over 13,000 unwanted animals.  For more information about the shelter, its available animals, and on the Veterans Adoption program please visit www.wpahumane.org.

Tips For Summer Pet Care

Summer is almst here! Along with warmer weather come challenges for your pet’s health and comfort.  Help your best friend start summer on the right paw with a spring or early summer wellness visit to your veterinarian.   For optimum health make sure vaccinations are up to date.  If your dog does not take heartworm prevention medications all year make sure you ask your vet for a heartworm test before giving the first dose of these prescription medications.  Ask your vet about monthly flea & tick treatments. Take your pet’s breed, activity level and age into consideration when planning outdoor activities. Some dogs like short-nosed breeds, those with medical conditions, older or over weight dogs should be in an indoor air-conditioned environment.  Here are some other hot weather tips from the WPHS clinic staff to help you and your pets enjoy warm weather fun:

Coat & Grooming:

A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems. Keep your dog or cat well-groomed. Shaving a dog’s coat to a 1-inch length can help prevent overheating. A dog’s coat also helps protect them from the sun. Shaving down to the skin can cause problems like sunburn and other discomfort.

A cat should be brushed frequently to keep their coat tangle-free.

The best quality food you can afford and frequent grooming will help control shedding.

If your pet plays outdoors wiping their paw bottoms and coats with a clean, dry cloth can help control environmental sensitivities. 

Sunburn & Skin Cancer:

White cats who like to sit in windows and dogs with pink pigmentation around their noses can easily become sunburned and have a skin cancer risk.

Ask your vet about applying sun block to sun-sensitive areas such as nose and ears and if they advise against using zinc oxide.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet does get a sunburn.

Heart Worm, Flea & Tick Treatments:

Dogs should be on monthly heartworm prevention medicine prescribed by your vet after a wellness examination

Make sure you do not use dog products on cats or cat products on dogs.

Check to be sure the flea & tick or heartworm products you are using are for the correct size and weight of your pet.

 Hydration:

Always bring your own water and a water bowl on walks and for car trip.

Public water fountains often contain antifreeze which is poisonous.

Pumped decorative fountains are dangerous because of the powerful pumps that circulate the water. There is drowning danger for pets and people. These fountains also contain conditioning chemicals and other potential toxins so don’t let your pet drink from them. Bring your own fresh water and a bowl.

Plan walks and outdoor play time in the cool mornings or evenings and not in the direct sunshine of the afternoons.  Exercise is shady areas.

Barrel chested dogs should not work out after eating; wait for a minimum of 1 hour after meals before walks.  Eating and exercising is a bloat risk.

Gulping water on long walks in hot weather can also distend their stomach.   Plan cooler times of the morning or evening for exercise.

Heat:

Do not allow your pet to over exert themselves in hot weather. A dog can become overheated quickly and without many warning symptoms. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and fatigue: weakness & lethargy, labored or heavy breathing, excessive panting, bright red gums, eyes or tongues, elevated body temperature, and collapsing, or suffering seizures or coma.

Dogs and cats have a higher body temperature than people do; 100 to 102 is normal for them. A temperature of 105 requires emergency medical care from a veterinarian.

First Aid for an over heated dog includes placing cool, wet towels over them. You can also cool them in a pool of tepid water. Avoid using ice since it can harm the skin.

Dogs pant to cool themselves, but prolonged heavy panting is not good for your dog.

It is more difficult for your dog to cool themselves by panting on humid days.

If your dog is receptive to this habit, use a spray bottle of water to spritz their face and paws.

Surfaces like concrete and asphalt become hot enough to burn your dog’s paw pads.

Hot surfaces can impair a dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature since paw pads are one way they dissipate heat.

Dogs who live outside:

Outside dogs need ventilated shelters and plenty of shade. A sturdy, ventilated shelter is necessary, even if there are abundant shade trees. 

Outside dogs also need unlimited access to water. Bowls should be heavy so they don’t spill and kept in the shade.

If you keep a pool of water for cooling it should also be kept in the shade.

Enjoy summer with your pets! The WPHS clinic veterinarians can provide this important care for your pets.  As a special thank you WPHS Caregiver Members receive a courtesy discount in our clinic on all services and products including flea & tick treatments and Heartgard among other benefits.  When you come to our low-cost clinic you help provide financial support the homeless pets we care for.