My Local Humane Society

My local Humane Society is an exceptional facility. They truly are humane in all senses of the word.  It is the only open access shelter for about 120 miles that does not euthanize animals when the facility becomes overcrowded. No animal is ever turned away for any reason.

It is run independently from any national welfare or humane organization with no financial assistance from these groups; so, it receives support exclusively from the community. We are supported by our two thrift store locations also; accepting donations for resale in the shops, with proceeds going to the shelter. We organize annual events in the community that raises awareness and funds; these events include the Mutt March, Charity Masquerade Dance Party, and Paws and Claws Gala.

Our foster program is another way in which the community helps us with the overcrowding and health needs of animals that are not ready for adoption.

As well, as providing outreach to the community to spay/neuter their pets. The Humane Society gives back to the community that supports us by providing humane education and pet therapy programs including:

Paws to Read, an award-winning literacy program that gives children the opportunity to read to a trained therapy dog.  Paws to Read is a proven program that improves reading practice, fluency, reading comprehension and self-esteem.

Pawsitive Interaction, a therapeutic approach that brings animals and children with special needs together.

Paws to Love, our trained Pet Therapy teams bring wet noses and big smiles all around on regular visits to residents of senior centers, nursing homes and the hospital.

Pawsitive Healing, a therapeutic approach that brings animals and people with psychological/cognitive disabilities together with the intent of facilitating an individual’s progress towards therapeutic goals.

Pet Loss Support, gently guides people through the grieving process of losing a pet.

Each adoption includes sterilization (spay or neuter), an overall wellness check, age-appropriate vaccinations including rabies, first de-worming of hookworms and roundworms, microchip and registration, heartworm test for dogs (six months and older), feline leukemia test for cats, free 30 days of pet insurance, $5 off pet food and $30 off one dog obedience class.

We also take in other small animals such as bunnies and guinea pigs.

The web address for my local Humane Society is:

http://www.hstc1.org/index.cfm

The Invading Balloon

Anu the Cockapoo: The Invading Balloon

Anu is not happy with this “invader” in her home, a simple balloon. Funny video.

 

Anu Naps

This is Anu’s new preferred way to take her naps; just like a baby:

Social Play

Anu’s un-social behavior until recently has been based on her extreme shyness. She typically holds back, hides behind me, and barks or cries and will not let people pet her. You can only imagine how happy I was that she played with Holly, a Cavapoo, today in her training class. She is becoming more and more comfortable in public.

She is trusting humans more now, as well. Our trainer was able to take her leash while Anu listened to commands. She even took a treat from the other pup’s human and allowed her to pet her.

First Aid for Pets

Today is the last day of April, National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. One more, extensive, Pet First Aid infographic for dogs and cats to summarize the most important facts and tips:

Anu Loves the Car Wash

I thought Anu was going to be so nervous and anxious going through the car wash. She loved it. She looks so happy and cute, having fun all strapped into her car safety seat.

I should take a video next time.

Anu’s New Favorite Toy

Anu loves her new toy, although she has a ton of favorites. The day she got it she would not let it out of her sight. Now she likes to have it at night for bedtime.

 

Anu Graduated “Beginner” Puppy Training Today

Anu graduated Beginner Puppy Training today.

At her first two classes, she was so shy that she stayed either under my chair or sat on my lap. She shied away from other dogs, puppies, and most people, as well.  The hugest progress for her was when she played with another puppy after class today; she typically watches the other puppies play with each other, not even considering participating. She has now become a much more social dog, although still cautious.

We have learned better ways to work with her both with behavior and socialization. Anu has always been a good, sweet girl; now she brings us even more joy (if that’s even possible) with her good behavior. It is so important that she has learned and continues to work on: “come when called”, “drop it”, “leave it”, “sit”, “stay”, etc. All of the commands we use with our puppies can make the difference in behavior and in the safety and health of our dogs, too. 

I am very proud of her and looking forward to starting intermediate training next week. 

I used the PetSmart Pet Training Program. It works. It is a program I would recommend to anyone.

Pet Safety at the Beach

Anu has been to the beach about 3 times. The first 2 times she was really nervous. The last time she was ready to explore. We use her harness and leash. It is safer for puppy when using a proper restraint. We have jellyfish that wash up; this particular day, there was construction equipment, and other dogs, as well as a strong undertow in cold-ish water. We brought her a portable water bottle and dish and poop bags. It is easy for a 19 pound exploring and active puppy to get dehydrated and they always want to poop when you least expect them to. 😉

She had fun. And was excited to play on the edge of the foam with her family’s day out at the beach.

 

 

 

Anu is Back to Her “Stick Finds”

It looks like she attempted a small tree:

She is quite pleased with this branch but figured out it had too many smaller branches, so she tried to take them off herself:

I stepped in and helped her get it to manageable, which she then proudly carried home: