Letter to Santa - Bug

Dear Santa Paws,

It's me, Bug, writing to you from the SPCA.  I think I am the first pet who has written to you this year!  Well Santa, it has been a tough year for me.  I have been at the SPCA since July!  The staff has explained to me that sometimes big black dogs do get passed over, and it has nothing to do with my wonderful personality.

I have tried to be a good girl all year.  I am very social with all the volunteers who visit me at the SPCA, and I love to help people exercise by letting them walk me!  I will admit Santa Paws, I am not always so good around cats.  But you understand, right?  I bet you are more a dog person than a cat person.

When you are flying around the world this Christmas, Could you please keep an eye out for a good home for me?  I would sure appreciate it Santa.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas,

Love Bug

A Foster Mom's View

The people who foster animals are angels. It is extremely hard to let a wonderful animal into your home, and then see them leave again. I guess that is why the term "foster fail" is so well known among animal shelters and foster-based groups.

As an SPCA staff member, there are numerous opportunities to foster pets. I know my limitations - I fall in love easily, and get attached way too quickly. Usually we bring a dog home for a night or two, just to give her some quality family time, and also get an idea of how she will do in a house setting.

That all went out the window two weeks ago, when a newborn kitten came into the shelter all alone. Totally defenceless and dependant, I had to take him home. My 5 year old dubbed him Meatball, and I knew we were in trouble. It was pretty much love at first sight. Even night time feedings did not lessen my love for this scrappy fighter. Meatball had wormed his way into my heart, and I was already dreading letting him go. How was I going to take him back to the shelter after 8 weeks? He would just be one of many kittens. People wouldn't know he was special! (As an SPCA staff member, I do believe that every shelter pet is special. But like I mentioned before, I do get attached waayyy too easily).

At work two days ago, I saw a new mom had come in. She was nursing kittens just a few days younger than Meatball. I knew what I had to do, and I brought Meatball out to meet her ASAP (it is like ripping off a bandaid - the quicker the better). It was love at first sight for mom. She took him in and treated him like one of her own. My heart melted and died a little at the same time. He has a family! He doesn't need me. It was very hard.

Meatball is doing very well with his new family. He is not nursing from his new mom, but I guess that is to be expected of a bottle fed kitten. He is still receiving his bottle, while living with his cat family and getting that important socialization. So far I have visited him everyday (on my days off). I wonder when he will stop feeling like he is mine?

Puddles Chapter 2

Hey everyone, Puddles again. I've got more of my story for you.

As I was saying, I came into the shelter waayyy back in March. After I had my kittens, I got very skinny. I was dewormed, and had lots of food, but still I was so small. I was such a good momma, giving everything I could to my sweet kittens. Then my poop started to get runny. The girls at the shelter decided to have my poop tested, and it came back positive for a parasite called Coccidia that normal dewormer does not kill.

Well, that made everyone at the shelter happy! A quick diagnosis, and something that was fairly easy to treat. I went on medication right away. Ask any of the girls, I was the easiest cat to give medication too! I just purred the whole time. I am pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself.

Things we back on track. My babies were getting bigger, and I was doing well too. I was quickly becoming a favorite amoung the staff. Soon my babies would be weaned, and I would be able to go up for adoption. But more mrdical trouble was in my future.

Check back soon for more of my story.

Love Puddles, a shelter cat

Puddles

Well, hasn't the shelter been slacking lately? No new posts for quite some time. That is what happens when you leave a person to do a job which should obviously be performed by the most perfect of creatures, a cat.
I'm Puddles, aka Million Dollar Cat, or Lucky. My story is quite long and involved, it may take several blog posts to get you caught up.
It all begins with me showing up at the shelter, pregnant, with no way to look after myself or soon-to-be babies. Luckily I was given a warm kennel, lots of food, and some loving attention.
My babies were born with little fuss. And of course, I was a GREAT mom. I looked after those kittens so well, everyone remarked on what a sweetie I was. All part of the plan to get the staff to fall in love with my winning personality. I was doing so well at first...the dry and warm place to sleep, a nice place to raise the kids. But I started to feel not quite right. I was getting too skinny. Thankfully my kittens stayed plump. What was happening?

Whew, the first part of this story has tired me out. We'll pick up again very soon.

Love Puddles, a shelter cat.

Owners Have Responsibilities!

It may be hard for pet lovers to believe but not everyone LOVES your pet! This may be tough for us animal lovers to comprehend but it is true! It is our choice to have a pet. With that choice we get to deal with the good and the bad. If a person chooses not to have a pet they should not have to deal with the mess pets make or with one running loose.

At the Lloydminster & District SPCA we constantly get calls from people frustrated about having to deal with loose dogs or cats or the mess that they make. What they are really frustrated with are irresponsible pet owners. No one notices all the responsible pet owners in our community.

I was walking in the park last week and saw something that even I as a pet owner was disgusted with I cannot imagine what non pet owners thought. Right under one of the new pet disposal stations where bags are provided for you to clean up after your pet there was a big pile of dog feces. As pet owners we need to be aware that our choices affect everyone in the community.

Is it really fair for someone else to have to clean up after your pet?



Shelly Zimmerman

Executive Director

Lloydminster & District SPCA

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. In our April newsletter, we touched on some ways that you can help eliminate animal cruelty. Here are some tips from the ASPCA on how to recognize cruelty.

Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused

Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Aggressive, timid or fearful behavior doesn't always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse.

“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”

Check out our list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help:

Physical Signs
Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck.
Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated.
Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes.
Extreme thinness or emaciation — bones may be visible.
Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites.
Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes.
Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat.
Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally.
Heavy discharge from eyes or nose.
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness.

Environmental Signs
Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary.
Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter.
Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them.
Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals.

“Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano. “By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area, you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”

If you see signs of animal abuse, don’t keep it to yourself. Contact our shelter at 780-875-2809. While the Lloydminster & District SPCA does not investigate complaints, we can put you in touch with provincial officers who are trained to deal with abuse situations.

Let's Talk About Breeding

The launch of the Lloydminster & District SPCA’s Humane Habits educational program has brought up some interesting discussions around the community. One discussion that I would like to address is breeding. Is the Lloydminster & District SPCA against breeding of companion animals?

NO - we are not against all breeding of companion animals but our vision of a loving responsible home for every animal will not be realized with all the irresponsible breeding that goes on. It goes without saying that we are against irresponsible breeding.

What makes a responsible breeder??

· A responsible breeder ensures that their breeding stock closely conforms to their breed’s specific standard.

· They thoroughly health screen animals for inherited health issues. All breeds have their own set of health issues, many of which can be pre screened for.

· They only ever breed temperamentally sound animals.

· Good breeders, breed to better the breed that they love. The do not breed to make money.

· They only breed when they have pre - approved homes that are able and ready to care for their offspring. They should have an extensive application process to purchase one of their animals.

· Their animals are maintained and cared for as a member of their family. It is not likely that both parents will be present. As they would have searched far and wide to ensure they found a mate that is the perfect compliment to their own breeding program.

· There should be a contract. This contract should have health guarantees, stipulations about what happens to the animal if the family is no longer able to care for it and has strict spay and neuter requirements.

In the end a good breeder does not add to the overburdened shelter system because they produce healthy, sound animals, screen potential homes and are always there for the life of the animals that they produce. If all breeding of companion animals was done in such a responsible way, our vision of a loving, responsible home for every animal is very attainable. Why would we be against that?

Shelly Zimmerman
Executive Director
Lloydminster & District SPCA

What is a Humane Society and Why is it Necessary?

As the Executive Director of the Lloydminster & District SPCA I field many questions from the public. One of the most important questions people ask me is, “what is a humane society” and “why is a humane society necessary to the community”. The Webster’s dictionary definition of Humane is “having a disposition to treat other human beings or animals with kindness”. As a humane society, we care for the Midwest’s unwanted, neglected and abandoned companion animals. Our vision is a loving, responsible home for every animal.

Other questions I field are … Why should I license my dog? Why should I pay to release my cat to you? Why should I bring in that stray dog or cat? I do not have any animals, why should I help fund an animal shelter? Why should I Spay or Neuter my pet? I could go on but I would like to just touch on these.

The short answer to all of the above is …We domesticated them - now it’s our responsibility to care for them!

The longer answers are…

1. Why should I license my dog? Licensing your dog is the law. As a responsible pet owner, having a license on your dog ensures we can reunite him or her to you if they get lost.

2. Why should I pay to release my cat to you? The fees we charge for the services we provide do not even start to cover the costs we incur while caring for those animals and finding them a new home. The balance of our expenses is covered by fundraising and donations. We need to pay the bills just like any organization.

3. Why should I bring in that stray dog or cat? If your city, town or municipality does not have a dog or a cat bylaw who else is going to bring them in? If you feel there should be a bylaw that gives your community’s bylaw officer the responsibility of picking up stray cats and dogs please contact them and let them know how you feel.

4. I do not have any animals, why should I help fund an animal shelter? If there was no animal shelter there would be no place to house stray dogs and cats and get them off the streets and out of your yard. We also educate the community about responsible pet ownership, bite prevention and how to humanely live with companion animals. This benefits society as a whole!

5. Why should I Spay or Neuter my pet? Spaying and neutering pets saves lives! If you are not going to spay or neuter your pet then you need to be willing and able to care for any offspring they produce and any offspring their offspring produces and on and on! Spaying and neutering early also helps head off some behavioural issues and can eliminate some forms of cancer. Spaying and Neutering can help your pet live a healthier more content life.

As a society it is our responsibility to care for those that cannot care for themselves. Until our vision of a loving, responsible home for every animal is realized we will continue to do so, with your support!


Shelly Zimmerman

Executive Director

Lloydminster & District SPCA

Letters to Santa - HARLEY

Dear Santa Paws,

Wow, you work fast! That cat who wrote you a letter last week has already been adopted. I am hoping my Santa letter will also bring me such good luck.

So Santa, here's the thing. I've been a great boy this year! As you can see from my picture, I love the little humans. I even know exactly what my breeds are (my DNA was recently tested). You can officially call me a Siberian Husky/Scottish Terrier/Irish Setter/Shih Tzu mix! I am a big, strong boy Santa. I'm ready to replace Rudolph if you need me.

My ideal home is one where I could have lots of TOYS and PLAY FETCH with my human friends. I LOVE FETCH. I also like cuddling, and tummy rubs. Do you think you could keep an eye out for a home like that Santa?

Thanks big guy, and Merry Christmas.
Love Ho Ho Ho Harley.

Letters to Santa - GINA

Dear Santa Paws,

I was just starting my letter to you, and that dog Bonnie starting taunting me! She said you already got hers. Well Santa, I know what she said in her letter wasn't true - there is no way you could like dogs more than cats, right? I'm sure you love all animals the same (or maybe the majestic feline just a little more). Put that Bonnie straight on the naughty list.

Unlike Bonnie, I have been a very nice girl this year Santa! I started out at the SPCA in June, and had my kittens a little while after. I was such a good mom! No one has ever loved their babies more than me. After 8 weeks, my kittens went on to try and get adopted, and I am also waiting patiently for a new home.

In case you didn't know, I get along very well with everyone Santa. I actually live in the cat condo at the SPCA with a number of other cats. But don't worry about the sleeping arrangements Santa, we are all just good friends, and besides, we are all spayed or neutered.

Thanks so much for listening Santa Paws. Keep an eye out for a good home for me while on your travels. And if you could sneak me some tuna treats, that would be great. Love your feline friend, Gina.

Read more about Gina

Letters to Santa - BONNIE

Dear Santa Paws,

It's me, Bonnie. I've been mostly good this year. You know, I do try my best Santa! I've been at the SPCA since July, and I've been as good as gold. Ok, well maybe not gold. But I've definitely been as good as silver! Oh, you heard about my dislike of cats? Well, cats aren't REALLY pets, are they Santa? I mean, they call us dogs "man's best friend" for a reason. You'd never see a cat helping you with your sleigh, but my friends and I would jump right in!

So other then my distaste for cats, I have been really nice, and I should have stayed off the naughty list. I have been a friend to many children who come to the shelter. I do my best never to make a mess in my kennel. And I always greet the staff with a smile.

Just like all shelter pets, I wish for a new home for Christmas. Please keep an eye out for a good one for me. I would like a home where I am part of the family. A nice person to couch cuddle with. Someone to take me for walks and throw toys for me in the back yard. Maybe a kid that loves me like a sister. If you find a family like that Santa, I would be so happy to join them!

Love your Pit Bull friend,
Bonnie.

More information about Bonnie

Adopt Me, Adopt My Shadow for Free

Hey there, welcome to the SPCA blog. I'm Opal, one of the many (fabulous) cats waiting for a home. Let me tell you, after a busy summer season of admitting stray kittens and pregnant moms, it's getting a little full in here. We've all been making the best of it, but between you and me, myself and the rest of the kitty crew would like a permanent home, with a place to stretch our legs, play, and get lots of loving.

Happily, the-powers-that-be here at the shelter have decided to run the Third Annual Adopt Me, Adopt My Shadow for Free Cat Adoption Drive again this year! Here's how it works. You come to the shelter, pick out the cat of your dreams (remember, my name is Opal), and you can also adopt another cat for free! Yay, everybody wins. Your second cat is a "shadow" kitty, ones that find it harder to get adopted because of coloring, like black, grey, and black and white kitties (like Sammy, the handsome black grey to your right). The program also applies to bonded pairs, so if two cats are in the same kennel, ask the staff if they qualify.

Now, I know this sounds like a good deal, and a great amount of fun (I mean, if one cat is good, two is obviously double the pleasure), but there are a few thing to consider. Even though the adoption fee is waived, there will still be medical bills to pay for both cats. If we are not already spayed or neutered this operation must be done at the new owner's cost. Also, vaccines are needed for the kitties - we receive general vaccines at the shelter, but will still need rabies vaccines once adopted. So it is a good idea to price all that out with your vet before the adoption.

Trust me, there are a lot of great cats down here, waiting to move into your house. Its worth stopping by and having a look. Our Adoption Drive will be running from September 15 to October 31, so visit us before Halloween!

Lots of love,
Opal

Pepsi Refresh Project

The Lloydminster & District SPCA has signed up for the Pepsi Refresh Project, which gives grants to individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations with ideas that will have a positive impact on communities. Our shelter is in the running to receive $100,000, which would go towards funding our new SPCA home. This grant works on DAILY VOTES, so we are asking all our members to bookmark the address, and vote for our shelter every day. Voting started on September 1, and runs until October 31. You can actually vote for up to 10 of your favorite ideas every single day.

Go to this address to start voting:

Pepsi Refresh Project - Vote for the SPCA!

Don't forget to bookmark this link and go back DAILY to place your vote.

Need a reason to vote? Check out the shelter pictures below.

Helping Paws Program

We get many people who want to help the shelter, but don't have the room or time to add another furry friend to their family. We have the solution! Virtually adopt a pet!

For just $10.00 per month you can sponsor the animal of your choice. You help provide food, treats, toys, bedding and vet care. You will be recognized on our website as that pet's Helping Paw Partner. If you would like to give us your e-mail and mailing address we will keep you updated on that pet's progress and send you a
picture of your chosen one.

Pictured is Howard, one of the pets you can sponsor. Howard is an older gentleman, whose owners were unable to take him when they moved. If you can't provide this handsome man a retirement home, maybe you would like to be his Helping Paws Partner.

Click here for more information.

Another Happy Ending

Many people heard about Turtle, a wonderful German Shepherd Dog who was originally a stray admitted to the shelter, and later adopted out. She recently came back to us, again as a stray, and in dire need of medical attention. Thanks to the fantastic support of the community, funds were quickly raised for Turtle's leg amputation surgery. And she wasn't available for adoption very long - an SPCA volunteer snatched her up pretty quick, to join another dog they rescued from the shelter named Poppy. Now Turtle (aka Nyla) and Poppy (renamed Maggie) are living the high life. Here is a letter from their human mom!

My husband and I adopted Poppy (now Maggie) after fostering her for a few days, she fit into our life and home so easily we figured it was meant to be. She is so smart and willing to learn that I have a tough time keeping up with her. I don't know how we ever got along without her, it seems like she has been with us forever not just 5 months. Even one of our 3 cats misses her whenever she is out for a play date or walk (the other two aren't quite as happy with us or the dogs right now but they manage). Everyone who meets her falls head over heels for her, and she loves everyone she gets to meet. We figured that she completed our family…..

…until I saw the picture of Turtle (now named Nyla), I knew as soon as I saw her that she would also become part of our family. After fostering her for a weekend it was a done deal and we couldn't be happier. Maggie and Nyla are quite good friends and will run after each other for hours if possible. Nyla knows quite a few commands and is also really easy to teach. They both love to cuddle, which makes for an eventful movie night on the couch or when they try to sneak onto the bed. Nyla has this high pitched squeal that she lets out when one of us gets home, then the two of them try to see who gets the most hugs at the front door. I really cannot get enough of the two of them, just ask my friends and coworkers who probably wish I would just once talk about something else, but I can't :) They are so wonderful and sweet that I am shocked and grateful every day that I was the person fortunate enough to adopt them, I couldn't ask for 2 better friends.

Just this weekend while fishing in our boat they both started growling at the shore, a few minutes later a bear came into view and they continued till he ran off (I am sure he really couldn't be bothered with us), it was neat how they made the exact same movements and noises. Thankfully we didn't see him again.

Thank you so much to everyone that made a donation or sent good wishes for Nyla's surgery. You'll all be happy to know that she doesn't miss a beat without that leg, sometimes I think she is a little faster them Maggie, if Maggie goes a different direction Nyla just drops her bum and spins around on it and is off running, usually ahead of Maggie. She is all healed up now and the vet said they have no concerns at all.

I will keep everyone at the S.P.C.A. posted about our girls.

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month!

Here at the SPCA, it’s all shelter cats, all the time. But the month of June is extra special—it’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month! We encourage people to enrich their lives by adopting a cat. There are many colors, ages and personalities to choose from. With each kitty adoption, you will receive a free Barbie cat toy. Please remember that if you choose to adopt a pet that is not altered, this surgery is one of the requirements of our shelter.

Cat adoption fees are as follows:
Adult cat adoption: $110
Kitten adoption: $130

All animals adopted from the shelter have up-to-date vaccines (will require booster vaccines in the future), and come with a free veterinary exam to be used at one of our local veterinary clinics.

Pictured above is Spring, who recently spent a night out of the shelter at a staff member's house. As you can tell, she is very laid back, sweet, and great with young children.

Spay and Neuter to Control the Pet Population

Spring is here, and with the warmer weather the SPCA also sees an increase in puppies, kittens, and pregnant moms coming into the shelter. Eventually our adoptions can't keep up with the influx, and those cute babies (especially the kittens) end up growing up in the shelter, straining our population to capacity. You can do your part by having your pets spayed or neutered.

Maybe you have thought about it, but asked yourself, "What difference does one cat make?" Here is something to ponder... A female cat, her mate and all of their offspring, producing 2 litters per year, with 2.8 surviving kittens per litter can add up to 2,072,514 cats in just 8 years! Then consider that each cat can have a lifespan of 15 years...

The City of Lloydminster has approximately 25,000 residents. The Lloydminster and District SPCA provides services to the communities surrounding the city as well. If we make an educated guess that the population in our area is approximately 100,000 people, that would mean that EACH RESIDENT (adults and children) would have to own over 20 cats in order to care for the resulting offspring of these two cats!

Princess finds her Happily Ever After...

We are happy to report that our wonderful Cinderella found her forever home. We have received several updates from her new family, and she is fitting in perfectly. She has been re-named Lexie, and has some great children and a cat to love and play with. Good luck Lexie, we wish you many happy years with your family.

Cindy's Singles Ad

A lady can only stay single so long! Just ask Cinderella, who has been at the shelter since August 2009. She's taking matters into her own paws by advertising for Prince Charming in a local newspaper. You can help her find her Fairy Tale Ending by letting others know what a fantastic dog Cindy is!

Cinderella recently spent a night at an SPCA staff member's house. We now have first hand knowledge that Cindy is house trained, loves kids, and can give stuffy toys a run for their money! She is so enthusiastic, she will need a little help with her indoor manners. But the love she gives will more than make up for a little lack of politeness! She is one smart cookie, and would learn basic house manners in no time.

Are you my prince?

Hello everyone! My name is Cinderella. As the name suggests, I have had a hard life! Along with my 5 puppies, I was nearly starved to death by my owner, who decided she didn't want to care for me anymore. Luckily, a concerned person brought me and my babies to the SPCA instead! Now all my pups have new homes, and I am still patiently waiting for my Happily Ever After! When I arrived at the shelter, I was a skinny gal, who was giving everything to my puppies. I don't mean to brag, but now I am a sleek beauty! I am vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped. Having had a poor start to life, I really don't have many manners (although I am trying every day). I make up for this with pure enthusiasm! I am a huge cuddler and kisser, and ABSOLUTELY LOVE children. I am also very willing to please, and could learn basic obedience commands quite easily. I have been in the shelter since August, and am ready to live my fairy tale life with a new family!

Some basic info on Cinderella:
Breed: Pit Bull Mix
Age: Adult (2-3 years)
Gender: Spayed female
Color: Light brown
Weight: 50 lbs
Housetrained? Yes
Good with Kids? Yes
Good with Dogs? Unknown
Good with Cats? No
Microchipped? Yes
Adoption Restrictions: Experienced Owner Adoption