AUGUST

Adoption Event Hurricane Preparedness For Your Pets

IN THIS ISSUE

Screening Potential Adopters

Hosted by:

August 24th 12-4pm

110 Pine Ave., Oldsmar

ADOPTIONS-CRAFTS-FOOD-AGILITY SHOW

PET FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT MEALS ON WHEELS SENIORS

FREE ADMISSION-FREE PARKING

For More Information Email: fureveryourspetrescue@outlook.com

Meet Our Adoptables

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When I mention that I work in animal rescue, the response I often hear is; “oh you are so lucky to play with animals all day.” While initially it was both annoying and frustrating I realized it is also a learning opportunity for me to share what animal rescue is ACTUALLY about.

The life of an animal rescuer begins early in the morning. There are several cats and dogs that rely on us to walk them, feed them, clean their bowls, give them fresh water, clean their litter boxes and kennels. And that is for those that are healthy. Those that are ill or injured or have special needs require much more attention.

This kitten season I fostered 25 kittens and they were rescued from the shelter very ill. I would awake to their eyes closed shut with conjunctivitis (pink eye); crust filled noses and severe congestion, fever and lack of appetite. Each kitten would have to be gently wiped down with their eyes and noses cleaned and medication dispensed three times a day and syringed with food to keep their strength up.

Kittens that were separated from their mother too early, had to be bottle-fed formula every two hours. Yes, every two hours my alarm clock would sound and I was usually still lying there with my eyes open to avoid falling to deep in sleep for fear I would not hear the next alarm feeding. Wherever I was, I had to rush home in time for the next feeding.

We haven’t even started on the puppies! Sadly, even with all of our hard work, dedication and love, we still wake up to lifeless bodies that just were to weak to continue fighting their illness. We hold them. We cry. We bury them and we move on, because frankly, there is no time to grieve.

This is but a fraction of the REALITY of animal rescue. So the next time you meet an animal rescuer, stop and say THANK YOU for all you do! P.S. We rarely have time to “play” with them.

A Message From Our President

The process of adopting an animal can vary between shelters, rescues and private owners. Most county shelters will only require a short adoption form, a driver’s license, and the fee.

Some rescues will go even further and require a home visit, a veterinarian reference and proof of vaccinations for all other pets in the home.

Private owners who list there pets online or in the paper really only require the fee be paid and off they go with a new pet.

In each of these scenario’s no matter how much or little information we obtain from the adopter, we really have no idea if this person has had any alleged charges or convictions of animal cruelty.

Personally, I think there should be a database that shelters, rescues and anyone re-homing an animal, can have access to as a precautionary measure to prevent placing an animal back in their care. After all, rescue animals have already endured abandonment and neglect so they deserve our full commitment to practice due diligence for each adopter.

Until then, here are some safety tips on re-homing a pet:

Require a home visit. Those with ill intentions will not want that kind of attention. It will also allow you to look at the health of other animals and the surroundings (never go alone).

Charge a fee. Never offer a pet for free. This will definitely draw the wrong type of people.

Ask their neighbors. Neighbors know more than we think about what’s going on, so go ahead and ask.

Lastly, go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, deny the adoption. I’ve done it many times. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Are We Doing Enough to Screen Potential Adopters?

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Hurricane Preparedness For Your 4-Legged Family Members When the threat of a hurricane is near, our natural reaction is of panic and fear. We retrieve our children from school, we race to the store to buy water and supplies and we are glued to the television for the latest weather reports. But in all of our hustle did we stop to think of our pets? If our family should have to go to an emergency shelter most do not accept pets. Do we stay at home with our pets and risk injury to ourselves or do we leave them behind while our heartbroken family watches and cries in our arms? Well, if you evacuate your home, NEVER LEAVE PETS BEHIND! Pets cannot survive on their own and if by some chance they do, they may become trapped, injured or lost. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the three steps to remember are:

1. PREPARE-Get a Pet Emergency Supply Kit. Food & Water (at least 3 days worth) Litter & garbage bags Medicines and Medical records Crate or pet carrier Collar with ID tags, leash, recent photo of your pets First Aid Kit (bandage rolls, antibiotic ointment, alcohol, saline)

2. PLAN-What Will You Do In An Emergency?

Create a list of friends and family members that are located in different counties and ask if they are willing to house your family and pets during an emergency.

Develop a buddy system with neighbors to be sure that someone can evacuate

your pets if you are unable to (such as you are out of town when the hurricane is set to strike the area).

Create a list of pet friendly motels, kennels and ask your vet, so you have an

alternative in the event you must leave your home but do not wish to go to the shelter.

3. STAY INFORMED-Know About Types of Emergencies Preparing for a hurricane emergency will be quite different from preparing for a

power outage for several days. Stay informed to the local news to be aware of what kind of emergency may affect your area and adapt accordingly.

In any scenario, always include your four-legged family members in your planning. If your pets are not yet micro-chipped, please stop what you’re doing and make an appointment. I cannot stress enough the importance of micro-chipping each pet. It is their only way back home to you. If you are in Tampa, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers the microchip for $15. It is the best investment in your beloved pet. Remember, they need you to look out for them, just as much as your children do. So, please microchip your pets today. For more information about how to prepare for an emergency, please visit www.ready.gov.

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