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The Top Five Reasons Pets Are Surrendered to Shelters

Most of us who work or volunteer at the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA have heard the complaint that we ask too many questions of a prospective adopter. The questionnaire takes approximately 5 -10 minutes to fill out and there is a reason for each question on it. Too many people want to adopt a pet without considering all the factors involved and do not realize that owning a pet means a commitment for the life of that animal. Listed below are the top reasons pets are surrendered to animal shelters and humane societies in the United States.

ALLERGIES; Many people want to adopt an animal even though a member of their household is allergic to them, claiming that the allergy symptoms can be controlled by medication. Sometimes this is true and sometimes the proximity of the animal on a daily basis in the home is an allergen overload and the symptoms reoccur. Anyone with allergies or a family member with allergies should test their sensitivity prior to actually adopting a pet.

BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: That puppy is a cute little bundle of fur with a wet nose and a pink tongue but what happens when that "puppy" weighs 80 pounds and is still jumping up on people or chewing your new shoes? Unfortunately many adopters think that puppies come from the factory already trained, ready to be the perfect dog. Puppies, like children, need love, discipline and training to reach their full potential. We have dogs brought into the shelter who haven't been taught even the basics or have been tied outside all their lives with very tittle human contact. The chance of their being adopted is considerably reduced. If you don't have the time or the inclination to give a dog the training he needs, don't adopt him.

COST OF PET MAINTENANCE: Owning a pet can be an expensive investment. Along with the daily cost (food, kitty litter, etc.) there are annual vaccinations and related expenses. Unexpected illness or accidents can run up huge Vet bills. Multiply all these items by the number of pets in your home and the bottom line can be staggering.

TOO MANY ANIMALS IN HOME: Ask yourself why there are too many animals in your home. Do you have an unspayed female that has regular litters? Get her spayed! Know your limit. If you have a small apartment or house, you can't possibly manage five cats and three dogs. Don't let your common sense be overwhelmed.

MORE WORK THAN EXPECTED: Even the smartest dog or cat can't take care of themselves. They need to be fed, brushed, walked, littler box and dishes cleaned and they need to be loved. Everyday, not just when it's convenient. This is the most basic premise of pet ownership. Pets, like their owners, are creatures of habit and function better with a routine. Don't place the burden of unsupervised care on a young child. Even thought they might tell you that " I'll do everything Mommy", they won't and the pet will be the one to suffer the consequences. When a pet is added to a home, an adult has to take responsibility to see that day to day care is adequately provided. If there is doubt about this issue, buy a stuffed toy rather than a living animal.

The Pet's Bill of Rights

1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise and love.

2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys, new experiences and new smells to be happy.

3.We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish or fat.

4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.

5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay friends with our vet!

6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people we don't always know what's best for us. We depend on you.

7.We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we might be great show dogs or cats, watchdogs, hunters or babysitters.

8. We have the right to proper training. Otherwise our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.

9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.

10. We have the right to live with dignity ...and to die with dignity when the time comes. Reprinted From "Pets Part of the Family"

Save those blankets, towels and comforters. In the upcoming winter months the Shelter will need these items for bedding for both dogs and cats. You can drop them off at the Shelter anytime during regular open hours.

' So How Old Is My Cat, Really?

Cats experience advancing years in their own unique ways. Many cats begin to encounter age related physical changes between seven and ten years of age and most do by the time they are 12. The commonly held belief that every "cat year is worth seven "human years" is not entirely accurate. In reality, a one year old cat is physiologically similar to a 16 year old human, and a two year old cat is like a person of 21. For every year thereafter, each cat year is worth about 4 human years. Using this formula, a ten year old cat is similar agewise to a 53 year old person, a 12 year old cat to a 61 year old person and a 15 year old cat to a person of 73.

Reprinted from CATWATCHCornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Winter pet care Tips

Advice for the colder Months

Housing: Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If yours is an indoor pet, his bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft free area, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outside, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside. If possible, provide a "door", perhaps of canvas, to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen, you might block the wind and weather with bales of straw and stretch canvas over the top of the pen. If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pet inside.

Frostbite: Remove the ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frost bitten areas slowly by applying warm towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; he or she will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.

Snow Removal Salt: Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws immediately.

Antifreeze: Even a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Precautions are necessary with ALL antifreeze products on the market. Read labels and warnings carefully. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.

Napping Cats: Cats sometimes climb on to vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn. Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat might have taken shelter there.

Food and Water: Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet. Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet. If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water frequently since it may freeze.

The following raffle ticket GRAHPICS  should be printable on most printers by using the default settings.  You may print as many as you wish for your own use and to pass on to others.  All proceeds benefit the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA. 

Click to select the graphic, and then Right Click and choose Save Picture As and save it to a convenient location.  Then you can use your favorite graphic editor to print them out.

   Or, simply select the graphic of the tickets, and then click File Print, and when the print dialog box opens, choose “Selection” from the drop down list. 

Raffle tickets are $3.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  THANK YOU!!