EBHS Unleashed

You think? Another shocker in the news...

2008-11-21T18:50:11Z

Wow! I just heard on TV and the radio that Petland sells puppies from puppy mills! What an incredible development that the HSUS spent much time and money investigating. They could have saved those resources by calling me, because anyone that works in animal welfare in this area could have told them without any doubt that of course Petland sells puppies from puppy mills. We know the puppy mill breeders, so we know exactly where they come from.

What reputable breeder would hand over a puppy to be sold in a pet store? Not any reputable ones that I know of. I cannot tell you how many people surrender puppies here at the shelter, that they bought on impulse, had them overnight, realized they were overwhelmed and tried to return the dog to the store only to find out that the store would not take the dog back. No refunds! They would not even take the dog back and not offer a refund. How is that for being responsible, Petland?

Here is how the puppy mill system works. Breeding farms raise hundreds and sometimes thousands of puppies a year depending on the size of the puppy mill. These dogs are sold to puppy brokers, usually for about a hundred dollars each. The puppy mill brokers then have contracts to sell these puppies to puppy stores, Petland being the largest in the U.S., I believe. The brokers sell the puppies for a few hundred dollars, then Petland marks up the puppies a couple more hundred dollars.

So, the consumer who loves the look of say a Cavalier King Charles spaniel will walk into a pet store and see one for $900 or more, and think well, that is a great price for that trendy breed. They have maybe looked into breeders that charge at least that and more for a Cav puppy. What is the difference, right?

Well, Petland puppy was conceived and whelped by any two dogs thrown together for breeding purposes, they could even be littermates. Breeder puppy has parents that were shown in a ring, have gotten championship titles for being the best of the breed in that competition. Their parents were tested for genetic problems that can be passed down, and they themselves would also be tested for any problems that occur in the breed.

Petland puppy did not see a vet until they arrived at the pet store, but it would have received several vaccinations more than it needed, given to prevent the spread of disease. Breeder puppy has been to the vet at least once since it was born, and was properly vaccinated.

Petland puppy was taken away from it's mother and littermates too young to learn lessons like bite inhibition, and are often socially underdeveloped. Breeder puppy stays with it's litter until around 10 - 12 weeks. This puppy learned how to play nice with others, is not fearful, and has gotten the best possible start in life, going from a home to a home.

Petland puppy was given to it's new family because they had a credit card, cash or check. Maybe they came in on a whim. Maybe they think shelters are dirty, and they do not like having a background check done on them. Maybe they do not know where to find a reputable breeder. But they want a puppy. Today. After spending a few minutes with the puppy, they are sold a puppy and a bunch of supplies and are sent on their way.

Breeder puppy's new family have know about him/her since before they were born, or shortly after. Often the breeder will wait to match personalities to a new family. She will save the show quality pups for show families, and then find families for the other puppies that for whatever reason (like markings, structure, personality) are not destined for a breeding program. These are still wonderful puppies. This family has seen pictures of the puppies each week, have watched them grow up, and are fully prepared to take the puppy home after waiting 10 weeks.

While both puppies now have families, who had the best start in life? Who's life was started in a chicken coop type cage exposed to the elements, and was brought into this world just to make a buck?

When Petland puppy has behavior problems, training issues, or develops genetic issues after the 1 year "warranty" is Petland going to care? I think not. When breeder puppy has these issues, the breeder is always there for the new family, and will replace or take back a dog no matter what.

So, now that it is on the news will people listen? Did they listen when Oprah said that pet store puppies come from puppy mills? Some people thought so. Yet, we see pet store dogs each week surrendered here because the cute little puppy grew up and needs too much attention, or it costs too much to take care of. Or they are not home enough to take care of a dog.

Well thank goodness we now have confirmed that Petland sells puppy mill puppies. I have been around long enough to know that things will never change, and Petland and other stores like them will find another source or another way to justify selling puppies to make money.

I will just thank goodness for shelters and breed rescue groups, because until people stop wanting to instantly satisfy ever whim they get, including buying a little puppy in a store because it was so cute, but without realizing the commitment they are making, places like EBHS will always be available for these animals. Petland sure isn't going to be.

Me vs. the Deer, Guess Who Won?

2008-11-18T22:32:43Z

How many times have I written, and lectured, and warned people about deer this time of year? I thought I was doing a good job at cautioning people and advocating for the deer. Apparently, the deer did not think so.

While driving with my daughter the other night a doe leapt in front of my car. This is one of the stories I always hear, about how the deer jumped right in front of a moving car and in the back of my head I am thinking that this person was speeding, not paying attention, or was otherwise distracted. A deer would not jump right in front of a moving car, would they? They can't be that dumb can they? They sure seem to be able to avoid most of the hunters I know.

I slammed on my brakes, steering straight ahead, not wanting to hit the oncoming car in the opposite lane. Fortunately, my car stopped about a foot away from her, I can still see the details of the fur on her face and the white of her eye. As I sighed with relief that I missed the deer, my car shuddered from a slam on the passenger side as one of this doe's older fawns (there were two, one managed to stop and dart away) ran into the car and then ran back into the woods.

Don't worry, it did not even have a limp when it ran away.

My car, however, was not as fortunate.

I really cannot complain though. I think everyone in Wisconsin either has experienced a deer vs. vehicle situation or knows someone personally who has. A former neighbor lost her stepmother when her father was driving and hit a tree while trying to avoid a deer. I have insurance, so I will pay my deductible, and get my dent removed. I am just thankful that my daughter was not injured.

When animals do things like that I always think of Gary Larson and his Far Side cartoons. How the animals were always smarter than the people. I can conjure up in my head the two young deer back in the bushes panting with one of them mocking the other for being so clumsy. Humans always tend to personify the animals.

That is why I yelled into the woods at the deer while inspecting the damage to my front passenger side fender. I know he feels contrite after my verbal tongue lashing, and I am sure he will never do something so dangerous again. But just to be on the safe side, I will take the long way from now on to avoid the roads more wooded.

I am not looking for a rematch.

Shelter News Bites

2008-11-04T22:53:51Z

I hope everyone is out voting! Please go vote if you have not done so already!

I feel especially rested after getting back the hour I lost in the spring due to daylight savings time. I have gotten through the mountain of paperwork on my desk, and I am feeling chatty today! So let's share!

We have adopted out almost all of the 12 puppies that were on the floor last Friday - which is wonderful! They were a great group of dogs that will be excellent family members. They started off in one of our best foster homes, where they were born, and then went to some other great foster homes until they could be spayed and neutered, and now they are beginning their lives with their new families. I am so excited for them all!

Keanu the husky mix also just went home today. I really liked him, he had such a great personality. We have another dog, Indie on the floor. He is a pit mix who looks like the worlds largest French Bulldog. I would totally adopt him if my husband would let me. He is great with everyone! He does snort a bit, but that is because he is a little overweight. I think it lends him some charm.

I am sure that I am not the only one who has noticed the large amount of deer running around lately. There was a news story about how car vs. deer incidents are on the rise here in Wisconsin, and I really believe that! I cannot stress enough how important it is to be vigilant while driving during this time of the year when deer are enjoying mating season and paying even less attention while they dart across roads. There is never a winner in a car vs. deer situation, so protect your car, your family, and your life by making sure you use caution on the roads. If you see one deer run by stop immediately and wait as they usually travel with friends, or their older fawns who are apt to wait for them to safely cross a clearing (or road) and then run after them.

I have also seen tons of wild turkey around my property lately. There is a small flock of them, running around my yard. The strangest thing is to see them perched in a tree. It seems so unnatural to see a turkey in a tree, but that is because I am used to Thanksgiving type turkey which are so big they could never get off the ground. I feel their pain!

We had a new group of kids from Lad Lake start here at the shelter. Each group lasts 8 weeks. We are looking for some adult volunteers to work with us and them on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They are with is from 9:30 to 11:00am. We work on obedience training with the dogs, and some shelter work, like washing dishes and mopping floors. That kind of thing. If you are interested, call Carol Sumbry at the shelter (262-782-9261), and we can get you set up. It is really fun working with the boys, I enjoyed the last group a lot, and this group is already a lot of fun!

Well, I am going to go home and start watching the election results in a few minutes. I wonder what the world will be like tomorrow? We will have to find something else to talk about now, which is fine with me. I would much rather talk about the shelter animals anyway!

Cat People vs. Dog People

2008-10-27T22:57:32Z

I am sure that I am not alone when I say that I wish I was sitting next to a warm fire right now...where did the nice fall weather go? I can always tell when fall has arrived when the Italian Greyhounds who "work" at the shelter start wearing quilted coats instead of just their regular casual wear.

I have always known that there are distinct differences between cat people and dog people. Now, there is a study that confirms my suspicions, along with some other concerning information. It turns out that having a cat is more attractive to single people, while living with dogs is more attractive to families.

The AVMA conducts surveys of pet owners every five years, and publishes the results in the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook. In the 2007 edition, dogs rule as the companion choice for families: 67.0 percent of dog owners are married compared to 61.8 percent of cat owners, and 52.6 percent of dog owners are families of three or more, compared to 47.0 percent of cat owners.

One finding that is very upsetting is that cat owners are much less likely to seek veterinary care for their animals, and they spend less on their animals compared to dog families, and this divide seems to be growing. At EBHS we see many cats easily surrendered, it seems like cats are the disposable companion for many people. For instance, when the owners of a cat get a new puppy and the existing cat does not like the new puppy - guess who ends up at the shelter? The data revealed that 82.7 percent of dog owners made at least one annual visit to a veterinarian, compared to 63.7 percent of cat owners.

The AVMA data also showed that the average expense per household on veterinary expenses for 2006 was $366.

The study also showed that almost 50% of pet owners considered their animal companions to be a member of the family. I thought that would be higher.

In 2006 there were 72 million canine companions in the US and 82 million feline companions. There were more households with dogs (43 million compared to 37 million for cat households), but many households with cats had more than one cat, which explains the disparity.

An Open Letter to the person who abandoned the sick Vizsla puppy at Brookfield Square last night

2008-10-21T22:29:56Z

I do not know who you are, and I cannot imagine what possessed you to abandon an incredibly sick puppy at a mall in Brookfield. I am not sure what kind of thought process leads someone to think that turning a sick puppy loose in a mall parking lot in the middle of the night would be a good idea. Aside from the fact that the puppy obviously needed medical attention, the poor little thing could have been run over, attacked by wild animals looking for food in the dumpsters, or just suffered from exposure, as it was very cold last night.

No matter, I guess. When you put him in that parking lot and drove away while he watched and wondered what was going on, his death sentence was certain.

Last night at 4am our Humane Officer responded to a call from the Brookfield Police when they found your emaciated puppy at Brookfield Square. Your puppy was completely dehydrated, and incredibly sick. Our Humane Officer knew right away what was wrong with your puppy by the smell, it had Parvo. She brought your puppy straight to the emergency vet who tested your puppy, confirmed that it was positive for Parvo, and left him overnight for treatment.

This morning we transferred your puppy back to the shelter to prepare it to be picked up by a foster family for the long-term care it was going to need. By lunchtime your puppy passed away, as it was too late to save the little guy. The disease had taken its toll on his vital organs and he was too weak to live.

I wanted YOU to know that.

Because the police officers who found your puppy, the humane officer who rescued him, the shelter staff and the vet clinic staff who administered his medical care, all have to feel sick inside about the short life and miserable death of the poor little puppy that you could not even bother to take to a vet for vaccinations that might have saved its life, or for treatment when he became ill. We tried to save him. We did not even know him, or his name. But we did more to save his life than you did. He died with a stranger at his side wondering where you were.

You must have had him for a few weeks. He must have had a name. He must have been really cute, and done funny puppy things. You knew him, and you should have loved him enough to care what happened to him. Instead you took the easy way out and you chose to not know what happened to your puppy, by dropping him off and leaving him for us to take of.

For all I know, you think that this little guy was saved, and has gotten medical treatment, and is being taken care of by the nice family who found him. You know, the nice family who was shopping at the mall at 4am on a Monday night. Maybe in your imagination you think there was a happy ending for your puppy. Well, there was no happy ending, and his cold little body is in our freezer.

I hope that you remember him next time you think about adding an animal to your life. Remember that if you cannot commit to taking care of an animal for better or worse, in sickness and in health, or for richer or poorer, you should not buy one, adopt one, or otherwise take responsibility for one.

I hope you sleep well tonight. I know I won't.

Top 10 Human Medications that are Harmful to Animal Companions

2008-10-20T18:16:48Z

My friend Lolita sent this information to me regarding the Top 10 Human Medications (courtesy of the ASPCA website) that are harmful to your animal companions if ingested. There were a couple I was unaware of, so I thought I would share:

NSAIDs
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, and can cause serious problems even in minimal doses. Pets are extremely sensitive to their effects, and may experience stomach and intestinal ulcers and—in the case of cats—kidney damage.

Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can lead to serotonin syndrome—a condition marked by agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

Acetaminophen
Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, which can damage red blood cells and interfere with their ability to transport oxygen. In dogs, it can cause liver damage and, at higher doses, red blood cell damage.

Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
Medications used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in people act as stimulants in pets and can dangerously elevate heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.

Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil—an anti-cancer drug—is used topically to treat minor skin cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It has proven to be rapidly fatal to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in those who’ve chewed on discarded cotton swabs used to apply the medication.

Isoniazid
Often the first line of defense against tuberculosis, isoniazid is particularly toxic for dogs because they don’t metabolize it as well as other species. It can cause a rapid onset of severe seizures that may ultimately result in death.

Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a popular decongestant in many cold and sinus products, and acts like a stimulant if accidentally ingested by pets. In cats and dogs, it causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature as well as seizures.

Anti-diabetics
Many oral diabetes treatments—including glipizide and glyburide—can cause a major drop in blood sugar levels of affected pets. Clinical signs of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.

Vitamin D derivatives
Even small exposures to Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene and calcitriol can cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in pets. Clinical signs of exposure—including vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and thirst due to kidney failure—often don't occur for more than 24 hours after ingestion.

Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs. Some symptoms of ingestion include significant depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.

How "Old" is Your Dog? I Know How You Can Find Out!

2008-10-16T22:43:13Z

Dog years? Most of us think of dog years as the equivalent of 7 human years for one dog year. Recently when going to my vet they had a new chart that showed a correlation between a dog's weight and their "age" - meaning the heavier a dog was the older it was.

As far as human years, I took a test online about a month ago that told me I was 3 years younger than my actual age because of my lifestyle. Apparently, being boring is extending my life. However, the site suggested that I could live 2 years longer if I started flossing religiously, and since I plan to live long enough to drive my children and grandchildren crazy, I have started flossing a lot!

Today I received an email from the same website that promised to tell me my dog's real age. Since I have 3 dogs, and only one is a senior, I just tested Murphy, my 11 year old black Lab. The site asked all kinds of lifestyle questions about Murphy, and what he eats, and what his personality and activity level are like.

I was happy to find out that he is 63 years old, which is 7 years younger than his age/breed average. Not too shabby for a dog that would forsake me for anyone with food for him.

Here is the link if you would like to see how old your dog is:

http://www.dogage.com/reg/regassess.aspx?cbr=RA66_RA

The test does take a few minutes so be patient. I am happy to know that Murphy should be with my family for more years than I thought!

Happy Tuesday

2008-10-14T21:22:01Z

We have a lot of happy things to share with our readers today!

First of all, Charlie, an English Springer Spaniel mix, who was so unhappy in his kennel went to his new home today! He was one of those dogs that looked so pitiful in his kennel, but outside of his kennel he was a total firecracker. He has a great personality, and he is so handsome. I am glad that he has found his forever home.

Trace, a long-term feline resident also went home today. My heart always goes out to the cats here, there are so many people surrendering cats, and so few people adopting them. Trace won his lottery today, and he has a great new family to call his own. I hope the other 40 cats we have here can get just as lucky!

We have a few great events coming up that we hope you can come to. First is the Barkitecture event hosted by Vetter Denk. On Thursday, October 23rd they are having a party to help EBHS raise funds, and to show off their amazing homes in downtown Milwaukee. My two passions are animals and architecture, so I will be there checking out their Bluff Homes, and supporting my beloved shelter.

On Saturday, October 25th we have two great events happening. For rabbit lovers, we are having a rabbit training class called Rabbitopia II...the Training Begins. There will be two classes, one at 11:30am and one at 1:30pm. These classes will teach rabbit lovers great ways to help reinforce the positive behaviors in their rabbits, and then discourage unacceptable ones. You can call the shelter to sign up for either class at 262-782-9261. Crated rabbits are welcome for nail trims and gland cleaning.

Also on Saturday, October 25th, EBHS is taking part in Harvest Fest at the Village Court Shopping Center in Elm Grove. There is going to be free pumpkin decorating for kids, a kids costume contest, and an animal costume contest, cart rides, food, music, treats and raffles to enjoy. It will be a great way to spend the day, with your children, and your dog! The event is from 10am - 3pm. We hope to see you down there!

The M&I Bank Employees Association came in today with one of those giant checks (which I totally love! It makes you feel like Ed McMahon just showed up!) and made a donation to EBHS from the employees at the local M&I Banks. I want to give them all a big shout out and thank them for their generosity. With the economy the way it is, we need all the financial help we can get! Christmas in October courtesy of M & I Bank! Thanks to all of the M&I employees for their generosity and kindness!

Also, have to mention our good friends at Elite Electric. Gerry, the owner, came to the rescue of the shelter and did some electrical repairs that we needed done and donated his time and materials. He has definitely confirmed his awesomeness to me through his always professional work, and his generosity! Turns out he is an animal lover too! Thanks to Gerry and Elite Electric (located in Milwaukee).

The front office cat - who is adoptable - has decided that my office is the best place to hang out. He sits in my window, and since there is 23 pounds of him, he rolls around knocking things all over the place. He is so funny when he sleeps, and everyone that walks past my window on the way into the shelter laughs as they walk by, but unfortunately, no one has applied to adopt him yet. If you would like a big chunk of cat to call your own, come in and visit Louie. He is polydactyl too, so he has too much body and too many toes. He is a big gray meatball. You will love him!

No Easy Answers for Animal Aggression...

2008-10-08T23:58:10Z

Today at the shelter I was sitting at my desk when I heard some children in the lobby start crying and wailing. Typically, this occurs when a family surrenders a companion animal for some reason, and I felt terrible for the kids. Their crying was so long and insistent I felt myself almost start crying because it was really heartbreaking to hear. When they left I went out to investigate what happened, and I found out that the family was euthanizing their dog here at the shelter because it was dangerous and had bitten a few people, including small children. The family was worried that the dog would really hurt someone and that this was the most humane way to handle the situation.

When good people have dogs with bad behavior, there are no easy answers. Euthanasia in the case of a seriously injured or ill animal is an easy call to make. Deciding to euthanize an animal because of a behavior issue like aggression is incredibly difficult. You ask yourself "Will the animal ever do this again? Can I change my lifestyle so that this animal will never be in this situation again?" If an animal has been an otherwise wonderful companion except for this one incident, how do you forget all the good and make the ultimate decision to end it's life?

Obviously, the situation described above is very difficult to go through. But, I would have to say that even harder is having your dog harm another animal or even worse, a person. The guilt some people feel when their dog has injured another person, especially a child, is enormous. Other people get angry and blame the victim and it can tear families or neighborhoods apart. My own sister was bit in the face by my Uncle's dog, and had to undergo several painful plastic surgeries to try and fix her mouth. Her upper lip was practically torn off her face, and her face will never be the same. My mother and her brother, my Uncle, have not spoken in 20 years because of this.

What is the right decision to make when your family dog is dangerous to the general public?

Every day in the U.S. hundreds of animals bite hundreds of people. Many animal bites are never reported. Some are reported to authorities, others to humane societies, for investigation and "bite quarantine" which is essentially a rabies hold. In 10 days, if the dog or cat has not developed rabies, most of these animals are given back to their owners. Some owners make the painful decision to euthanize the dog. There is never a rhyme or reason in why one animal goes home and why one does not. It is almost always the owner's decision to make.

When it comes to other living things, there is never a one size fits all solution. If you have an animal with aggression issues, I would advise you to start with your veterinarian to make sure there is not a medical cause for it, then seek the advice of an animal behaviorist who can give you a better idea of what you are dealing with. They may recommend training, intense behavior modification, or even have you consider re-homing the animal to an environment that is better able to handle the behavior. At some point you may have to consider if euthanasia is the right decision.

I do not have all the answers and I wish I could end this story in a happy way. Today, there was an unfortunate outcome. I can only hope that this family can find peace in the fact that they made the right decision for them, and that this dog is now in a place where it will not hurt anyone else, or be hurt by anyone else. It is hard for children to understand these things, and I can still hear those kids crying in my head and my heart is breaking for them all over again.

Back to the Blog!

2008-10-06T21:41:31Z

I'm baaack!

I have been away far too long. I was busy getting ready for Wag Fest, then recovering from Wag Fest, then catching up from all the work that did not get done because of Wag Fest. So, I apologize for my long absence.

I want to congratulate Team Raman for their second consecutive win in Wag Fest fundraising! This is not only testament to their winning personalities, but also their dedication to the animals at the shelter. They are excellent supporters, generous donors, and two people that I consider dear friends. Thanks again to all the Wag Fest fundraisers, because without them, we would not be as successful in fundraising at Wag Fest!

The shelter has been busy and very active and we are trying our best to weather the storm created by the flailing economy. We have the double whammy of receiving less financial help from the community, and the added work of the many surrenders from people who are truly suffering financially by losing a home or job during this mess. I am praying that this is as bad as it can get but when you turn on the news the talking heads keep saying it is going to get worse before it gets any better. That does not bode well for a lot of companion animals out there who may lose a family.

On the bright side, we have some wonderful animals on the adoption floor right now. Darby is the best dog ever, and I wonder how she ever ended up here. She is a beautiful mixed breed dog with the best temperament. We have had some puppies, and some great cats and kittens come available as well. What we need now is to find them some forever homes.

Startling fact of the day: If every single person in America adopted one dog or cat today there would still be thousands of animals without a home. Can you imagine how many animals there must be waiting for a new home?

Please adopt your next companion animal! I never get tired of saying it, and I mean it!

Is Your Dog a Dingo?

2008-09-18T23:17:04Z

We had a visit from a dog that was adopted here a few months ago that we had named Dingo - because he looked like a dingo. His new family got one of those new DNA tests. The test costs about $65 and it told us that he was part German Shepherd, Pekingese, Cairn Terrier and Alaskan Malamute. A true Heinz 57. You would have never thought any of those breeds were in this dog, but we were fascinated by the results of the test.

When people come into the shelter, they often expect dogs to be a mix of two purebreds. Most often there are many mixes in there and there is no way to know for sure what mix the dogs are. Sometimes a puppy will look like one breed and when they grow up they look totally different. We can make estimates of how big a dog will get, but there are never any guarantees. I have met a lot of people over the years who thought they were adopting a small dog and wound up with a dog you could saddle if you wanted.

There are a lot of dogs I would love to test to see what they are mixes of, but I guess at the end of the day, my biggest concern is finding them a loving forever home.

I hope to see you all out this Saturday at our Wag Fest on Saturday at Fox Brook Park in Brookfield. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we hope that we have a great turnout this year. The event starts at 10am and you do not have to pre-register. Come on down and have a great time with EBHS - and your family, and even your dog (or cat - there was a cat on a leash there last year!).

So You Want to Live With a Puppy...

2008-09-16T15:24:41Z

Ah, puppies. They are so cute, playful, and make just about everyone smile when you see them. Unless you live with them. Oh sure, there are a few people out there who will tell you that the minute they got their 5 week old puppy home it was housebroken, and slept through the night, and never chewed on anything other than a rawhide. But I live and work in the trenches, and I will tell you that most people that work in animal welfare will tell you that they would take in a 10 year old dog than a 10 week old puppy.

Yesterday, we had a family who adopted a puppy last week come in wanting to return the puppy. The reason? It was being a puppy. This was their first dog. They let the puppy have free roam of the house and it was going potty wherever it wanted to, chasing their cats, and wreaking general havoc. This must have been the happiest puppy in all of Wisconsin last weekend!

We do go over crate-training with potential adopters, but you often meet resistance as people often do not realize what crate training is all about. Most of us grew up with paper training a puppy, in fact, I never even saw a crate in a home until I was in college. Crates were only for travel back in those days. Additionally, I think when most people are falling in love with an animal here at the shelter, they really do not hear anything we are saying as they are just so enamored with this new little family member. Especially puppies.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Puppies are not for everyone. In fact, I have one, and it is really hard work, even for someone who sort of knows what they are doing. You are essentially bringing a baby animal into your home. Not a small dog. My dear friend, and dog trainer, Carol Sumbry often asks people "When were you housebroken? Two or three years old?" Yet, we expect our 3 month old puppies to come home and ask to be let out when they get the urge. They are babies, and need us to teach them everything! Most dogs are not trustworthy in the housebreaking department until they are at least 6 months old, and for some dogs in can take a year! I still remember excitedly calling my husband at his office when our 8 month old black lab puppy, Murphy, finally urinated outside when he was supposed to. I was relating this story to my husband when I looked down to see Murphy pooping on the floor just one foot away from me.

When you bring a puppy home, you should expect the first year of this animal's life to be all about learning where it is acceptable to go potty, where it is acceptable to sit, sleep, and what kind of manners it is expected to have inside and outside of your home. I know it sounds like a lot of work. It is a lot of work. More work than you expect. But, it is worth it in the long run. The reason many people get a puppy in the first place is for the companionship this dog will provide as an adult. You expect a lot of out a little baby animal. Your puppy expects a lot from you, too. Go into bringing a dog into your life with your eyes wide open. If this work is not for you, go for an adult dog. There is often a shorter learning curve, and you can get your instant best friend a lot sooner than you ever thought possible.

Fans of felines are in no easier boat when it comes to deciding on a kitten or cat. Sure, the potty training often takes care of itself, but kittens are capable of gravity defying feats that an adult cat could never pull off due to their size and weight. Our last kitten foster walked up our pant legs (sometimes even our bare legs), climbed houseplants, climbed wooden paneled walls, chewed every cord it could get its mouth on and was a complete maniac in the house. Adult cats can be playful, and even "wild", but kittens seem to have only 2 speeds. Sleeping, and the activity level of a cat on 3 pots of espresso.

Think long and hard before deciding to bring any animal into your life, and about the sacrifices you are willing to make to ensure this animal gets the care and training needed to be a lifelong companion - not a mistake that you will feel guilty about returning to a shelter after a week.

For the little puppy that was returned, we gave her family some new training tips, a crate, and educated them on what life with a little puppy was really like. They took her home again, more confident that they can give her the home she needs. Hopefully in the end, they will be able to make it work. The puppy has really bonded to them, and they really love the puppy.

Happy endings are our specialty, and I am crossing my fingers for just one more for this family.

Night of the Living Chupracabas

2008-09-10T21:22:52Z

Chupracabras?

When I first heard the word, I could not understand what the staff was talking about. Why do kittens have Chupracabas under their skin? I had recently watched a very lengthy documentary on the National Geographic Channel about Chupacabras - who are according to eyewitnesses supposed to be small little devil animals that kill small animals by sucking out their blood. Despite the teasers for the show, there were no real Chupracabas found and I was disappointed after an hour of being promised evidence of their existence.

My staff was, in fact, referring to something equally as disgusting - Cuterebras. These creepy little fly larvae attach themselves to animals, entering into the host via nose or mouth who then migrate to specific areas in the host's body. Apparently, they usually flock to the head and neck areas of kittens and other animals where they make a breathing hole under the skin and grow into large larvae that can kill the host by causing internal damage and infection.

Cuterebras need to be carefully removed in one piece or they can cause infection and death. After removal, the animal often goes on antibiotics, to prevent infection and illness. Obviously, going to a vet to have this done is a must. The staff showed me a Cuterebra in formaldehyde and it was an inch long and brown and I got the willies thinking about one of those suckers climbing around under my skin.

How disgusting is that? If there is no other reason to keep your cat indoors, preventing them from getting Cuterebras is a pretty darn good one!

Small parasites totally creep me out. Humans have to be just as vigilant in our fight to keep internal parasites out of our bodies as our beloved companions do. In the south, I was always told not to stand in pine needles because the chiggers would get me. When I traveled to NY recently, I was in a cab that had a story that bed bugs were becoming more common in hotel rooms around the world and I was so happy that I was staying with relatives. In the Northeast, it is the dreaded deer tick and Lyme disease. My step-dad and sister both have Lyme disease the contracted in Connecticut.

Our dogs and cats are so lucky that they have Frontline, and Revolution to keep icky bugs away. Our own skin seems so flimsy a defense from these bugs that would like to call us home.

I suppose the moral of today's story is that you should keep your cats in, your dogs on a leash near wooded areas where these flies lay their eggs near the burrows of small rodents and animals, and that no matter how many precautions you take Mother Nature can always take it up a notch on the creepy factor and make you wish you never left your house.

I guess the bright side is that there are no Chupracabas in Wisconsin, because I am sure my Humane Officer and staff would probably not want to have to pick up a stray or injured devil animal who wanted to suck blood in the middle of the night. Not to mention the trouble we would have trying to find a vet to treat it.

Falling in Love During Fall

2008-09-09T22:24:10Z

The shelter has been pretty quiet lately. We have had some adoptions, and fortunately, many cats were adopted during our cat and kitten adoption promotion. Fall is already creeping up on us, it seems. While some people can feel depressed at the end of the summer, I could not be happier.

Fall is a very exciting time for Elmbrook Humane Society. We have our Wag Fest coming up on the 20th. That is a great day, where we get to see many of our former residents, current friends, and meet new people. Aside from that, it is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so we have to hope for a large turnout, and great weather.

This is my favorite time of year in Wisconsin. We do not have a spring most of the time, it seems to go from snow to hot rather quickly in the beginning of the year. The only real sign of spring to me, and I am sure many other dog owners, is the disappearance of the permafrost at the dog park and the arrival of the mud.

Fall weather keeps me out with my dogs after work late into the evening. It is just the right temperature for long walks and meeting neighbors and other dog walkers. The best is when it gets dark earlier, and you can smell wood burning in fireplaces as you walk along. Soon we will see pumpkins, and dried corn, and other fun fall decor.

This is a great time of year to adopt a new friend. A new dog will get you out and about in the best weather of the season. You will be surprised at how many people will run up and say hello if you have a dog on a leash. A canine companion brings out the friendliest nature in people. If you walk by alone, people wonder if you are up to no good. If you have a dog, it seems to say "I must be alright if this dog likes me".

This is also a great time to adopt a cat. This way you can get to know each other during the early football games, and by the time the cold weather sets in, your furry little lap warmer will know just the right position in your lap for you both to keep cozy. Watching the fall light and shadows creep around your house will keep any cat busy all day.

Do not put off until Christmas what you can do today, get yourself that new companion that you have been promising yourself NOW. You will miss the best bonding time of the year if you don't!

Join EBHS at Stir Crazy on September 19th! Half Price Dinner Fundraiser!

2008-09-03T23:13:02Z

The only thing I love more than animals is food (much to my husband's dismay). Fortune has smiled upon me and Elmbrook Humane Society in the form of a fundraiser at the brand new restaurant Stir Crazy, which is opening at Brookfield Square later this month. They are having 4 trial runs for their wait-staff, and EBHS was selected to be a recipient of their Friday night trial run. We are going to fill up the restaurant for them on Friday night between 6 and 8:45pm to raise money for the shelter.

The best part is that the food is 1/2 price! I can order twice as much! Follow the link here to make your reservation. I will be dining with Carol and two friends that night, and I hope to see everyone there!

I moved my office today from my old office to the one up front behind the front desk. I never realized how many dust bunnies I had in my old office. My mother would be appalled. My puppy Rocco christened it right away. What a champ!

Adoptions have slowed down at the shelter this week with people coming back from vacations and getting used to the new school schedule. Bailey, our wonderful Basset Hound, who had been here for a little while was adopted, and as soon as he left another potential adopter came right in looking for him. Go figure!

We have been adopting out quite a few cats and kittens thanks to our special adoption prices. I am so happy to see so many of the adults being adopted. Trust me, adult animals are the best to adopt. They usually transition into new homes and families so easily, and we hear this from adopters all the time. I would almost rather get minor dental surgery than housebreak a puppy.

The shelter has never looked better (except for my old office which I promise will be cleaned tomorrow). If you have not been in for a visit in a while, I invite you to come in and say hello and take a tour. I love to show off how great our shelter is. Our garden in the front is still blooming, we have added new kennels in the backyard so the dogs can spend more time outdoors, and the building and grounds have never looked better thanks to the staff and volunteers.

I meant to follow up on a previous story, about the overweight cat from New Jersey that was adopted by a family. Apparently, the family is angry with the shelter because the cat only weighs 22 pounds now instead of 44 pounds and they feel duped and might return the cat. To be fair, there is also another another issue with adoption paperwork that is slow in being completed. But to return a cat because he is not 44 pounds? That just adds another level of crazy to the whole story.

After my night of eating at Stir Crazy, I might have to check myself in at that shelter for a month to lose some weight. I would love to lose 22 pounds in a month!

New Leader of the EBHS Pack!

2008-09-02T20:59:27Z

Today is my favorite day of the year! It is otherwise known as the first day of school for Elmbrook School District, and my two girls are now back in school. Summer never seemed so long when I was a kid, but as an adult with kids, I know I am not alone in my happiness that it is finally over!

Summer is now over, and I am about to begin a new chapter in my life, and my tenure here at Elmbrook Humane Society.

I have been officially named the Executive Director of Elmbrook Humane Society. I have been unofficially toiling in that capacity for the past few months, and when my Board of Directors went to start searching for a new Executive Director they decided that they had a perfectly good one right here at the shelter already.

I have some mixed emotions about this appointment. I have made a career of being a #2 person. I liked to think that the #2 person slept better at night, but that was never the case here at EBHS. I worried, thought about, worked for, and lived for this shelter 24/7 no matter what my role was. I am ever hopeful that the next year will bring us success both in our mission of finding the best homes for wonderful animals, and the financial success that will ensure that we live on as an organization.

I really believe in EBHS. I believe that we are a different type of animal shelter.

We are a place where potential adopters get hands on help in making the right match for their family. We are not a Wal-Mart type of animal shelter with a lot of animals we want to get out the door that day. I like to think of us as a Tiffany & Co. type shelter. A small boutique with a great selection of family companions, that offers the animals and the adopters the time, the care, and the attention they deserve in making this most important and life altering decision.

We are a place where volunteers have a voice, and the freedom to work with the animals in a way that enriches their life and the lives of the creatures we care for. Our volunteers provide us with so much, and I think that we take our responsibility to our "unpaid staff" very seriously. They give us ideas, resources, knowledge, and love that we could not provide with our small staff alone. Every day I am awed by the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers here, and I am both proud, and humbled by the level of commitment I am surrounded by.

We are also a place where donors are more than just a name on a wall. I go lots of places, like zoos, or hospitals, where you see a bunch of names on a wall and you are left to wonder who these people are, and why they donated to this place. At Elmbrook Humane Society, every single day I either speak to on the phone to or I see one of our donors here, either volunteering, stopping in to say hello with an animal that they adopted, or coming in to show a friend or family member their special room or the sign commemorating the sponsorship they provided to us.

These reasons are why I know that EBHS is more than just a building with animals in it. It is a place with heart, thanks to our volunteers and donors, and soul, thanks to our staff and Board of Directors. I am so proud to be a part of EBHS, and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have been given to help lead us into the future.

I would like to thank the staff here at EBHS, most of all Carol Sumbry, who is truly my better half while at work. Also, Julia, Sue, Dawn, Marge, Crystal, Cassie, Paula, Kathy, Kara, Jerusha, Jeanette, and Darlene. They are a better team than I deserve, and they make me look good. I would never have even considered taking this position without knowing you all have my back!

I would like to thank all of the volunteers, especially Valerie, Clarice, Christine, Anil, Robin, Meggie, George, Dotty, Janet, Kathy, Colleen, Karen P., Karen S., Patti, Jill, Judy, Laura, and many others who I do not have time to thank here. I also want to give a special shout out Cheryl Robbins (who is no longer here but missed every day). These volunteers have so much energy, drive, and passion, and my day is all the brighter from a visit to my office or email from any of them.

I would like to thank the Board of Directors, especially Barb Baron, our President, Pam Rische, our Vice President, and JR Rickinger, member at large. Without their support and cheerleading, I would not have gotten through the summer. The rest of our Board is also very committed to the shelter, and I am thankful for their vote of confidence in me.

Now, to stop sounding like I just won an Academy Award, I want to remind you all that we have plenty of Waggin' Wheels car raffle tickets left, we still need your vote on the WISN A-list, Wag Fest is coming up on September 20, and the shelter is in need of toilet paper and canned dog and cat food!

Now I sound more like myself!

Skinny Cats Need Homes, Too!

2008-08-19T21:50:00Z

Recently, a cat made national news (on CNN to Regis and Kelly) from a local shelter in the state of New Jersey. I think everyone heard about this cat, not because it was a stray, but, because it weighed in at 44 pounds. Which, for a cat, is a lot. My dog is only 30 pounds. The suitcase I brought on my flight home was under 44 pounds.

What really amazed me about this situation was not that this cat was grossly overweight (so much so that they initially thought it was a female because the fat covered his naughty bits), not that he was 10 years old, and certainly not his average markings or personality, but that over 500 people applied to adopt this cat. Even people from England had contacted this shelter to adopt the cat. I could not get over it. Five-hundred people. 5-0-0 people. For one cat! Who is 10 years old, and in serious need of a diet! People can be pretty grumpy on a diet, I imagine a cat on a diet is no picnic to live with.

I have a shelter full of cats and kittens, who are all unique and special individuals. Some with amazing markings. Some with fun personalities. Some young, some old. Some were even brought here as strays and victims of the economy (like Mr. 44 pounds). Yet, they linger here for months at a time waiting for a new home.

Sadly, the part of the story that did not make the news is that not one of the 500 people that applied to adopt this cat offered to take home one of the more than 200 other cats and kittens that were housed in this very same shelter at the time. The shelter said that they had to euthanize about 1/3 of the approximately 1000 cats they take in every year.

Since we are located in Wisconsin, I cannot get our cats booked onto Live with Regis and Kelly. I thought about creating a fat suit, or making a cardboard cutout of the fat cat and having their photos taken to look like they were enormous so that people might be interested in them. I do not know what I can do to make our cats more appealing to adopters. In fact, our cats are pretty darn appealing all on their own!

My time here at the shelter has taught me that people find cats pretty easy to part with. Certainly we see all kinds of animals surrendered here for many reasons, but cats really seem to be the ones people can walk in and say "He is 12 years old, and a wonderful cat, but I would like to travel now, so you should find him a nice home" or "Yes, they are 10 and 11 years old, but I am pregnant now, so I should not have a cat anymore". When we ask for a donation at the time of the animal being surrendered we get people that will respond "I will let him out on the side of the road before I give you money to take him. You are just going to make money on his adoption, so why should I give you anything?".

We have so many cats and kittens at the shelter at the moment, we have cut our adoption fees in half to help get them adopted. They are no less valuable to us. It is just that we want people to be able to use the money they save on making sure their new best friend gets the best food, and necessities to get them started on the right paw in their new family.

Even though our cats were not on TV, and none of them are grossly overweight, they are all celebrities to the staff and volunteers here. More than anything else, we want them to find great families that will always love them and give them a home forever - not just when it is convenient, or when it provides 15 minutes of fame.

A Happy Ending, or a Miracle? My Wish Came True!

2008-08-12T22:33:25Z

Your prayers and kind wishes must have helped because the puppy that I wrote about yesterday has made a miraculous recovery. She was bright eyed this morning, had eaten and taken water on her own during the night, and was wagging her tail like crazy. When I went to check on her this afternoon she had eaten all the food I left for her in her crate and wanted a bunch more. She seems like she will make a complete recovery. A happy ending! Thank you for all of your well wishes! Now she just has to get over her upper respiratory infection and she will be able to be made available for adoption.

Now, I am going to wish for some more happy endings, like tons of people coming to our event this Thursday night! If you are free, you have to come to our Giggles Fundraiser this Thursday night. Giggles Comedy Pub in the Sendik's Towne Center is hosting a fundraiser for us, doors open at 5:30 and the show starts at 7pm. I will be at the door greeting our guests. Tickets will be available at the door! We are going to have a great time!

Also, I need you to vote for us for the WISN A-List. It is not as simple as just clicking a button, but it is a really easy registration process. I get turned off immediately if there is a bunch of blanks to fill in to do something, but it was easy to do. You get an email to confirm that you are a real person, and then you click the link and you are done. We have been working really hard to get the word out about how great EBHS is, and this is just another way to have more people recognize our name and help support our beloved shelter. Here is the link to vote:

http://wisn.cityvoter.com/contests/a-list-on-wisn-com/1858/pets/animal-shelters

If we win, we will have a big party at the shelter to celebrate.

Some more great news is that we are welcoming the kids from Lad Lake back to the shelter. Lad Lake is a great organization out in Dousman that provides positive learning experiences for at-risk young men in our area. We have had some wonderful experiences with these kids and are looking forward to working with them again. They will be back on August 26 when school starts for them. The kids help us with cleaning in the morning and then work with the animals who need training and socialization. It is a win-win for all of us. It will be nice to have some more men around the shelter, as for some reason, most of our staff and volunteers are women.

This has been a great day! Thanks again for all of your wishes! I will post a picture of Minnie, the Parvo puppy as soon as I can!

Parvo Puppy vs. Pragmatism

2008-08-11T22:35:08Z

On Friday, I did something very few shelter or rescue people would do. I took home a puppy with Parvo.

Parvo is a deadly disease that mainly affects puppies, but is deadly to all dogs without a vaccination. This little dog was transferred in from another shelter. She is about 9 weeks old. Some kind of golden colored mixed breed. We sent her into foster care when she seemed to have an upper respiratory infection. The next day she started vomiting and we knew even before the test came back positive what it was going to tell us.

Many puppies, if treated early enough, can recover from Parvo. She is so little, so weak, so emaciated. She was that way when we got her, but she is now just a whisper of a dog.

I am usually very pragmatic in situations like this. Irish people are genetically pragmatic, it is in our DNA. To quote one of my fellow Irish-Americans, the late Tip O'Neill, "To be Irish is to know that, in the end, the world will break your heart". Maybe that is how I am able to work in a shelter and not cry myself to sleep every single night. Because the world is supposed to be this way. Bad things happen to good people and innocent animals all the time, for no good reason.

Many shelters would not have given her a chance. It is dangerous to have a dog with Parvo in a shelter. Maybe she should have been euthanized when we found out how bad it really was. I do understand what other shelters would do in this situation, and why it should be done. But I could not do it. She seemed like she wanted to fight. So I figured that I should let her.

I took her home and have set up a makeshift hospice where she could be isolated from my dogs and family to minimize the risk of her infecting other dogs and the environment. I have been administering subcutaneous fluids, as an IV was unable to be inserted due to her weak condition and collapsing veins. I have been keeping her warm, clean and dry. I have been giving her nutritional supplements. I have been trying to keep her spirits up. Every time I think she is done for, she seems to read my mind and gather up all of her strength to get up and walk around so I can see she is not ready to go, yet.

Somewhere along the line I became a person who cannot bear a sad ending. I am not sure when this started, but I will not read a book or watch a movie anymore unless I can be certain of a happy ending. After living a pessimistic life where not only was my glass half-empty, but the liquid left in it was arsenic, I have turned into a believer.

I am the person who watches the wildlife shows on TV who roots for the wildebeest crossing the river with the crocodiles waiting nearby. I shout encouragement to the baby seals in South Africa, as they dodge the teeth of the Killer Whales. I know all about the circle of life, I saw The Lion King. But, while in my world, the zebra escapes to run another day from the pride of lions who are now happily munching on a dead animal they took from the hyenas off camera. I root for the underdogs. I root for the lowly and meek. Heck, I even root for the Mets.

I believe that this little puppy will somehow make it, and pull through this disease. Despite her weak condition. Despite her bad odds. Despite everything. I have done all I can do for her. It is up to her now. She has to be strong. She has to accept my medications, and needle pricks. She has to want to live as badly as I want her to.

I am praying for one more happy ending tonight.

Everything Looks Better Through the Eyes of a Child

2008-08-06T21:49:05Z

The other day I wandered out into the reception area and was greeted by a young lady, about 9 years old, armed with a notebook and a pencil. She told me she had a couple of questions for me. I thought maybe she was a young, budding reporter or journalist, and I was not going to take any chances on a bad press story in a school newspaper so I immediately sat down and prepared myself to be grilled.

See, I have met the budding Tim Russerts and Barbara Walters from our community before. Unlike a seasoned reporter, who will try and gently gain your confidence and get you to spill your information about a certain topic, these youngsters immediately ask the tough questions about euthanasia, declawing, and adoption policies without giving you a nice warm up question first.

Fortunately for me, this young lady had only one question for me "How old do I have to be to volunteer?" I get this question a lot, too. Most elementary school kids, especially the girls, would love to spend every hour of the day here. The catch is that if you are between 10 and 15, you must volunteer with a parent. Now, I work at the shelter, so it is easy for me to have my kids involved here. But most parents work a 40 hour work week and do not get excited at the thought of coming in after work or on weekends to clean, do laundry, or socialize animals.

Since this young lady was not old enough to volunteer, I did give her an application to hold on to for her birthday, and asked if she would like a tour of the shelter. Not just the viewing areas, the whole building. She was excited so we went to find her mom and sister to get permission and to invite them along. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy giving tours to kids that are really interested in the shelter.

I took them first to the laundry room which before looked like a regular old laundry room, but through the eyes of these two young ladies it became this exciting hub of domestic activity. Then we went and saw where we house the stray animals, and the animals that will be coming up on to the adoption floor in a few days. They were full of questions about where the animals came from, how they are taken care of, and were excited to see so many animals that they could have never guessed were even in the building.

On to the surgery room and recovery area which in reality is nothing like the really cool operating rooms on Animal Planet, but showing the space to these two kids, it suddenly seemed like it. They were fascinated and interested and asked more questions than most adult visitors to the room. I took them to our outside kennel areas, and they were really impressed with how much time the animals got to spend outside, and loved that they all had their own pool to hang out in.

I had a great time with my new friends, Rae and Anna, and even though I was totally swamped when I ran into them, I genuinely enjoyed every minute I spent with them and was thankful for the respite. Seeing the shelter through the eyes of a visitor is always interesting, but seeing the shelter through their eyes proved to be much more exciting. My place of "work" suddenly became the coolest place in Brookfield, and I was all the more proud to be here.

I was in a meeting the next day when they stopped in, though I would have gladly stepped out for a second to say hello. Instead, I was greeted by two beautiful pictures drawn by them with really nice notes on the back. I hung them on my office door as a reminder of the fun I had that day, and a reminder of how cool the shelter really is for the people we serve.