beingstray.com

It wasn’t canine cancer after all!

isak — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:41:33 +0000

I have waited a few months to share this story just to “be sure.” No sense jinxing myself, right? Or Bosco, either.

A few months ago, Bosco stopped eating and started losing weight. The first day, he stopped eating, I made a note of it in my head, but considered that sometimes that’s just the way they feel. However, this behavior continued and he began to lose weight to the point that I decided to force feed him baby food (Gerber’s #2 chicken: contains no onions; only chicken to which I added some B-complex plus iron — NutriVed). If anything, he seemed constipated. I wormed him to rule that out.

He seemed to feel okay, was drinking water and showed not signs of what was causing the problem, but he was still losing weight. And weakening. He didn’t have his usual energy.

I called two vet clinics that I use to see who could fit him in the soonest. One clinic said to drop him off and they would fit him in between other visits. So I did. I picked him up in the afternoon and spoke with a vet tech. She said they did not know what the matter was: he didn’t have worms, his blood work looked good and he wasn’t anemic. A couple hours later, the vet who attended to him called. He repeated what the vet tech had said, but added that it might be cancer. He wanted to run more tests. I asked why he felt this if his blood work was good. He didn’t have a persuasive answer, but recommended more testing. At this point, I was already in it for $270 and we seemed to be working off guesses.

The next morning the head vet of the clinic called and pretty much gave me the same opinion. Yet my gut was still holding back. It just didn’t seem right that Bosco might have cancer.

I have been through cancer with three of my pets. Each case was different, so I can’t say I have a definite idea what cancer looks like. Aside from the weight loss, something inside me held that this was not cancer. It’s really hard to hold with your gut when people so much more knowledgeable think something so different. But I needed a bit more time to get my head around things.

One last idea came to me before going back for more tests: canned pumpkin. Despite the food going into Bosco via my force feeding him, there was no poop coming out. It certainly seems that if food was going in and not coming out that he would be showing a fat belly. But this was not the case. He was becoming a skeleton. I tried to remain objective and not give in to the terrible suggestion from the two vets, but time was certainly of the essence. I added canned pumpkin (plain, no spices) to the baby food and vitamins I was giving to him via a syringe. Pumpkin is supposed to help with both constipation and diarrhea. Go figure, right? But I have seen this work several times.

The next day, Bosco went outside and pooped. A big poop! At first, it seemed to be stuck, so with a paper towel, I gently pulled it out. It smelled terrible. Of course. It had been stuck inside him for several days just putrefying! When we went out a few hours later, he again pooped, but more easily. And that evening, he ate dinner on his own for the first time in days. He was ravenous. And I was elated!

The next morning, I had no idea what to expect. Was his appetite the night before a one-time thing or would he again eat on his own? He ate on his own! I started feeding him several small meals a day for the first few days, then backed him into his old schedule of twice a day.

It’s been a few months now and my old Bosco is back to being himself. I have stopped treating him like he is about to die, but I do keep an eye on him.

The lesson I learned from this is that I know my pets better than my vets. I brought Bosco in with a problem and explained everything I had observed and done and even offered my thoughts. Vets have science on their side: blood tests, fecal tests, physical exams, etc. But they are not perfect. As guardians to our pets, we have the advantage of daily interaction with them. We simply know them better.

In this situation, I was very lucky. A $ .79 can of pumpkin was the answer. Too bad I did not try the pumpkin before I spent $270, but I am grateful I did not need to go for the additional testing. Who knows where that would have led us and how long it would have taken to notice he was backed up. I do not even think about the “what ifs” because they did not happen.

THIS time, I was lucky. And my gut was right. So make sure you ask your vet a lot of questions. If you are in doubt and a can of pumpkin is not going to be your panacea, get a second opinion from someone else, maybe even a different clinic.

SCAM! Registered Paint in Florida is Looking for a New Home

isak — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:27:51 +0000

UPDATE: This has been determined to be a SCAM! This horse is NOT owned by “David Brian” and is NOT for sale. Apparently the idea is to get you to pay for transport of this horse. You will never get the horse and you will never see your money again! This scam has appeared in various parts of the US – including a Craigslist ad in Montana. THIS IS A SCAM! If you see it, report it to the FTC.

We received an email from David Brian who is moving from Florida to DC for a job and he is unable to take his horse — a registered Paint named Hustler — due to his housing situation in DC. He is willing to let his horse go for free to someone who can provide Hustler with a good home and show him love and care. In exchange, the new owner will pay transport costs. David must be in DC by the end of next week.

Here’s more about Hustler, the registered Paint –

Hustler is approximately 3 1/2 years old.
A registered Paint (see certificate below).
Stands at 15 hands tall.
Up-to-date on vaccinations, worming and trimming.
Good with farrier.
Loads easily in trailer and trailers well. Rode home with us for over 9 hours.
Has had 2 years extensive ground work (knows verbal commands in round pen) and then was broke to ride at the end of last year and first of this year.
Has since been ridden a few times and has done well.
Knows his queues, just needs time under saddle.
Has every necessary document to enable him travel.

Here is a copy of his registration. Click the image to see a larger version.

Whoever adopts him will be responsible for whatever fee is incurred to ship Hustler (approx. $850-$1000).

If you are interested in learning more about Hustler, please text David at (727) 238-5413 or email David.

And please share this story with everyone you know so we can find Hustler a wonderful new home!

Financial Help for Vet Bills

isak — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 02:11:43 +0000

Sometimes those trips to the vets cost a lot more than we expected, but they are very important to the well-being of our pets. Here’s a list of sources for financial help for vet bills from Cornell University.

The Big Hearts Fund (financial assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline heart disease): bigheartsfund.org
The Binky Foundation: binkyfoundation.org
Brown Dog Foundation (prescription medications): browndogfoundation.org
Canine Cancer Awareness: caninecancerawareness.org
Cats In Crisis: catsincrisis.org
God’s Creatures Ministry Veterinary Charity: www.all-creatures.org
IMOM.org: IMOM.org
Magic Bullet Fund (cancer-specific): themagicbulletfund.org
The Mosby Fund: themosbyfoundation.org
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation: onyxandbreezy.org
Paws 4 A Cure: paws4acure.org
Pet Food Bank: www.petco.com
The Pet Fund: thepetfund.com
Pets of the Homeless (pet food and veterinary care assistance for homeless): www.petsofthehomeless.org
RedRover Relief: redrover.org
Rose’s Fund: rosesfund.org
Shakespeare Animal Fund: www.shakespeareanimalfund.org
Top Dog Foundation “Bentley Grant”: topdogfoundation.org

Assistance by state

AL | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY | Puerto Rico | Canada

Alabama

Alabama Animal Adoption Society: Homewood (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/shelters/AL28

Alabama Animal Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic: Montgomery (spay/neuter assistance)
www.alabamaspayneuter.com

The Animal Friends Humane Society: Decantur (pet food/Litter, spay/neuter assistance)
www.animalfriendsinc.org

Alabama Veterinary Medical Association: Statewide (veterinary care assistance)
www.alvma.com

American Veterinary Medical Foundation: multiple locations
www.avmf.org

Friends of Cats and Dogs Foundation: Birmingham (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.fcdf.org

Greater Huntsville Humane Society: Huntsville (pet food)
www.petfinder.com/shelters/AL43

Macon County Humane Society: Tuskegee (spay/neuter assistance)
www.maconcountyhumanesociety.org

Mobile SPCA: Mobile (spay/neuter assistance)
www.mobilespca.org

Shelby Humane Society: Columbiana (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/shelters/AL09

Spay Alabama: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spayalabama.org

Arizona

Animal Guardian Network: Cave Creek (pet food)
www.animalguardiannetwork.org

Lost Our Home Pet Foundation: Scottsdale (pet food, temporary foster program)
www.lostourhome.org

Payson Humane Society: Payson (spay/neuter assistance)
www.paysonhumanesociety.com

Arkansas

All About Labs: Statewide (temporary housing/foster for dogs and cats, not just labs; pet food; spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea/tick treatments).
www.allaboutlabs.org

Bella Vista Animal Shelter: Bella Vista (spay/neuter assistance; contact BVAS for additional services)
www.petfinder.com/shelters/AR27

For Pets’ Sake Best Friends Program: Springdale NW Arkansas (microchipping, Best Friends Senior Program includes pet food, assistance for veterinary care, transportation to veterinarian and groomer, temporary foster program if hospitalized for seniors in Northwest Arkansas)
www.for-pets-sake.org

Fuzzy Hearts Animal Rescue: Van Buren County (spay/neuter & pet food assistance)
501-208-4160
fuzzyheartshome

Humane Society of Saline County: Benton (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.hssaline.org

Northeast Arkansas for Animals (NAFA): Jonesboro (pet food, vaccination assistance)
www.nafacares.org

Out Of The Woods Rescue and Referral: Little Rock (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
ootwrescue.org

California

The ACME Foundation: Clearlake (veterinary care assistance for senior and disabled pet owners)
aacmefoundation.org

Actors and Others for Animals: Greater Los Angeles area (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.actorsandothers.com

Animal Assistance League of Orange County: Orange County (pet food, transportation and veterinary care assistance)
www.aaloc.com

Animal Health Foundation: Los Angeles and Orange Counties (veterinary care assistance)
animalhealthfoundation.net

AnimalSave: Green Valley (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.animalsave.org

Bad Rap: San Francisco (pit bull-specific assistance for finding rental housing and insurance)
www.badrap.org

California Department of Social Services Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program: Statewide (provides monthly stipend to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog)
www.cdss.ca.gov

Cat People: Bakersfield (cat food/litter, spay/neuter assistance, vaccination assistance)
661-327-4706

Cats in Need (of Human Care): Southern California, multiple locations (spay/neuter assistance)
www.catsinneed.com

The Chester Foundation: Sacramento region (veterinary care assistance)
www.chesterfound.org

FixNation: Los Angeles (spay/neuter assistance for cats)
fixnation.org

Friends of Long Beach Animals: Long Beach (spay/neuter assistance)
www.friendsoflongbeachanimals.org

Helen Woodward Animal Center: Santa Fe (pet food)
www.animalcenter.org

Helen Woodward Animal Center Animeals program (free pet food for the dogs and cats of elderly or disabled people throughout San Diego County)
www.animalcenter.org/animeals

Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley: San Bernardino (low-cost spay/neuter)
www.hssbv.org

LA Animal Services: Los Angeles (spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip assistance)
www.laanimalservices.com

Marin Humane Society: Novato (pet care assistance to low-income seniors, persons living with HIV/AIDS and those receiving hospice services; please see website for complete list of services)
www.marinhumanesociety.org

Mercy Crusade’s Spay and Neuter Clinic: Oxnard (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.dogcatfix.com

Mountains’ Humane Society: Lake Arrowhead (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.mountainshumanesociety.com

Napa Humane: Napa (spay/neuter assistance)
www.napahumane.org

Ohlone Humane Society Special Assistance Program: Fremont, Union City and Newark (veterinary care assistance, pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.ohlonehumanesociety.org

Orange County SPCA Animal Rescue Fund: Orange County (assistance for veterinary care including spay/neuter)
www.orangecountyspca.org

Palo Alto Humane Society: Palo Alto (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for emergency veterinary care)
www.paloaltohumane.org

PALS: Pets Are Loving Support (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
sonic.net

Pasadena Humane Society: Pasadena (spay/neuter assistance)
www.phsspca.org

PAWS/LA: Hollywood (pet food and supplies, veterinary medical care assistance, grooming, spay/neuter, veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners, and other services)
www.pawsla.org

PAWS San Francisco (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
pawssf.org

Peninsula CatWorks (veterinary care assistance for cats only)
www.peninsulacatworks.org

Pet Assistance Foundation: Multiple Locations, Southern California (spay/neuter assistance for dogs, cats, and rabbits)
www.orgsites.com

Pet Orphans of Southern California: Van Nuys (veterinary care assistance)
www.petorphans.org

Pets Are Wonderful Support: San Diego (pet food/litter, pet supplies, veterinary assistance, animal transport, temporary foster program, veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
www.pawssdc.org

Placer SPCA SOS Program: Placer County (rental deposits, temporary boarding, pet food and veterinary care assistance)
www.placerspca.org

Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends (RUFF): Laguna Beach (pet food)
www.ruffrescue.org

Riverside County Department of Animal Services: Riverside (spay/neuter assistance)
www.rcdas.org

Sacramento SPCA: Sacramento (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.sspca.org

The Sam Simon Foundation: Los Angeles (free surgery for non-orthopedic procedures; free spay/neuter operations, including vaccinations, flea control, deworming, nail trims, and antibiotics)
www.samsimonfoundation.com

Sammie’s Friends: Grass Valley (veterinary care assistance)
www.sammiesfriends.org

San Francisco SPCA Animal Hospital (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners, spay/neuter assistance)
sfspca.org

Santa Cruz SPCA: Santa Cruz (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.santacruzspca.org

Santa Maria Valley Humane Society: Santa Maria (spay/neuter assistance, microchips, pet food bank)
www.smvhs.org

SEAACA: Downey (veterinary medical care assistance, spay/neuter, vaccination assistance)
www.seaaca.org

Sequoia Humane Society: Eureka (spay/neuter assistance)
sequoiahumane.org

SHARE Marin Humane Society (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
marinhumanesociety.org

Spay Neuter Animal Network (SPAN): Ventura (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spanonline.org

SPCA for Monterey County: Monterey (pet food, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.spcamc.org

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: Walnut Creek (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, emergency veterinary assistance)
www.arf.net

VET SOS: San Francisco (free veterinary care and supplies for pets of the homeless)
www.vetsos.org

Voice for the Animals Foundation: Santa Monica (veterinary care assistance)
www.vftafoundation.org

Colorado

Ark-Valley Humane Society: Buena Vista (pet food)
www.ark-valley.org

The Cartwright Foundation: Denver/Front Range region (veterinary care assistance)
www.gingerslegacy.com

Cat Care Society: Lakewood (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.catcaresociety.org

Colorado State University Companion Care Fund: Fort Collins (veterinary care assistance)
www.cvmbs.colostate.edu

Colorado State University Pets Forever Program: Larimer County (various services for low-income or disabled pet-owners)
csuvth.colostate.edu

Dreampower Animal Rescue: Colorado Springs (temporary foster program)
www.dreampower.org

Every Creature Counts: Fort Lupton (spay/neuter assistance)
www.everycreaturecounts.org

The Feline Fix: Denver (spay/neuter assistance)
www.thefelinefix.org

For Pets’ Sake Humane Society: Cortez (assistance for emergency veterinary care, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.forpetssakehs.org

Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter: Aspen (spay/neuter assistance)
www.dogsaspen.com

Good Samaritan Pet Center: Denver (spay/neuter assistance)
www.goodsamaritanpetcenter.org

Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital: Denver (assistance with veterinary care including spay/neuter)
www.hmah.org

Humane Society of Pagosa Springs: Pagosa Springs (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.humanesocietyofpagosasprings.org

MaxFund: Denver (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, vaccination assistance)
www.maxfund.org

PAWS Colorado: Denver metro area (pet food, cat litter, veterinary care assistance/volunteers to aid low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other debilitating illnesses)
www.pawscolorado.org

Pikes Peak Pet Pantry: Colorado Springs (pet food/litter, pet supplies, pet prescription diet assistance, and grooming assistance)
pikespeakpetpantry.org

SpayToday, Lakewood, CO (low-cost spay/neuter)
spay2day.org

Connecticut

Connecticut Humane Society: Newington (assistance for necessary veterinary medical care including spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.cthumane.org or Connecticut Humane Society Fox Veterinary Clinic (veterinary care assistance)
www.cthumane.org/ About_Fox

The Friends of Windsor Animal Care and Control Inc: Windsor (pet food assistance)
friendsofwindsoranimal.com

Milford Animal Control: Milford (pet food bank)
milfordct.virtualtownhall.net

Stamford Animal Rescue: Statewide (veterinary care grant program, pet food, temporary fostering/emergency shelter and pet hospice care)
www.stamfordanimalrescue.org

Delaware

Delaware Humane Association: Wilmington (pet food/supplies, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.dehumane.org

Faithful Friends, Inc: Wilmington (pet food and supplies, spay/neuter assistance)
www.faithfulfriends.us

Forgotten Cats, Inc: Wilmington (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.forgottencats.org

District of Columbia

Capital Animal Care Mobile Spay/neuter Clinic (pet food, supplies and spay/neuter assistance)
members.petfinder.com/~VA146

PETS-DC (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
petsdc.org

Washington Animal Rescue League (pet food and supplies, discounted veterinary care including spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.warl.org

Washington Humane Society: Washington (spay/neuter assistance)
www.washhumane.org

Florida

Alachua County Humane Society: Gainesville (pet food)
www.alachuahumane.org

American Veterinary Medical Foundation
www.avmf.org

Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT): Tampa (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.actampa.org

Animal Emergency Hospital of St. Johns: St. Augustine (low cost spay/neuter, vaccines, heartworm prevention)
www.animalemergencyofstjohns.com

Bright Paw Pet food Bank: Melbourne (pet food assistance)
321-733-7672

Central Brevard Humane Society: Cocoa (assistance for veterinary care including spay/neuter)
www.crittersavers.com

Collier Spay Neuter Clinic: Southwest Florida (spay/neuter assistance)
www.collierspayneuter.org

Fairy Tail Endings, INC: Sarasota and Manatee Counties (veterinary and pet product assistance)
www.fairytailendings.org

First Coast No More Homeless Pets Inc: Jacksonville (free and low-cost spay/neuter, veterinary care assistance)
www.fcnmhp.org

Frankie’s Friends: Tampa/Clearwater areas (cancer specific – veterinary care assistance)
www.frankiesfriends.com

Humane Society of Broward County: Ft. Lauderdale (low-cost spay/neuter)
humanebroward.com

Humane Society of Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay (pet food, discounted/free vaccinations)
www.humanesocietytampa.org

The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River Co.:Vero Beach (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, limited medical assistance)
772-388-3331

Pasco Animal Welfare Society (PAWS):Port Richey (spay/neuter assistance)
www.pawsfl.com

Pet Project for Pets: Oakland Park (provides pet food and supplies for terminally ill, disabled and senior pet owners)
www.petprojectforpets.org

Spay Shuttle: Palm Beach County (spay/neuter assistance)
www.pbcgov.com

SPCA of Central Florida: Orlando (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program, discounted veterinary care)
www.orlandopets.org

SPCA Suncoast: New Port Richey (pet food)
www.spcasuncoast.org

SPCA Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spcafl.org

SPOT Low Cost Spay/neuter Clinic: Pinellas Park (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.spotusa.org

St. Francis Animal Hospital: Jacksonville (assistance for veterinary care including spay/neuter)
www.saintfrancisanimalhospital.org

Georgia

Carroll County Humane Society’s West Georgia Spay/neuter Clinic: Villa Rica (spay/neuter assistance)
www.westgeorgiaspayneuter.com

Cherokee County Humane Society: Acworth (spay/neuter assistance)
www.cchumanesociety.org

Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia: Statewide (spay/neuter, vaccination, microchipping and pet food assistance)
adoptpetsnow.com

Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen: Lilburn (pet food and supplies, spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com

LifeLine Animal Project: Atlanta (spay/neuter assistance)
www.atlantapets.org

PALS: Pets Are Loving Support (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
palsatlanta.org

PAWS Atlanta: Atlanta (spay/neuter assistance)
pawsatlanta.org

Project CatSnip: Atlanta (spay/neuter assistance)
www.atlantaanimalalliance.com

Spay Georgia: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
spaygeorgia.org

Hawaii Island Humane Society: Kailua-Kona, Kamuela andKeaau (spay/neuter assistance)
www.hihs.org

The Neuter Scooter: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance for cats)
www.neuterscooter.com

Idaho

Humane Society of the Palouse: Moscow (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietyofthepalouse.org

Idaho Humane Society: Boise (pet food)
www.idahohumanesociety.com

Lewis Clark Animal Shelter: Lewiston (spay/neuter and microchip assistance)
www.lcshelter.com

Spay Neuter Idaho Pets (SNIP): Boise (spay/neuter assistance)
www.snipidaho.org

Illinois

Anderson Animal Shelter: South Elgin (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.andersonanimalshelter.org

Animal Care League: Oak Park (assistance for veterinary care including vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter)
www.animalcareleague.org

Animal Protective League: Springfield (spay/neuter assistance)
www.apl-shelter.org

The Animal Welfare League: Chicago Ridge (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.animalwelfareleague.com

The Anti-Cruelty Society: Chicago (assistance with veterinary care including spay/neuter)
www.anticruelty.org

B.C. Dog Training Club: Mundelein (pet food)
www.bcdogtraining.com

Better Pets Clinic: Moline (spay/neuter assistance)
betterpets.home.mchsi.com

Blessed Bonds: Palos Park (temporary foster program)
www.blessedbonds.com

Brown Dog Foundation: Statewide (veterinary care assistance and prescription medications)
www.browndogfoundation.org

Catsnap: Champaign County (spay/neuter assistance)
www.catsnap.org

DuPage County Animal Care and Control: Wheaton (spay/neuter and microchipping assistance)
www.dupageco.org

Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
219-924-7140
hscalumet.org

Humane Society of Central Illinois: Normal (spay/neuter assistance)
www.hscipets.org

Humane Society of Southern Illinois: Carbondale (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietysil.org

National Animal Welfare Society: Mokina (assistance for general veterinary care, including vaccinations and spay/neuter)
www.nawsus.org

Paw Pals: Quincy (assistance for emergency veterinary care, spay/neuter, vaccination, pet food and supplies)
www.quincypawpals.org

PAWS Chicago: Chicago (spay/neuter assistance)
www.pawschicago.org

Quad City Animal Welfare Center: Milan (assistance for general veterinary care, including vaccinations and spay/neuter)
www.qcawc.org

The Quincy Humane Society: Quincy (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.quincyhumanesociety.org

South Suburban Humane Society: Glenwood, Chicago Heights (spay/neuter assistance)
www.sshspets.org

Spay Illinois: Homer Glen (low-cost spay/neuter services)
www.spayillinois.org

Tree House Humane Society: Chicago (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.treehouseanimals.org

Winnebago County Animal Services: Rockford (spay/neuter assistance)
www.wcasrock.org

Indiana

Brown County Humane Society: Nashville (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.bchumane.org

City of Bloomington Animal Shelter: Bloomington (pet food)
bloomington.in.gov

Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
219-924-7140
hscalumet.org

FACE Low-Cost Spay/neuter Clinic: Indianapolis (spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip assistance)
www.facespayneuter.org

Hamilton County Low Cost Clinic: Noblesville (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.lowcostclinic.org

Hope for Pets Food Pantry: Lafayette (pet food)
network.bestfriends.org

Humane Society of Northwest Indiana: Gary (spay/neuter assistance)
www.millercritters.net

Kokomo Humane Society: Kokomo (pet food bank)
www.kokomohumane.org

The Monroe County Humane Association: Bloomington (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care, discount vaccinations and microchips)
www.monroehumane.org

The Neuter Scooter: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance for cats)
www.neuterscooter.com

Partners for Animal Welfare Society Inc.: Greenfield (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/shelters/IN353

Spay Neuter Indiana Pets, Inc.: Greenwood (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spayneuterindianapets.com/id69

Spay Neuter Indiana Pets, Inc: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spayneuterindianapets.com

St. Joseph County Spay/Neuter Assistance Program: Notre Dame (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
sjc-snap.org

Vanderburgh Humane Society: Evansville (pet food)
www.vhslifesaver.org

Iowa

Brown Dog Foundation: Statewide (veterinary care assistance and prescription medications)
www.browndogfoundation.org

Capitol Area Animal Response Team: Shawnee County (temporary boarding, pet food and supplies)
shawneecaart.org

Iowa Humane Alliance/Spay Iowa: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
www.iowahumanealliance.org

The Pet Project Midwest: Des Moines (pet food and supply pantry)
www.thepetprojectmidwest.org

Southwest Iowa Humane Society: Clarinda (spay/neuter assistance)
www.swihs.org

Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter: Oskaloosa (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
smas.mahaska.net

Kansas

Heartland SPCA: Greater Kansas City area (various services for low-income and senior pet owners)
www.heartlandspca.org

Humane Society of Greater Kansas City: Kansas City (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
hsgkc.org

Pet Assistance Network of Topeka: Topeka (temporary foster program)
www.topekapant.org

The Pet Connection: Mission (assistance for necessary veterinary medical care including spay/neuter)
www.thepetconnection.net

Spay/Neuter Kansas Inc.: Wichita (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spayneuterkansas.com

Kentucky

Anderson Humane Society: Lawrenceburg (spay/neuter assistance)
www.andersonhumane.org

Animal Refuge Center: Vine Grove (spay/neuter assistance)
animalrefugecenter.org

Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society: Bowling Green (spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip assistance)
www.petfinder.com/bgwchs

Friends of the Shelter: Middleboro (spay/neuter assistance)
www.shelter-friends.org

Friends of the Shelter (Simpson County Animal Shelter): Franklin (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/KY185

Glasgow Barren Animal Shelter: Glasgow (spay/neuter assistance)
www.glasgowanimalshelter.org

Holly’s Place: Lawrenceburg (spay/neuter assistance)
www.hollys.org

Hope for Pets: Mt. Washington (pet food assistance, assistance with veterinary expenses for senior citizens with senior pets)
www.hopeforpets.org

Humane Society Animal League for Life: Richmond (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietyall.com

Humane Society of Oldham County: LaGrange (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietyoldhamcounty.com

Kentucky Humane Society: Louisville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.kyhumane.org

Mercer Humane Society: Harrodsburg (spay/neuter assistance)
mercerhumane.com

Scott County Humane Society: Georgetown (spay/neuter assistance)
www.sc4paws.org

Louisiana

American Veterinary Medical Foundation
www.avmf.org

Baton Rouge Spay/Neuter (spay/neuter assistance)
brsn.org

Cat Haven:Baton Rouge (spay/neuter assistance: cats only)
cathaven.org

Lafayette Animal Aid: Carencro (spay/neuter assistance)
www.lafayetteanimalaid.org

Louisiana SPCA: New Orleans (spay/neuter assistance)
www.la-spca.org

Spay Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge (spay/neuter assistance)
spaybatonrouge.org

Southern Animal Foundation: New Orleans (low-cost veterinary services)
southernanimalfoundation.org

St. Martin Humane Society: Breaux Bridge (spay/neuter assistance)
www.stmartinhumane.org

Maine

Animal Refuge League: Westbrook (pet food, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.arlgp.org

The Animal Welfare Society: West Kennebunk (spay/neuter assistance)
www.animalwelfaresociety.org

Bar Harbor Food Pantry: Bar Harbor (pet food)
barharborfoodpantry.org

Camp Bow Wow: Portland (pet food)
www.campbowwow.com

Catholic Charities of Maine: Caribou (pet food/litter)
www.ccmaine.org

Greater Androscoggin Humane Society: Lewiston (spay/neuter assistance)
www.gahumane.org

Hardy’s Friends: Gouldsboro/Winter Harbor area (pet food and supplies)
207-963-7444

Houlton Humane Society: Houlton (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.houltonhumanesociety.org

Lincoln County Animal Shelter: Edgecomb (pet food)
www.lcas.me

Maine Low Cost Spay/neuter Program:Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
www.state.me.us

Paws for a Cause: Fairfield (pet food)
Victor Grange at the junction of Routes 104 and 23 in Fairfield Center, 207-465-7906 or 207-249-9441

SPCA of Hancock County: Trenton (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spcahancockcounty.org

Spay Maine (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spaymaine.org

Sullivan Animal Food Eatery: Sullivan (pet food)
1888 Route 1, 207-422-6282

York County Shelter Programs: Alfred (pet food)
www.yorkcountyshelterprograms.org

Maryland

Animal Advocates of Howard County: Ellicott City (spay/neuter assistance)
www.animal-advocates.org

Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County (spay/neuter assistance)
www.awlmc.org

The Animal Welfare Society Of Howard County: Columbia (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.howardcountypets.org

Baltimore Humane Society: Baltimore (veterinary care assistance including spay/neuter)
www.bmorehumane.org

Caroline County Humane Society: Ridgely (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.carolinehumane.org

Frederick County Humane Society: Frederick (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.fchs.org

Humane Society of Charles County: Waldorf (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietycc.org

Montgomery County Humane Society: Rockville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.mchumane.org

Spay Now Inc.: Graysonville (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.spaynow.org

SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George’s County, Inc.: Prince George’s County (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.pgspca.org

Talbot Humane Society: Easton (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.talbothumane.org

Thankful Paws Inc: Bel Air (pet food bank)
www.thankfulpaws.org

Massachusetts

Alliance for Animals: Boston (spay/neuter and veterinary medical care assistance)
www.afaboston.org

Angell Animal Medical Center-Nantucket (veterinary care assistance)
21 Crooked Lane, Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-1491

Angell Animal Medical Center-Western New England (veterinary care assistance)
171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105
413-785-1221

Angell Memorial Animal Hospital-Boston (veterinary care assistance)
350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130
617-522-7282
www.mspca.org

Animal Rescue League of Boston-Alice T. Whitney Helping Hand Fund: Statewide (veterinary assistance for pet owners receiving government assistance)
arlboston.org

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society: Leverett and Greenfield (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program)
www.dpvhs.org

Fairy DogParents: Duxbury (assistance with food, medical needs and general wellness for dogs)
www.fairydogparents.org

Phinney’s Friends; MSPCA (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
mspca.org

The Sampson Fund: Cape Cod (fund to benefit companion animals of Cape Cod and the adjacent Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard)
PO Box 1756, Orleans, MA 02653
sampsonfund.org

Southborough Pet food Pantry: Southborough (pet food)
508-485-2147

Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine: Statewide (veterinary care assistance including spay/neuter)
www.tufts.edu/vet

Michigan

Adopt-A-Pet: Fenton (spay/neuter assistance)
www.adoptapetfenton.com

All About Animals Rescue: Eastpointe (spay/neuter assistance)
www.allaboutanimalsrescue.org

Cascades Humane Society: Jackson (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.cascadeshumanesociety.org

C-SNIP: Kentwood (spay/neuter assistance)
www.csnip.org

Furry Friends Food Pantry: Holland (pet food Thursdays)
616-499-7342 , 616-3995160

Humane Society of Genesee County: Burton (spay/neuter assistance)
www.geneseehumane.org

Humane Society of Huron Valley: Ann Arbor (pet food/litter, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.hshv.org

Humane Society of South Central Michigan: Battle Creek (spay/neuter assistance)
www.hs-scm.org

Kalamazoo Humane Society: Kalamazoo (pet food and spay/neuter assistance)
www.kazoohumane.org

K9 Resque: St. Claire (pet food)
www.k9resque.org

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society: Harbor Springs (spay/neuter assistance)
www.ltbhs.com

Luce County Pet Pals: Newberry (spay/neuter assistance)
www.lucecountypetpals.com

Michigan Humane Society: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance)
www.michiganhumane.org

The Oakland Pet Adoption Center: Auburn Hills (spay/neuter assistance)
www.oakgov.com

Pet Pantry: Western Michigan (pet food and supplies)
www.petpantrymi.org

Stop the Overpopulation of Pets: Weymouth (spay/neuter assistance)
www.thestopclinic.com

Waggin’ Tails Dog Rescue: Northville (pet food)
www.waggintailsdogrescue.org

Minnesota

Camp Companion: Rochester (spay/neuter assistance)
www.campcompanion.org

Kindest Cut: twin cities metro area (low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping)
kindestcutmn.com

Minnesota Spay Neuter Project Inc.: Minneapolis (spay/neuter assistance)
mnspayneuter.org

Northeast Community Lutheran Church: Minneapolis (pet food)
The Pet Project

Northland Spay/Neuter: Duluth (low-cost spay/neuter)
www.northlandspayneuter.org

PetCare of Duluth: Statewide (low-cost clinic offering vaccines, flea/tick prevention, heartworm testing/prevention and microchipping)
www.petcareofduluth.com

Pet Haven: Minneapolis (spay/neuter assistance)
www.pethavenmn.org

Tri-County Humane Society: St. Cloud (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.tricountyhumanesociety.org

Mississippi

American Veterinary Medical Foundation
www.avmf.org

Humane Society of South Mississippi: Gulfport (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, other necessary supplies including training advice)
www.hssm.org

Mississippi Spay andNeuter: Pearl (spay/neuter assistance)
www.msspan.org

Missouri

Animal Protective Association of Missouri: St. Louis (Assistance with vaccinations and routine veterinary care)
www.apamo.org

Central Missouri Humane Society: Columbia (spay/neuter assistance)
www.cmhspets.org

Humane Society of Missouri: St. Louis (assistance with veterinary care including spay/neuter)
www.hsmo.org

Humane Society of Southeast Missouri: Camp Girardeau (spay/neuter assistance)
www.semopets.org

Northland Pet Pantry: Kansas City Metro Area, Platte, and Clay Counties (pet food)
www.northlandpetpantry.com

Operation SPOT: St. Louis (spay/neuter assistance)
www.opspot.org

PAWS Inc.: Raytown (spay/neuter assistance)
www.paws-inc.org

Pound Pals Nooterville: St. Louis (spay/neuter assistance)
www.poundpals.org

St. Charles County Humane Services: Cottleville (spay/neuter and heartworm preventative assistance)
www.scchealth.org

Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP): Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk and Webster Counties (spay/neuter assistance)
www.snap123.org

Spay Neuter Kansas City: Kansas City (pet food and supplies, spay/neuter assistance)
www.snkc.net

Stray Rescue of St. Louis: St. Louis (spay/neuter assistance)
www.strayrescue.org

Montana

Beartooth Humane Alliance: Red Lodge (spay/neuter assistance)
www.beartoothhumane.org

Bitter Root Humane Association: Hamilton (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.bitterroothumane.org

Humane Society of Western Montana: Missoula (pet food)
www.myhswm.org

Kootenai Pets for Life: Troy/Libby (pet food and supplies, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care, spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program)
www.montanapets.org

Rimrock Humane Society: Roundup (spay/neuter assistance)
www.rimrockhumanesociety.org

Nebraska

Cat Spay/neuter Connection: Omaha (spay/neuter assistance)
www.catspayneuter.org

Nevada

Maddie’s Spay-Neuter Project in Nevada: Washoe, Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Churchill and Elko Counties (spay/neuter assistance)
www.maddieinnevada.org

Nevada Humane Society: Reno (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.nevadahumanesociety.org

Shakespeare Animal (veterinary care assistance)
www.shakespeareanimalfund.org

Spay and Neuter Center of Southern Nevada: Las Vegas (spay/neuter and microchip assistance)
www.spayneuterlv.com

New Hampshire

Cocheco Valley Humane Society: Dover (pet food, temporary foster program)
www.cochecovalleyhumanesoc.org

Concord-Merrimack County SPCA: Penacook (pet food, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.concordspca.org

Manchester Animal Shelter: Manchester (pet food)
www.manchesteranimalshelter.org

New Hampshire Humane Society: Laconia (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.nhhumane.org

Upper Valley Humane Society: Enfield (spay/neuter assistance)
www.uvhs.org

New Jersey

A Purrfect World: Bloomfield (temporary foster program)
www.apurrfectworld.org

Animal Alliance: Belle Mead (pet food and supplies, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.animalalliancenj.org

Companion Animal Advocates: Hillsdale (pet food, spay/neuter, and rehoming assistance)
www.companionanimaladvocates.org

Friends of Randolph Animal Pound (All Our Orphans): Randolph (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/allorphans

Humane Society of Atlantic: Atlantic City (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.hsacpet.com

New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance: Statewide (veterinary care assistance)
www.aplnj.org

New Jersey Low Cost Spaying/Neutering Program (statewide)
www.state.nj.us/spayneut

Oakland Animal Hospital: Oakland (pet food)
www.oaklandah.com

One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR): Statewide (pet food bank and spay/neuter assistance)
www.oscaranimalrescue.org

PetPALS of Southern New Jersey (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
www.petfinder.com/NJ151

Prince Chunk Foundation: Statewide (pet food and veterinary care assistance)
www.princechunkfoundation.org

Save U.S. Pets Foundation: Note that a veterinarian must apply on behalf of pet owner (veterinary care assistance)
www.saveuspets.org

New Mexico

ACTion Programs for Animals: Las Cruces (pet food bank)
www.actionprogramsforanimals.org

Animal Humane Association of New Mexico: Albuquerque (spay/neuter, vaccination and other necessary veterinary medical care)
www.ahanm.org

Espanola Valley Humane Society: Espanola (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.evalleyshelter.org

Gallup McKinley County Humane Society (low-cost spay/neuter)
www.petfinder.com/NM64

Santa Fe Animal Shelter: Santa Fe (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.sfhumanesociety.org

New York

ALL 4 PETS: Limited to Western New York (veterinary care assistance)
www.all4petswny.org

The Animal Lovers League: Glen Cove (temporary foster program)
www.animalloversleague.us

Art for Animals Sake: Statewide (veterinary care assistance for senior, homebound or disabled applicants)
www.artforanimals.org

Buffalo Can Pet food Pantry: Buffalo
37 Chandler St, 716-983-0583

Frankie’s Friends: New York City (veterinary care assistance including cancer)
www.frankiesfriends.com

Lollypop Farm, The Humane Society of Greater Rochester: Fairport (pet food for senior citizens, spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care, veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
www.lollypop.org

Rochester Hope for Pets: Rochester (veterinary care assistance)
rochesterhopeforpets.org

NY SAVE Inc. (veterinary care assistance)
nysave.org

Operation Pets: The Spay/neuter Clinic of Western New York (low-cost spay/neuter)
www.operationpets.org

Pets for Life New York City (formerly the Safety Net Program): Provides free and low cost services to those in need as an alternative to giving up their pets or stray animals they have found to the city shelter. Free and reduced-cost behavior training, reduced-cost veterinary care (including spay/neuter), reduced-cost boarding of pets, and more.
Hotline: 917-468-2938
www.humanesociety.org/pets_for_life_nyc

The Shamrock Animal Fund: Syracuse/Central New York (veterinary care assistance).
www.shamrockanimalfund.com

North Carolina

Animal Compassion Network: Skyland (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.animalcompassionnetwork.org

AnimalKind: Raleigh (spay/neuter assistance)
www.animalkind.org

Animal Protection Society of Durham: Durham (pet food assistance)
www.apsofdurham.org

Ashley’s Angel Fund (veterinary care assistance)
www.ashleyfund.org

Community Partnership for Pets: Flat Rock (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.communitypartnershipforpets.org

Forsyth County Animal Control: Winston-Salem; Forsyth County (pet food assistance)
www.co.forsyth.nc.us/animeals

Forsyth Humane Society: Winston-Salem (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.forsythhumane.org

Friends of Madison County Animals (low-cost/no-cost services to Madison County residents: spay-neuter, pet food pantry, microchips, vaccinations)
www.fomca.org

Gretta’s Wish Pet Food Bank: Casar (pet food assistance)
www.grettaswishpetfoodbank.com

Haywood Animal Welfare Association: Waynesville (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.hawapets.org

Humane Alliance: Asheville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanealliance.org

The Humane Society of the Piedmont: Greensboro (pet food & spay/neuter assistance)
www.hspiedmont.org or www.hspiedmont.org/spay

Madison County Animal Shelter: Marshall (spay/neuter assistance)
www.madisoncountync.org/shelter

North Carolina State University Companion Pet Assistance Program: Raleigh (veterinary care assistance for clients)
www.cvm.ncsu.edu/giving_societies

POP-NC: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance)
www.pop-nc.com

SNAP-NC:Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
www.snap-nc.org

SPCA of Wake County: Raleigh (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.spcawake.org

Watauga Humane Society: Boone (spay/neuter and microchip assistance)
www.wataugahumanesociety.org

Wayne County Humane Society: Goldsboro (spay/neuter assistance)
www.goldsboro-wchs.org

Ohio

Angels for Animals: Canfield (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.angelsforanimals.org

The Bummer Fund: Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties (veterinary care assistance)
www.bummerfund.org

Humane Ohio: Toledo (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humaneohio.org

Jake Brady Memorial Fund (veterinary care assistance)
www.myjakebrady.com

MedVet Good Sam Fund: Columbus and Cincinatti (veterinary care assistance)
www.medvetfoundation.org

The Neuter Scooter: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance for cats)
www.neuterscooter.com

Paws with Pride: Uniontown (temporary foster program)
pawswithpride.org

Pet Guards Clinic: Cuyahoga Falls (assistance for necessary veterinary medical care, spay/neuter and vaccinations)
www.petguards.com

PetPromise: Columbus (pet food assistance)
petpromise.org

The Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals: Kettering (spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program)
www.sicsa.org

Stop the Overpopulation of Pets: Mansfield (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/OH130

Oklahoma

Animal Birth Control Clinic: Lawton (spay/neuter, vaccination, microchip assistance and other basic veterinary services)
www.okspayclinic.com

Animal Rescue and Care of McCurtain County: Broken Bow (spay/neuter assistance)
www.arkofmccurtaincounty.org

Best Friends of Pets: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance)
www.bestfriendsokc.org

Homeward Bound Humane Society: Durant (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/homewardboundok

Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake: Grove (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietyofgrove.com

Humane Society of Tulsa: Tulsa (spay/neuter assistance)
www.tulsapets.com

Oklahoma City Animal Shelter: Oklahoma City (pet food)
405-316-FOOD (3663) or petfoodbank@okc.gov

PAWS Inc.: Bristow (spay/neuter assistance)
www.petfinder.com/OK66

Poteau Valley Humane Society: Poteau (spay/neuter assistance)
www.poteaupets.org

Spay Oklahoma: Tulsa (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spayok.org

Volunteers for Animal Welfare: Oklahoma City (spay/neuter assistance)
www.vawokc.org

Washington County SPCA: Bartlesville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.wcspca.org

Oregon

Cat Adoption Team: Sherwood (cat food assistance)
catadoptionteam.org

City of Eugene Spay/Neuter Clinic: Eugene (spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip assistance)
www.eugene-or.gov

DoveLewis Velvet Assistance Fund: Portland (veterinary care assistance)
www.dovelewis.org

Hand To Paw Fund: Statewide (veterinary care assistance)
handtopawfund.org

Humane Society of Central Oregon: Bend (spay/neuter assistance, contact HSCO for additional services)
www.humanesocietyco.org

Lane County Animal Services: Eugene (spay/neuter assistance)
www.lanecounty.org

The Neuter Scooter: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance for cats)
www.neuterscooter.com

Oregon Outback Humane Society: Lakeview (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.oregonoutbackhumane.org

Pet Over-Population Prevention Advocates: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance and referral)
poppainc.org

The Pongo Fund (pet food)
www.thepongofund.org

Pro-Bone-O: Eugene (free pet food, supplies and veterinary care for pets of the homeless)
www.proboneo.org

Willamette Animal Guild: Eugene (spay/neuter assistance)
www.wagwag.org

Willamette Humane Society: Salem (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.willamettehumane.org

Pennsylvania

Action for Animals Humane Society: Latrobe (spay/neuter assistance)
members.petfinder.org/~PA60

Animal Care & Assistance Fund (veterinary care assistance)
www.animalcarefund.org

Animal Friends: Pittsburgh (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

The Animal Rescue of Western PA (veterinary care assistance)
www.animalrescue.org/clinic

Forgotten Cats, Inc.: Willow Grove (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.forgottencats.org

Humane Society of Berks County: Reading (pet food & veterinary care assistance)
www.berkshumane.org

Humane Society of Westmoreland County: Greenberg (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.petfinder.com/hswcgbg

Spay Neuter Assistance Program Inc, Harrisburg (low-cost spay/neuter)
www.snapofpa.org

Washington Area Humane Society: Eighty Four (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.washingtonpashelter.org

Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: Pittsburgh (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.wpahumane.com

Wilkes Barre Animal Hospital: Wilkes Barre (spay/neuter assistance for cats)
www.kathio.com/spayneuterinfo

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Animal Welfare Society: Isabela (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.petfinder.com/PR07

Rhode Island

Humane Association of Northwestern Rhode Island: Pascoag (spay/neuter assistance)
www.hanri.org

Providence Animal Rescue League: Providence (spay/neuter assistance)
www.parl.org

Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.rivma.org

RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation (veterinary care assistance)
www.companionanimalfoundation.org

Volunteer Services for Animals: Providence (spay/neuter assistance)
www.volunteerservicesforanimals.org

South Carolina

Charleston Animal Society: Charleston (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Columbia (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesc.org

Tennessee

Brown Dog Foundation: Statewide (veterinary care assistance and prescription medications)
www.browndogfoundation.org

Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (List of groups that assist with companion animal issues in Tennssee by county)
www.vet.utk.edu

Fayette County Animal Rescue: Rossville (pet food and supplies, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.fayettefcar.com

Humane Society of Putnam County: Cookeville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.humanesocietyofputnamcounty.org

Nashville Humane Association: Nashville (pet food, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.nashvillehumane.org

Shepherd’s Green Sanctuary (pigs only): Cookeville (contact Shepherd’s Green for list of services)
www.9sites.org

Young-Williams Animal Center: Knoxville (pet food, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.knoxpets.org

Texas

Animal Birth Control Clinic: Waco (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.animalbirthcontrol.org

Animal Friends — Connie Clinic: Brenham (low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations,; heartworm treatment)
www.connieclinic.org

Animal Trustees of Austin: Austin (assistance for necessary veterinary medical care, spay/neuter assistance, and heartworm treatment)
www.animaltrustees.org

Arlington Humane Society: Arlington (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.arlingtonhumanesociety.org

Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society: Canyon Lake (pet food, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.canyonlakeanimalsheltersociety.org/

Cause for Paws: Greenville (spay/neuter, medication and vaccination assistance)
www.causeforpawstexas.com

Dallas Animal Services: Dallas (spay/neuter assistance)
www.dallasanimalservices.org

EmanciPet: Austin (spay/neuter assistance)
www.emancipet.org

Freeman-Fritts: Kerrville (spay/neuter assistance, low-Cost veterinary care)
www.freemanfritts.com

Helotes Humane Society: Helotes (pet food)
www.hhsanimals.org

Houston Humane Society: Houston (spay/neuter assistance)
www.houstonhumane.org

Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project: Crandall (assistance for veterinary care including vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter)
www.spayneuternet.org

Metroplex Animal Coalition: Dallas (spay/neuter assistance)
www.metroplexanimalcoalition.org

Outreach Animal Clinic: Dallas (low cost spay/neuter, vaccination, and veterinary care)
9995 Monroe Dr #201 in Dallas, TX 75229
www.outreachclinic.com | facebook.com/outreachanimal | twitter.com/dogvaccine

Pet Food Bank of Austin and Travis County: Austin (Pet food)
www.greyhoundrescueaustin.com

Pet Pals of Texas: Converse (pet food, supplies, and general pet care assistance for elderly or disabled residents)
www.petpalsoftexas.org

Pet Prevent A Litter of Central Texas: San Marcos (pet food and litter, spay/neuter assistance)
www.preventalitter.com

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program: Multiple Locations (spay/neuter assistance)
www.snapus.org

Spay Neuter Your Pet: Dallas-Fort Worth (spay/neuter assistance)
www.dfwsnyp.com

Spay/Texas: Statewide (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spaytexas.org

SPCA of Polk County: Livingston (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.spcaofpolkcounty.org

SPCA of Texas: Dallas (pet food, assistance for veterinary care including vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter)
www.spca.org

Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine “The Capper and Chris Save the Animals Fund” (veterinary care assistance)
www.cvm.tamu.edu/capperchris

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection: Azle, Cleburne, Denton, Fort Worth, Hamilton, Hillsboro, and McKinney (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.texasforthem.org

Utah

The Humane Society of Moab Valley: Moab (spay/neuter assistance)
www.moabpets.org

Humane Society of Utah: Murray (spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.utahhumane.org

Pet Samaritan Fund (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
www.petsamaritan.org

Vermont

Frontier Animal Society: Orleans (spay/neuter assistance)
www.frontieranimalsociety.com

Second Chance Animal Center: Shaftsbury (spay/neuter assistance)
www.2ndchanceanimalcenter.org

Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program: Bridgewater (spay/neuter assistance)
vvsahs.org

Virginia

Angels of Assisi: Roanoke (spay/neuter assistance)
www.angelsofassisi.org

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: Alexandria (spay/neuter assistance)
www.alexandriaanimals.org

Animal Welfare League of Arlington: Arlington (spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip assistance, assistance for emergency veterinary care)
www.awla.org

Bedford Humane Society: Bedford (spay/neuter assistance)
petfinder.com/~VA26

Capital Animal Care Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic: Northern Virginia (pet food, supplies and spay/neuter assistance)
petfinder.com/~VA146

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA: Charlottesville (spay/neuter assistance for owned pets and feral cats)
www.caspca.org

Fairfax County Animal Shelter: Fairfax (spay/neuter every Monday)
www.fairfaxcounty.gov

Fauquier SPCA: Warrenton (spay/neuter assistance)
www.pwspca.org

Franklin County Humane Society: Rocky Mount (spay/neuter assistance)
plannedpethoodrockymount.com

Helping Hands Affordable Veternary Surgery and Dental Clinic: Richmond (reduced cost veterinary surgery)
www.affordablepetsurgery.com

The Holly Help Memorial Spay Fund: Bristol (Pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.hollyhelp.org

Humane Society of Culpeper: Culpeper (spay/neuter assistance)
www.adoptculpeperpets.org

Humane Society of Fairfax County: Fairfax (pet food)
www.hsfc.org

Humane Society of Loudoun County: Purcellville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.hslcva.org

Loudon County Animal Care and Control CARE Pet Pantry: Leesburg (pet food)
www.loudoun.gov

Moutain View Humane Spay Neuter Clinic (low cost spay/neuter)
www.mountainviewspayneuter.org

Partners Among Cats and Canines: Franklin (spay/neuter assistance, assistance for emergency veterinary care)
www.pacconline.org

Richmond SPCA: Richmond and the surrounding counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Goochland (free and low-cost spay/neuter services, affordable pet wellness clinics, free pet pantry, free behavior support, low-cost temporary off-site boarding for pets)
www.richmondspca.org/safetynet

Roanoke Valley SPCA: Roanoke (pet food)
www.rvspca.org

Shenandoah Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic: Harrisonburg (spay/neuter assistance)
spayandneuterclinic.org

South Central Spay/neuter Clinic: Evington (spay/neuter assistance)
www.endpetoverpopulation.org www.spayandneuterus.org —>

Spay Inc.: Northern Virginia (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spay.org

SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County: Martinsville (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spcamhc.org

Virginia Beach SPCA: Virginia Beach (pet food, assistance for necessary veterinary medical care)
www.vbspca.com

The Virginia Kincheloe Spay/Neuter Clinic, Fredericksburg (low-cost spay/neuter, microchips)
www.kincheloeclinic.org

Voices for Animals: Charlottesville (pet food, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance)
www.voicesforanimals.org

Washington

Coalition Humane: Tacoma (spay/neuter assistance for owned pets and feral cats)
www.coalitionhumane.org

Concern for Animals: Thurston, Mason and Lewis Counties (spay/neuter, pet food and veterinary care assistance)
concernforanimals.org

Forget Me Not Animal Shelter: Republic (spay/neuter assistance)
www.forgetmenotshelter.org

Humane Society for Seattle/King County: Bellevue (low-income senior citizen’s pet food assistance, discounted spay/neuter and microchipping, pet project assistance for individuals disabled by AIDS)
www.seattlehumane.org

Animal Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center: Stanwood (low-income spay/neuter assistance; feral cat spay/neuter assistance)
www.thenoahcenter.org

PAWS of Bainbridge Island: Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap (spay/neuter, vaccination, pet food, veterinary care assistance; additional services for seniors)
www.pawsbainbridge.org

Pet Project: Seattle-King County (spay neuter assistance including free spay/neuter for pit bulls and veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners)
www.seattlehumane.org/spay-neuter and www.seattlehumane.org/lowincome-senior

Progressive Animal Welfare Society: Lynnwood (spay/neuter assistance, microchip and vaccination assistance, behavior helpline)
www.paws.org

Spokane Valley Regional Animal Protection Service: Spokane Valley (spay/neuter assistance)
www.spokanecounty.org

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Good Samaritan Fund (veterinary care assistance)
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/GoodSam

Whatcom Humane Society: Bellingham (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.whatcomhumane.org

West Virginia

Monroe County Animal League Inc.: Union (spay/neuter assistance)
www.mcal.petfinder.org

The National Humane Education Society: Charles Town (spay/neuter assistance)
www.nhes.org

P.E.T. Project: Logan County (pet food & supplies, low-cost spay/neuter vouchers and veterinary bill assistance)
www.petprojectwv.com

Promise Animal League: Falling Waters (pet food)
www.petfinder.com/WV114

Wisconsin

The Dodge County Humane Society: Juneau (pet food, spay/neuter assistance, temporary foster program)
www.dchs-wi.org

Eau Claire County Humane Association: Eau Claire (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.eccha.org

Fox Valley Humane Society: Appleton (temporary boarding program)
www.foxvalleypets.org

The Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha: Waukesha (assistance with spay/neuter, pet food and short term fostering for pets displaced from their homes)
www.hawspets.org or contact the HAWS’ Shelter Manager by email at kelly@hawspets.org or phone: 262-542-8851

University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine RESPOND Fund (veterinary care assistance)
www.vetmed.wisc.edu/RESPOND_Fund

Wisconsin Humane Society: Milwaukee (pet food, spay/neuter assistance)
www.wihumane.org

Wyoming

Black Dog Animal Rescue: Cheyenne (pet food)
www.bdar.org

Homeless Based on WHAT She Looks Like

isak — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:56:24 +0000

Meet Indika!

Indika got loose from her Brantford, Ontario home one day a couple weeks ago. She was found wandering or, as the city puts it, “running at large,” so she was picked up and taken to the Brant County SPCA. Because she “looks” like a Pit Bull type dog, she falls under Ontario’s Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) which bans her from living in the province of Ontario. Her owner came forward to claim her, but because he had no paperwork that would indicate her breed, he was not allowed to take her home.

Had Indika been older, she could have been grandfathered into the law for being born before BSL went into effect on August 9, 2005. Pit Bulls already legally residing in the province before that date may remain legally in Ontario subject to certain conditions, such as spayed/neutered, microchipped, muzzled at all times off their property, and walked on a 3-foot leash.

As well, the owner needs to have a city issued sign prominently displayed on their residence and an insurance policy covering the fact that they own a now prohibited dog. But Indika is a youngster.

Brant County SPCA

Fortunately for Indika, Brant County SPCA is an animal-centric shelter. They go above and beyond to find homes for the animals in their care. They are reaching out to people outside Ontario who might be interested in adopting her.

Indika is approximately 8 months old and in good health. Her first set of vaccines, flea treatment and deworming have been done. She is negative for heartworms and is set to be spayed next week.

Typical of a pitty, she is very affectionate; she thinks she is a lap dog and loves being around people! She is very tolerant of other dogs, and is very well-mannered all around.

Indika has been SAFER tested and scored all 1′s which is ideal! She went through the Meet Your Match program as well. Her CanineAlity for the Meet Your Match was Go Getter (green). It is probably the busiest/most outgoing level and that makes sense. She is still a puppy which definitely ups her activity level!

According to Niki at Brant County SPCA, Indika’s “a great dog with a wonderful temperament and we wouldn’t have a problem adopting her out at all.” Except they are located in Ontario.

If you are interested in learning more about Indika, please contact Niki via email or you can call her at: (519) 756-6620.

Rufus has left the building!

isak — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:01:08 +0000

Well, after a mix-up yesterday did not free him, the folks from Angels of Fur returned to DeWitt today to spring Rufus from the DeWitt Animal Hospital in New York. You may remember from our post yesterday that Rufus was found covered in fleas and mange on the streets of Syracuse — alone. And to that, add that Rufus is deaf. In what seems to be true Rufus style, he is taking the change quite happily in stride. His next stop is to live with a trainer who will teach him basic sign language. And from there, the search will begin to find a forever home for him.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering Rufus, please contact
Angels in Fur.

To follow are some video clips from earlier today: Rufus emerging from the back of the facility where he has been staying; standing out in the parking lot waiting to GO; and, thanking the animal control officer who helped him reach this point.

First Steps into A New Life

One Door Closes and Another Opens

Rufus has LEFT the Building!

Saying “Thanks” to the Animal Control Officer who brought him in

GO, RUFUS! I know there is a home out there just looking and waiting for you!

Rufus: A Deaf Dog’s Journey from Shelter to Forever Home

isak — Mon, 28 May 2012 23:14:04 +0000

The Beginning

Tomorrow, after the DeWitt Animal Hospital in DeWitt, NY opens, a member of Angels of Fur will be there to pick up Rufus. An American Bulldog/Pit Bull Terrier mix, Rufus was brought into the shelter by animal control after he was found wandering the streets of Syracuse. He had fleas and a case of mange. Both are being treated and he is expected to be just fine.

However what may not be treatable is his lack of hearing. You see, Rufus is deaf, a condition not necessarily uncommon to his breed but certainly no reason to not have a home of his own.

How do I know? I own a deaf dog, or rather, he owns me. And he is truly one of the best dogs I have ever had. Very kind and wonderfully happy. Similarly, the people at DeWitt Animal Hospital will quickly tell you that Rufus is a very “sweet and loving guy.”

People ask me how I communicate with my deaf dog. Well, if you have a dog, you probably already use your hands when you talk to them. When you say “sit,” do you point down with your finger? Do you hold up your hands when you are telling your dog to stay? Do you motion towards yourself when you say “come here?” Then you are communicating via your own kind of sign language already. And it’s not much different with a deaf dog.

Rufus’ Next Step

Tomorrow, Rufus will be placed with a trainer who will begin to teach Rufus Sign Language. From there, we will progress to finding Rufus his forever home. He does not necessarily have to be an only dog. My deaf dog is one of several dogs I care for. But it is also okay if he is the only dog. In the coming days, we will feature updates on Rufus so you can follow his journey from a shelter to a forever home (because I am know we will find his new home). We will also include more information about deafness in dogs. I hope you will follow along and share his story with your friends and family. Somewhere out there, his new home is looking and waiting for him.

If you are interested in adopting Rufus or you have more questions, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.

Twelve Quick Facts About Deaf Dogs:

Deaf dogs don’t know they are deaf.
Deaf dogs don’t care that they are deaf.
Deaf dogs are not suffering by being deaf.
Deaf dogs are dogs first.
Deaf dogs are representatives of their breed or combination of breeds second.
Deaf dogs are individual dogs with their own quirks and personalities third.
Deaf dogs are not more likely to become aggressive than any other dog in the same circumstances.
Deaf dogs may startle when awakened suddenly but can easily be conditioned to awake to a calm but alert state.
Deaf dogs are no less healthy than most hearing dogs.
Deaf dogs can be easier to train than hearing dogs.
Deaf dogs are very attentive to visual signals, including facial expression, body language and hand signals.
Deaf dogs get along just fine with other dogs and people, as long as they are socialized from puppyhood on – just like hearing dogs.
Reprinted from Dog Wave.

And A Little Deaf Humor

Here are some humorous (and mostly true) observations from owners of deaf dogs:

Your dog ignores you by turning his head.
Your dog doesn’t care if her favorite toy has a squeaky or not.
Your dog likes to lie under your feet or across the doorway, so that you can’t leave the room without him knowing.
Instead of listening for the car, your dog watches for headlights on the wall and can tell your car from your spouse’s.
You flash the porch lights on/off for your dog, rather than for your teen-ager.
Stomping on the floor doesn’t mean you are angry.
You walk though the house waving a dog bowl when it’s time to eat.
You are the only one at the dog park “calling” your dog back by waving your arms over your head. And when she doesn’t come, you “wave louder.”
You can read more humorous observations on the deaf dogs website.

10 “Poison pills” for pets

isak — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:47:59 +0000

Anyone who takes medication prescribed for someone else puts themselves at risk of illness or even death – and this applies to your pets, too! Although there are many medications used in both animals and people, the effects, doses needed, and other things aren’t always the same.

About one-quarter of all phone calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) are about human medications. Your pet can easily ingest dropped pills or may be given harmful human medications by an unknowing owner, resulting in illness, or even death, of your pet.

The APCC provided us with the 10 most common human medication complaints they receive. Here they are, in order based on the number of complaints:

Ibuprofen – Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) is the most common human medication ingested by pets. Many brands have a sweet outer coating that makes it appealing to pets (think “M&M,” but a potentially deadly one). Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
Tramadol – Tramadol (Ultram®) is a pain reliever. Your veterinarian may prescribe it for your pet, but only at a dose that’s appropriate for your pet – never give your medication to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian! Too much tramadol can cause sedation or agitation, wobbliness, disorientation, vomiting, tremors and possibly seizures.
Alprazolam – Alprazolam (Xanax®) is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and a sleep-aid. Most pets that ingest alprazolam can become sleepy and wobbly; however a few will become very agitated instead. These pills are commonly ingested by pets as people put them out on the nightstand so they remember to take them. Large doses of alprazolam can drop the blood pressure and could cause weakness or collapse.
Adderall® – Adderall® is a combination of four different amphetamines and is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. This medication doesn’t have the same effect in pets as it does in people; it acts as a stimulant in our pets and causes elevated heart rate and body temperature, along with hyperactivity, tremors and seizures.
Zolpidem – Zolpidem (Ambien®) is a sleep-aid for people. Pets commonly eat pills left on the bedside table. Zolpidem may make cats wobbly and sleepy, but most pets become very agitated and develop elevated heart rates.
Clonazepam – Clonazepam (Klonopin®) is used as an anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication. It is sometimes also prescribed as a sleep-aid. When animals ingest clonazepam they can become sleep and wobbly. Too much clonazepam can lower the blood pressure, leading to weakness or collapse.
Acetaminophen – Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a very common pain killer found in most households. Cats are extremely sensitive to acetaminophen, but dogs can be affected too. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage. It can also cause damage to your pet’s red blood cells so that the cells are unable to carry oxygen – like your body, your pet’s body needs oxygen to survive.
Naproxen – Naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) is an over-the-counter pain reliever. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to naproxen and even small amounts can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
Duloxetine – Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) is prescribed as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent. When ingested by pets it can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.
Venlafaxine – Venlafaxine (Effexor®) is an antidepressant. For some unknown reason, cats love to eat the capsules. Ingestion can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

As you can tell from this list, a medication that does one thing for people does not necessarily do the same for our pets. And although this may be the list of the medications about which the APCC receives the largest numbers of complaints, remember that any human medication could pose a risk to your pets – not just these 10.

You can keep your pets safe by following simple common sense guidelines:

Always keep human medications away from pets unless you are specifically instructed by a veterinarian to give the medication;
Do not leave pills sitting on counter or any place a pet can get to them;
Do not leave pill bottles within reach of pets (You’ll be surprised how fast your dog can chew through a pill bottle.);
If you’re taking medications out of the bottle and you drop any of it, pick it up immediately so you know your pet won’t be able to eat it;
Always contact your veterinarian if your pet has ingested any medication not prescribed for them;
Never give your medication (or any medications prescribed for a two-legged family member) to your pet without first consulting a veterinarian.

…and last, but not least, always keep the number for your veterinarian and the APCC handy. You don’t want to be looking for it in an emergency situation! Feel free to print this page, cut out the box below, fill out the info, and put it in a handy place (or maybe a few handy places).

Veterinarian:

________________________________________________

Emergency animal clinic:

________________________________________________

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:

(888) 426-4435

reprinted from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website

Retired race horses are looking for a new home

isak — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 22:43:06 +0000

I received this email this morning that I would like to share with you thinking that there may be one among you or among your family or friends who has a place for these horses. Please help me spread the word.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In the past 18 months we have found homes for almost 100 horses. But with slaughter being legalized I have to really vet where the horses are going. So I thought I would start networking out with like minded people.

The two horses I spoke about are: Maestro and Fourth Tenor. (I renamed them) Their registered names are “A Little Dash” and “Foster’s Dash.” Registry numbers are below.

Maestro is approx. 8 years old, 16.2 hands, impeccable manners. Bright chestnut color. He’s appendix QH, Dash For Cash bred. He was a high money earner and didn’t stop racing until 18-24 months ago. Was used as a pony horse for a year after that – then came to me. No problems. No vices, loads of athletic potential, but he’s a real poor keeper unless he’s got adequate feed. This is a horse who needs individual attention, alfalfa and 2 proper meals a day to maintain weight. Where he goes is more important than anything else.. But he’s free to a good home on a permanent adoption agreement.

An Appendix QH. His AQHA # is 4317075. His tattoo is: 3670W. His registered name is “Fosters Dash.” I re-named him “Maestro.”

He’s not a young horse, but he is a very stable horse so re-training wouldn’t be that difficult. He’s just a real sweet boy. I really like this horse a whole bunch and he needs to be used.

I have another gelding, from the same breeding facility. He’s my pride and joy but I can’t get around to doing anything with him.. And that seems like such a shame. His registered name is “A Little Dash” but I renamed him “Fourth Tenor.”

He’s Appendix AQHA# is X061606089. His tattoo is 4747W. Fourth Tenor isn’t as tall as Maestro, but he’s a fair size. Perhaps 15.3-16 hands. He’s a lot different “type” of horse, a lot more bone and not quite the stride. I didn’t realize that he was so much younger until I looked at the papers an hour ago. Maestro is a 10 year old. I thought he was 7 or 8. Fourth Tenor is a 5 yr old. I thought he was 7 or 8 also.

Everyone falls in love with Fourth Tenor. His dappled grey color is beautiful. But he’s one of those characters that just follows you around like a puppy dog. A real “family” horse. But I’m just not too sure about him for a youth. And his front legs are not as clean as I would like them to be… No bows, ring bone, no splints.. But he just stands a fraction over on those knees.

Again, I would only let them go on an adoption agreement.. Which simply means that I don’t want them sold and resold and risk them heading to slaughter or worse.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you are interested in either or both of these horses or you have any questions, please contact Denise.

Snakebites and dogs

isak — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:57:44 +0000

Most snake bites are from pit vipers, which are poisonous snakes that are identified by their triangular heads, retractable fangs, and a special heat-sensing pit between the eye and nostril. North American pit vipers include five subspecies of copperheads, three subspecies of water moccasins, three subspecies of pygmy rattlesnakes, three subspecies of massauga, and at least 26 subspecies of rattlesnakes. Water moccasins and copperheads are found in the eastern United States and southward through Texas. Rattlesnakes are found throughout the contiguous United States, with the highest concentration in the south and southwest.

General Information

Snake bites tend to occur on the pet’s head or neck. Bites involving the trunk of the body have a poorer prognosis. Snake bites may affect one or more body systems including the cardiopulmonary system, the nervous system, or the coagulation system. Usually, if the snake is not poisonous or the venom was not injected, the pain, swelling, and bruising at the bite site will be minimal.

Toxic Dose

Varies. Envenomation (The act of injecting a poisonous material; i.e. venom.) does not always occur. The severity of envenomation is related to the time of the year, the volume of venom present in the snake, the location of the bite, the number of bites, and the amount of victim movement after the bite (movement increases the spread of the venom). The amount of venom is not related to the size of the snake. Systemic signs such as kidney damage may take 24-72 hours to develop in mild envenomations, so the animal should be observed closely for several days.

Signs

May see one, two, or several small puncture wounds, bleeding, bruising, immediate and extremely painful swelling at the site of the bite, and tissue necrosis. The more severe systemic signs may take up to several hours to appear and include hypotension and shock, lethargy and weakness, muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, and neurological signs including depressed respiration.

Immediate Action

Identify the snake if possible. Restrict movement of the pet. Loosely immobilize the limb in a functional position if bitten on an extremity. DO NOT incise the bite wound to aspirate the venom and DO NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance. DO NOT apply ice to the area. Seek veterinary attention.

Veterinary Care

GENERAL TREATMENT: The animal will be kept quiet and the bitten area immobilized if possible to decrease the spread of the venom. The area around the wound will be clipped and cleaned.

SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT: Antihistamines may be administered and IV fluids given to help prevent low blood pressure. Oxygen is given if needed. Antibiotics are used to prevent secondary infections. Pain medication is provided as necessary. Laboratory tests to check for bleeding problems and organ damage will be performed repeatedly. Blood transfusions may be necessary in cases of severe coagulopathies. The area above and below the bite wounds may be measured every 15 minutes to monitor the edema. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated in the early phase (first 24 hours) of treatment because of the different types of venom and the anticoagulant effects of NSAIDs. The use of corticosteroids may be contraindicated also, as some research shows they increase the severity of the bite.

SPECIFIC TREATMENT: Antivenin* may be administered. The use of antivenin is controversial and is used at the discretion of the attending veterinarian. To be most effective, antivenin should be given within 4 hours of the bite. It becomes less effective as more time passes.

All snake bite victims should be observed for a minimum of 12 hours, even when there are no clinical signs. If clinical signs are present, the length of observation is increased to 48-72 hours, as damage to organs may not appear immediately.

Prognosis

A study of animals bitten by pit vipers showed that those treated with antivenin, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics had a mortality rate less than 1% and local tissue damage was rare. The mortality rate in untreated patients depended on the species of snake involved. For example, in patients bitten by the Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes, the mortality rate was about 10%. In the much more dangerous Mojave rattlesnake, it could be as high as 35%.

*Two companies, Fort Dodge and Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories produce antivenin. Veterinary clinics and human hospitals in areas that have a high population of pit vipers have this product on hand. Many owners want to carry this product with them, but because of the intravenous administration and instability of the product, it is recommended that a veterinarian give it.

reprinted from Pet Education website

Here’s a wonderful account of a family who nursed their dog back from the bite of a Tiger Snake with Vitamin C and strong coffee.

As an aside to this story, the sad reality is that your dog may not always survive a snake bite. It really is important to know what kind of snake bit your dog as the venom is different in different snakes. If your dog is bitten, snake ID is very important because the vet needs to know what kind of anti venom to use. My boy, Milo, lost his battle against the snake that last bit him. He was bitten by a couple copperheads in his life and downtime was just a couple days. But this was a different snake, the bite was NOT in the face (which seems to be the best location if it happens) and he did not overcome it. I lost him one Friday morning a couple weeks ago. Snakes are an unavoidable fact of life in the country, but I wish Milo had not met this one.

Eating horse manure can be dangerous to your dog

isak — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:48:11 +0000

We know that ivermectin can be very dangerous to certain breeds of dogs. Ivermectin prevents or kills parasites by causing neurological damage to the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death for the parasite. Dogs genetically sensitive to the medication have an anomaly that allows the ivermectin to pass the dog’s blood-brain barrier and into its central nervous system, which can be lethal for the animal.

However, have you ever stopped to consider that the ivermectin you use to treat your horses for parasites could be dangerous to dogs that eat horse manure? We know how dogs love horse manure. So in hindsight, it makes sense that ivermectin in horse manure could pose a danger… and here is one such story:

My American Pit Bull Terrier is at University of Florida Veterinarian School of Medicine right now being treated for Ivermectin poisoning. He had a sudden attack while on our walk. Signs were 1st slobbering/drooling (excessively) then diarrhea. I arrived at an animal clinic within 20 min where he then began vomiting and having seizures. Blood work showed elevation in Liver and Pancreas reading was 1256 He was given fluids and treated for what the Dr suspected was heat stroke after 6 hrs the Dr gave him Vit K injection. I then transferred him to Emergency Hospital for over night care where he was given more fluids and I was informed his temperature had risen significantly and at about 6am he was given charcoal. In the morning the Dr. recommended University of Florida.

So I left immediately for UF. He had been on his side laid out flat for about 20 hours and when i put him in my car I noticed he wagged his tail slightly. During the drive he did raise his head in an effort to be upright! Upon arrival at UF his heart rate was critical. Meds to stabilizes heart/monitored catheter and IV fluids. Next day prognosis Ivermectin poisoning via ingesting Daily Feed Through Wormer in horse manure and or ingesting left over grain/wormer in stalls at night!!!

I had NO IDEA the horse manure could be toxic. I remove feces from pastures everyday and of course the dogs ride in 4wheeler with me and once in a while I would catch them eating the manure. Its been 6 days now his organs show NO damage. He’s been taken off all support. He is eating and drinking and can stand to urinate. He can walk briefly then he starts to have tremors/shaking and wants to sit down. I’m hoping since everything has progressed for the better that eventually his Central Nervous System will recover enough so that he can have a normal life. Going to visit him today and possibly bring him home. I know that I’ll have to provide a lot of physical therapy so if anyone has any ideas I would great appreciate them.

Sorry to be so long winded but I hope through my experience another dog will not suffer and will have a chance to survive. Please tell anyone you know that has horses and uses daily wormers that the manure is toxic!

BTW the UF was absolutely wonderful!!! They let me stay in the Critical Care unit in the cage with my dog anytime I wanted. I was there off and on for 4 days and I never saw anything other than wonderful caring DR.s, students and techs!!! God Bless them all.

Thanks to Cindy in Florida for sharing her story! And thanks to the folks at the University of Florida Critical Care Unit! You rock!