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Happy New Year to All
As we begin 2010 in a strained economy, it is difficult to ask for donations, especially knowing that everyone is inundated with requests. Surrenders of pets to town pounds increased dramatically in 2009. Now, more then ever, municipal pounds need our help because towns are anticipating that they will take in at least as many surrendered or stray dogs as they did last year, and probably more as economic hardships continue for families.
In 2009, donations and grants to PoundHounds were down nearly 50%, and yet we experienced a 44% increase in requests for medical care funding. Thanks to your contributions and our other funding organizations, we were able to pay medical expenses for 222 dogs during the year.
PoundHounds wants to remain available for dogs in town pounds making sure they have a second chance at life. Did you know that a $25 donation will pay for a dog's basic vaccinations? And $100 will cover the cost of one spay/neuter procedure. Every little bit helps. Please give whatever you can. Your gift will make a difference.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy 2010, and to thank you for all you have done for PoundHounds.
Seana Dowling
President, PoundHounds, Inc. |
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| Protecting Paws
Keeping Paws Safe in the Snow
Stick an ice cube between your toes and try to walk. It's uncomfortable and cold. That's what happens to dogs if snow gets packed between the pads of a dog's paw. Even just a little build-up of snow pulls the sensitive hairs between the paws and makes it painful to walk, not to mention cold and uncomfortable.
You can help by keeping the toenails cut short and the fur between the pads of the foot trimmed. If you don't go to a professional groomer, a good rule of thumb for at-home trimming of fur between the pads is to hold the scissors parallel with the pads, just shearing off the fur that sticks out from between the pads. Around the toenails, the fur should be cut just short enough to see the end of the nail. Remember, don't trim the fur too short because it does protect the feet from the snow.
If your dog gets snow caked in his paws, put your warm hand around the foot to help it melt. Don't try to pull out the caked snow; it hurts the dog and may rip out the fur between the pads.
Do you and your dog walk a lot in the snow? If so, you may want to consider boots for your dog. There are several brands available online and in pet supply stores including Ruff Wear Barkin' Boots, Muttluks and NeoPaws Boots. There are sizing guides available to help you choose the correct size. It will take some time for your dog to get used to them, so plan to introduce them slowly and let him learn how to walk with them around the house before going outside for that snowy walk. |
Health Check
H3N8 Vaccine
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a 'flu' virus. A highly contagious strain, known as H3N8, causes respiratory illness. The most common sign is a persistent cough, similar to that of dogs with kennel cough. In fact, the similarity to kennel cough can make it difficult for veterinarians to diagnose which illness your dog may have. Other symptoms of influenza include lethargy, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and nasal discharge.
The disease is usually mild but can become serious in some dogs; dogs with a serious case may present with a high fever and pneumonia.
Canine influenza is spread through direct contact with other dogs: licking, nuzzling, coughing, sneezing, or sharing a water bowl. It can also be spread by humans who have had direct contact with a dog who has the disease. About 20% of dogs who have the virus won't show symptoms, but they can still spread the virus to other dogs.
To help protect your dog, consider the new H3N8 vaccine. It is available at most veterinary clinics. Visit www.doginfluenza.com to learn more about H3N8, and ask your veterinarian if your dog will benefit from the vaccination. |
ACO Resources
Shelter Evaluation Program
The Humane Society of the United States offers a Shelter Evaluation Program to help municipal and non-profit animal shelters determine how they may improve their facilities, implement new practices and increase adoptions. Shelters requesting an evaluation will be appointed an expert HSUS team who will provide a customized evaluation, offering up suggestions on how to improve everything from animal handling to client service. Click here to read more and request an evaluation. | |
FDA Consumer Warning
Salmonella Contamination
An FDA consumer warning has been issued for Merrick Beef Filet Squares dog treats. In December, during routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares, the FDA detected Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found that deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes may be the cause of the contamination.
No cases of salmonella poisoning have been filed; however, the FDA encourages consumers to discard treats with "Best By 111911" on the packaging label.
Humans can become infected, so be sure not to handle the treats during disposal. Visit the FDA website for details. |
| Help Prevent Abuse
Proposed MA Bill Adds Pets to Temporary Restraining Orders
Studies show that 48% of people victimized by abuse will not leave, or will return to, a violent relationship because they don't want to leave their pets behind. A new Bill allowing pets to be included in temporary restraining orders has been filed. Join animal control officers, human service professionals, legislators, veterinarians and the MSPCA at the State House in Boston on January 21, 2010 at 11:00AM to be trained and then lobby for this bill. To register, e-mail advocacy@mspca.org or visit the MSPCA website. |
Featured Dog for Adoption
Playful and Friendly Rocco
Rocco is about 7 years old and full of vim and vigor! He loves to play, so his energy level would be too much for young children. But a home with a family of older children who would be excited to toss a ball and run in the yard with him every day is just what Rocco has in mind for his perfect home.
He is not a fan of cats or tiny dog breeds, but in general, gets along well with other dogs. His friendly nature makes him a great companion dog.
To learn more about Rocco, click here or call the Norton, MA pound at 508-286-3655. |
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Stewie was a ward of Fitchburg Animal Control for over 7 months until he was adopted over the summer. Through the Spay/Neuter program funded by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (see article below), PoundHounds was able to fund his neuter procedure.
His successful adoption was a result of a collaborative effort between the Fitchburg pound, PoundHounds and PitteLove Rescue via the PILOT Program. |
Dog Quote of the Month
"To err is human, to forgive, canine."
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About MAC
Spay/Neuter License Plates
 The Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) disburses grants to non-profit humane organizations and municipal animal control agencies. The grants are funded by the sale of the Massachusetts Spay/Neuter License Plate Program.
MAC has provided funds for PoundHounds to pay for spay/neuter procedures for PoundHounds sponsored dogs. In 2009, funding from MAC allowed PoundHounds to spay or neuter X dogs in X different town pounds across Massachusetts. Those procedures represent over $X in MAC support.
Please show your dedication to animals and help control over-population. Register your new car or swap your existing plates for spay/neuter plates.
The additional cost for special plates is $40 with every registration renewal. The first time, $12 covers the cost of making the plate and the remaining $28 goes to the program. At subsequent renewals, the entire $40 funds spay/neuter services. The standard registration charged by the registry to all drivers is $50 every two years, making the total for special plate holders $90.
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Thank you for your continued interest and support of the invisible dogs in town pounds. We can't do it without you! Please visit the PoundHounds website at: www.poundhounds.org for more information. Or, contact us directly:
Message Center: 508.435.5029
Address: PoundHounds, Inc. - P.O. Box 454 - Hopkinton, MA 01748
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| Helpful
Links |
Follow these links to learn how you can help PoundHounds:
Links to other important Websites:
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