HAPPY TAILS    

Together Forever 

In our last eAnimail we asked for your help in adopting Woofgang and Corky. Attached at the hip and uneasy with the loss of their human parent, we were hoping to find a new home where these two could remain together. We are thrilled to report that these two have found a place to continue their journey...side-by-side.


Woofgang and Corky's owner passed away in October, but he had taken steps to protect his two beloved animals by enrolling them in the Sonoma Humane Society's Loving for Live program - where he asked that they be adopted as a pair. We are honored to have been able to carry out his wishes and happy to see Woofgang and Corky trotting off to their new family.

The cloud of "maturity" hung over Max's head when found himself alone and searching for a forever home. He thought he'd found it already, but he kept a positive attitude and this little Dachshund impressed us all with his spunky spirit and naptime antics. We are happy to report that Max has found the silver lining and he held his head high as he waddled out of the SHS with his new partner in his next search for the "Fountain of Youth"!

Bring this little 5 year-old Jack Russell mix home for the holidays. Once you un-wrap this little guy you'll find a great companion more than willing to fulfill your needs. Lap warmer? Got it! Walks in the 'hood? Done! Flyball or Frisbee? 'Nuff said. Lenny's only question for you is, "Got a home? Make it mine!"     

Xena: The Warrior Princess    

Xena is a 2 year-old Shepherd mix looking for a castle to call home. But don't lock this Princess in the tower and throw away the key, she's a known escape artist! As would any princess, she puts up a timid front but once she gets to know you she'll reveal her true self and be ever faithful. Xena needs space to practice her moves and would love to have you join her in her "warrior training". Xena would like a knight by her side and she might even convince you to try Flyball with her because...let's face it, all warriors excel at physical feats.  

An Eye for an Eye?

 Sadly...not for Iris. This stray lost her eye to an infection that many human caregivers dismiss as a cold or allergies. A cat with Feline Herpes Keratitis, (eye infection) is at risk of losing their eye if treatment is delayed or denied. In recent weeks, we've seen an unusual number of cases in kittens and adult cats at the Sonoma Humane Society. This form of Herpes is not contagious to humans but is hard to diagnose. Iris didn't have a choice...but you do. In this challenging economy, many people are choosing to drop veterinary care for their pets. Please, if you suspect an eye infection in your cat, bring them in for an evaluation before any permanent damage is done.

This is Daisy...

 Daisy is a spirited 1-year old cattle dog who is deaf. Imagine how frightened she was when she found herself on the side of the highway with cars flying by. Thankfully someone picked her up and contacted the Sonoma Humane Society. Daisy brings with her an important message:

Recognizing deafness in animals is much more difficult than recognizing it in humans. It can be just as frustrating for the animal as it is for the pet parent. If you suspect your dog is deaf these tips might help you.

What to look for:

Puppies:

-They do not wake up when it is time to feed, yet all of their litter mates are nursing .

-Biting even when their litter mates yelp out of pain. Yelping is typically an instinctual reaction to being bitten too hard and puppies usually back off when they hear the sound.

Dogs:

-You may notice that your dog doesn't come when called or doesn't react to sounds. One way to test this is by ringing a bell, or squeaking a toy behind your back. If the dog does not react in any way, it may be possible that they are hearing impaired.

What to do:

- BAER test. The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response test is the most accurate method of testing to determine whether the dog is fully or partially hearing impaired and can be administered any time after 6 weeks of age.

A deaf dog can make a great family pet or working dog despite this disability. Recognizing deafness as early as possible is important for beginning training and learning how to interact with your pet in a way they will understand.

A SPECIAL KITTY; A SPECIAL CASE  

Meet Miss Kitty  

 A warm lap and a loving touch are all this kitty needs. Miss Kitty is a sweet 10-year-old feline who needs a home to spend her remaining years. She came to us in very poor condition; matted, filthy, covered in fleas, with heart and dental disease, as well as a small growth on her forehead.  We've slowly brought her back to health but because this poor little Calico has been through a lot, we'll wait until she has a Fospice home to complete her dental work and minor surgery.  Become a Fospice volunteer and give Miss Kitty a loving and comfortable home during the time she has left. She'll reward you with lots of affection and calming purrs.

Who isn't drawn to the cute little kittens in the pet store window? It's human nature to gravitate to these cute little balls of energy but take a minute to meet some of the teens and older cats here at the Sonoma Humane Society. Consider that you just might be their last chance to have the love and warmth of a home where they can live out their years in comfort. Typically, they are active, playful and thankful! Some may need a little extra patience while adjusting to a new home, but once they feel safe and secure again, most will give you years of faithful companionship and unconditional love. Please ask about the following cats who have watched their friends and family be adopted while patiently waiting their turn. Ask to meet one of these amazing felines; Charlotte, Abigail, Eva, Tessie, or Bitsy. 

Safe and Happy Holidays for your Four-legged Family Members  

You and your pet have navigated Thanksgiving without incident but how do you shepherd your pet safely into the New Year? Decorations, Chocolates, and Mistletoe seem harmless enough but beware; the glittering, flashing ornaments we admire with our eyes look a lot like toys to our pets. Ribbons and tinsel are especially dangerous to your feline family members while our canine friends may lose their manners and break their house-training rules with the fresh cut tree in your living room. Mistletoe and Chocolate are both toxic to your pet, keep these to your two-legged family and be sure any children know not to feed your pets.

Grab your calendar and see the winners of our Great Pet Pinup Photo Contest professionally photographed by Sibylla Herbrich, owner of Studio Bark. Come by today and for only $10 you get to see how she worked her magic on these lucky cats and dogs. Start 2012 off right with a calendar that's guaranteed to make you smile every day! Available at the Sonoma Humane Society's Paws to Shop onsite store.