HAPPY TAILS    

Lenny has Landed!

 

We put the word out about this happy little 5 year-old Jack Russell mix during holidays and we are happy to report that Lenny has found an amazing home with a long time customer of the Sonoma Humane Society. Not only did he find his home, he found a friend too! He and his family encourage you all to come on in and meet the rest of the great animals up for adoption. You might find your match and, if nothing else, you can offer a few scratches and a treat to the deserving dogs and cats still waiting to be as lucky as Lenny! 

  

   Abby and Tiger - "Take Two" 

 

We had a special sort of celebration when these two "older" kitties were both adopted within a two week period!  

  

    Both are now the center of attention in their new  forever homes. We ask you to think about all that our mature felines have to offer; many with years of happy loving playfulness left to share with you. When you come in, take a minute to meet some of the teens and older cats here at the Sonoma Humane Society and give them a second chance. You'll be glad you did!

 

...paid off for Tina, a 7 year-old Jack Russell Terrier. She'll be the first to tell you that a smile a day is what got her through some tough times.  Now Tina's smile is brighter than ever as she has found her loving forever home where she is cared for and doted on.

Ginger

This gentle and resilient 2-3 year-old Golden Retriever was transferred to us by Sonoma County Animal Care & Control because she needed some long-term medical care. She was emaciated, had kennel cough and appeared to have recently whelped. Just as she was getting better she was diagnosed with heart worm disease, requiring foster care and an involved, lengthy treatment plan. Ginger is doing really well in her second month of rehabilitation. She's looking forward to a complete recovery and a future date in our adoption program!   

During the season when many families celebrated

the holiday with loved ones, poor Macy was found

wandering the streets by a Good Samaritan. When the 5-month-old pit bull was brought to our shelter hospital, her abdomen was distended and filled with fluid. Throughout the holidays Macy underwent emergency testing which included extensive blood work, abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, and exploratory surgery with a biopsy. During the entire process, the Good Samaritan who found her came to visit, spending hours every day encouraging and comforting her.

Our shelter staff has determined that Macy has a congenital {born with} heart defect on the right side of her heart that is causing blood to back up in her liver and abdomen. This condition has been successfully managed with medications and Macy is now thriving. She will be spayed here at the Sonoma Humane Society and adopted back out to the family who found her. They understand her prognosis is guarded, but that she is a thriving dog who finally feels good (and loved) and could go on to live for many happy years. This little pit bull reminded us all that every action we take has a profound effect on the life of an animal and all those who love her. Thank you Macy for the wake-up call!

    ...and tennis is his game. Chester is a 6 year-old Jack Russel/Terrier mix who sadly lost his doubles partner. After his owner passed away he came to us in search of his next important match. He is active, playful and loves to "warm-up" on your lap! Come by and scout this talented little guy, he'll make a great partner and you are both sure to win.

"Full" Monty    

His name is fitting as Monty is everything you'd want in a cat and more! He's a handsome, active 8 year-old kitty that likes to be in the middle of everything. He's not overly pushy, but does enjoy being a part of your daily tasks...give him a job and he'll get it done. Just remember, when he's finished he'll circle back to enjoy more scratches and lap time!     

 Meet Your Match   

  
So you think you are ready to adopt a cat or kitten? How will you know which one is right for you and your lifestyle? It's no different than adding a roommate or moving in with your significant other...wouldn't it help if you knew a little something about his or her personality and habits before you moved in together? By utilizing the "Meet Your Match" Assessment Tool the Sonoma Humane Society won't let you go home without understanding who's in that carrier. By answering a series of questions, we can match you and your cat or kitten perfectly. MYM is the only method in existence that evaluates an animal's behavior and interests and matches them to an adopter's preferences. This way we ensure that you go home with "someone" you can live with in perfect harmony.   

A SPECIAL KITTY; A SPECIAL CASE  

Anna  Awaits  

 Anna , our "fospice" kitty is a 12.5 year old spayed female cat who was returned to us after 6 happy years. She is a very loving cat who has been diagnosed with kidney disease, stomach and gastrointestinal issues, and some heart disease. She is currently on medication twice daily and a special diet and is doing well. She may not have a long life ahead of her, but she is currently happy and eager to bond with someone and enjoy her golden days in a loving home. Won't you help Anna with a warm lap and compassionate companionship?

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. 

TIPS FROM DR CHRISTI CAMBLOR

Source: "Ask The Vet"; Too many food choices may make kitten picky eater  SF Gate January 11, 2102

Finicky Felines got you down?   

Christi Camblor, DVM, is the shelter medical director for the Sonoma Humane Society, and is also co-founder of the international animal welfare organization Compassion Without Borders.

Finicky felines can be a source of steady frustration for the concerned cat guardian trying to feed a balanced diet. Finicky eating tends to be learned rather than innate and is something that we usually inadvertently encourage. By offering too many food choices, we actually shape the behavior by teaching cats that if they hold out long enough, something tastier will soon come.

If an animal is showing a decreased interest in food, especially suddenly, it's important to get it to a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. Once you've determined it's just picky eating, there are a variety of things you can attempt.

Try the "20 minutes and then food goes" approach. Choose a well-balanced kitten food that your kitten has previously eaten. Put it down in a clean bowl (not in your hands; she may also be learning to demand this of you). Wait 20 minutes, and then pick up the food. At her next scheduled feeding (usually two to three feedings a day are recommended for kittens), put down a fresh offering of the same food, again for 20 minutes. Do not offer treats or alternative foods between feedings.

Try warming the food. Cats respond to various aspects of their diet beyond taste, including texture and temperature. Offer both kibble and wet food, as some cats will have strong preferences.

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 $5 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.