News & Rescue Stories from the Sonoma Humane Society                                April  2012



Greetings!   

 

Seasons! For most people, a change of season brings to mind images of falling rain, coloring leaves, and the warm glow of the sun. Working in animal welfare, my imagery is much different. Spring is upon us and instead of imagining the dance of windborne blossoms, I am seeing litter, I mean litters...of kittens!

 

Nope, it's not my imagination. They're here. Today we have 8 litters of kittens out in foster care and kitten "season" is well on its way. In preparation, we are stocking the shelves and recruiting for volunteers to help us care for the felines we know are coming our way. This is what Spring means for us today. But tomorrow can be much different. Spay and Neuter services can make it different and you can help.

 

Donate to the Spay and Neuter Challenge campaign today and watch your donation double in value to help twice as many animals. Thanks to our benefactors, a Matching Grant Challenge has been established to match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. This means you only have to give $50 to make a $100 difference.

 

Breeding season is just beginning. Spay and Neuter intervention can drastically reduce the number of homeless animals who will be born - if you act now. Join us and we can do more than imagine a Spring without litters, we can make it happen!

 



Spay and Neuter Challenge Funding generously provided by the

Salatko Animal Welfare Fund of Community Foundation Sonoma County.

 

Kiska Icard

Kiska Icard     

Executive Director

Sonoma Humane Society

      


HAPPY TAILS    

  

Daisy in Full Bloom    
  

Remember me? I'm Daisy, the deaf cattle dog who was rescued from a busy highway late last year. The Behavior and Training gurus at the Sonoma Humane Society recognized that I was deaf and helped me understand humans by using hand signals to communicate with me. They knew I was smart and helped me get ready for my new family. They also made sure that my new family was prepared for a special girl like me. My new home has a large enclosed yard with plenty of room for me to romp and play safely. I'm so happy here that I don't want to let my new human companions out of my sight!

  

 

 

A note from her adoptive family,


Daisy is doing great now and is learning fast. One day this last week, we bought her a small bed to leave at my office, so she has something soft to lie on.  I had an appointment, and had to leave the office for a little bit.  I had put the bed under the desk, and when I got back it was at the side of the desk where she could see the door so she knew when I got back.  I asked around the office to see if someone had moved the bed for her, but everyone said no.  It seems she wanted something soft to lie on while she waited and moved the bed herself.  She is a thinker, that's for sure.

Thanks again for letting us adopt Daisy.  We love her already, and she will always be special to us.

I'm attaching a couple of photos I took today.  I think you can see her joie de vivre!

Robin

Chester Scores
 

 

My name is Chester and I'm 6 years-old.
I was really sad and lonely when my owner passed away. I came to the Sonoma Humane Society in hopes of finding someone whose days and nights I could fill with my charming personality and good looks. Well, I'm happy to say I found my match and if anyone is keeping score it's "love/love"!

 



Rusafee Meets "Lady Luck"

 

When my owners finally brought me to the hospital at the Sonoma Humane Society, they found that I had Feline lower urinary tract disease and that I was so sick I needed surgery right away. The Dr. said I had a "full blockage" and it was almost too late for me. My people were unable to afford my treatment and they felt they needed to let me go. That's where "Lady Luck" showed up - actually, two lady lucks! Dr Erin Bennett and Dr Christi Camblor worked hard to save me and remove the blockage that was threatening my life. Once they nursed me back to health I landed a new home - now I feel loved and safe again. And I'm thankful to know that "Lady Luck" is real and that she is on my side. Learn more about this common disease and ways to identify it in: "Tips from the Vet" 

 

 

NEW!!!
 
SpayPAL: Low Cost Cat Spay/Neuter program for Sonoma County residents.   

  

Thanks to a generous grant from the Salatko Animal Welfare Fund of Community Foundation Sonoma County, we are now able to offer low cost services. All cat spay/neuter surgeries are just $30 and include a free rabies vaccine. Surgeries are offered by appointment at the Sonoma Humane Society's Spay/Neuter Clinic. 

catsandkittens

   

Please remember, spaying or neutering your cat has many benefits including reduction of unwanted births and the influence of hormones on your pet's behavior. Unspayed and unneutered cats are responsible for hundreds of unwanted and abandoned kittens every year. Some of these animals find homes but many more end up in shelters, or on the street, where they face a very uncertain future. By spaying or neutering your cat, you do your part to prevent feline over-population and suffering.

 

Please call (800) 427-7973 to schedule your appointment and help us spread the word!

 

IF ONLY THEY COULD TALK...

Pookie; one "small" reason to spay/neuter    

 

My previous owners wouldn't spay me as they knew that my good breeding (Maltese) would produce some beautiful pups. After having a previous C-section I had another litter that left me very ill. They brought me to the Sonoma Humane Society and said I was "in heat" but I really had a severe infection of my uterus called Pyometria that caused it to swell and bleed. My little body just couldn't give these breeders enough...After IV fluids and antibiotics I've come to understand that some folks will do just about anything for animals they love and not ask anything in return. Now I have a second chance to enjoy my life and bring joy to someone else. I don't hide my scars, instead I gladly show them to help prevent my canine friends from having to endure what I did. Oh, and while I'm flaunting...I've found my safe new home already!

Cooper's View   

 
My name is Cooper and I'm only 8 months old. I didn't feel very well when I arrived at SHS but the amazing shelter veterinarian, Dr. Camblor, was able to save the sight in one of my eyes. She helped me get rid of lice and ringworm too! I feel so much better now and even though I view the world through only one eye, I've seen enough to know that there is a lot I want to experience. I am full of energy and am really playful; won't you show me the world?

Just in: Aspen, a 12 year-old boy was doing a special report on blind cats after having read a book where the blind cat was the hero. He saw Cooper on the SHS website and has taken it upon himself to show Cooper the world! Cooper has been adopted!

 

TAKE ME HOME    

  

Sweet Georgia...still on our minds          
Before

 
After
I am so proud of myself! Who knew that being the biggest loser would make me feel like the biggest winner! Just a few months ago I arrived at the Sonoma Humane Society weighing 156 pounds, but I have come a long way since then. I've lost over 40 pounds and am feeling more and more energetic every day! I spent the last 3 months in a foster home filled with other animals and children. I won't lie, it was hard at first because my previous owner had confined me to a small space and fed me a terrible diet. I hadn't exercised in years and I couldn't even clean my beautiful coat. My foster family took me out for exercise daily and put me on a healthy diet. I know I still have work to do but I love being able to get out and sniff around....after all I am a "hound"! I'm looking forward to losing the rest of this extra weight and would love a workout partner. I'm a sweet and gentle 4 year-old gal, won't you join me in my journey back to health? You never know, maybe we can help each other!

  

Mighty Quinn       

 

    I was once a mighty cat but I was in despair when I lost almost half of my body weight. I had Entropion, a congenital condition that caused my eyelids to roll inward and scratch the surface of my eyes, in addition to a bunch of ear mites and fleas! Because I'd lost so much weight, I had also developed a fatty liver and almost died. The wonderful shelter hospital staff could see my charm underneath it all and they nursed me back to health and fixed my eyelids. Do not despair, the Mighty Quinn is back and I'm ready to share my joy!

 

 

Nico is very serious...       

 

about coming home with you.

My name is Nico and I'm 6 years-old.
If you come visit me, I promise to show you my less serious side...As much as I enjoy being the life of the party here at the Sonoma Humane Society, I'd rather be by your side sporting my bandana of the week with my ears standing tall and a smile on my face! I do have a confession though, I LOVE my scratches and promise if you let me lean on you, you will always be able to lean on me.
  


Foster Parents Needed   

  Kitten eating

Through the entire March-to- October breeding season, Sonoma County is "littered" with unwanted kittens, many of whom are left in boxes on our doorstep or brought here by compassionate souls who've found an abandoned litter. Without our wonderful Foster Parents, who bring these tiny kittens into their homes for round-the-clock care, these little newborns would perish. If you are interested in volunteering as a Foster Parent - you are needed!

To become a foster parent, please contact Aiko Love, email: alove@sonomahumane.org, phone: 707-577-1919, or attend one of our upcoming foster orientations.

 

2012 NEW FOSTER VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION / TRAINING          

April 18th, Wednesday  5:30 --- 7 PM

May 15th, Tuesday          5:30 --- 7 PM

June 6th, Wednesday    5:30 --- 7 PM

June 26th, Tuesday         5:30 --- 7 PM

July 18th, Wednesday    5:30 --- 7 PM

August 7th, Tuesday       5:30 --- 7 PM

Sept 13th, Thursday         5:30 --- 7 PM

October 9th, Tuesday    5:30 --- 7 PM
 

If you are interested in Fostering please fill out the foster application and contract and contact: alove@sonomahumane.org, phone: 707-577-1919

 


Tips from the Vet: 
 

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.  

 

Clue in to your CatRumor

 

If your cat exhibits any of the symptoms below it is important to have them evaluated for Feline lower urinary tract disease, or feline idiopathic cystitis. In young males it is more frequently urinary blockage, which can be fatal if untreated.
  • bloody urine
  • straining to urinate (can easily be mistaken for straining to defecate)
  • urinating in unusual places
  • licking the urinary opening (usually due to pain).
A cat need only demonstrate some of these signs to be considered affected and, once the obstruction is cleared, dietary modifications are suggested to avoid recurrence.
 

 

Look at the Kitten in the Window

 

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; Eva, Tessie, or Bitsy. 

Gooood Dog!

APRIL DOG AND PUPPY TRAINING SERIES

 

Bond at both ends of the leash with our group training classes for beginner to advanced stages. Or book a private lesson and consultation training bestof the baywith

our trainers.  

The Sonoma Humane Society Dog and Puppy Training classes are based on rewards and positive reinforcement providing a safe, happy and healthy environment for you and your canine companion. Each class is 6 sessions. Register now!   

For schedule of classes  

and further information,
click here.
   

 

 

 

OLIVER'S COMMUNITY CARD   
Support our local market and they support the Sonoma Humane Society

Oliver's will donate up to 5% of your purchase (any day, any store) when you show your Oliver's Community Card at checkout. You can pay any way you want.  Just complete the short registration form, take it to any Oliver's checkstand and get your new - Community Card. When you support them, they support us! 

 

In This Issue
Happy Tails
Low Cost Cat Spay/Neuter
If they could talk...
Adoptable
Summer Camps
URGENT! Fosters Needed
Tips from the Vet
Kitty's in Need
Join our Team for the Human Race 2012

Saturday May 5th, 2012

3k & 10k Walk or Run

Dine and Donate  

at
Willie Bird Restaurant

Wednesday May 2, 2012  

menu 

1150 Santa Rosa Ave 7am-9pm

5% of proceeds benefit the Sonoma Humane Society

 

(SHS is grateful to benefit
from the Human Race Restaurant Week)

APRIL  

Tail Waggin  

Mobile Adoptions

14th Pet Center Store 11-3pm
618 Graventein Hwy N 
Sebastopol

21st Earth Day Celebration11-3pm
Discovery Center
Spring Lake Regional Park

28th Frizelle-Enos Feed Store 12-3pm
265 Petaluma Avenue
Sebatopol

29th Adoptathon in Rohnert Park 10-4pm
5800 Commerce Blvd 
Donate Your Vehicle  Help homeless animals by donating your vehicle (car, boat, trailer, etc.)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on TwitterVisit our blog




Foster Adopt



 





   
 





 
 
The Sonoma Humane Society never shares any contact information, including email addresses, with other organizations.
Your privacy is always protected and very important to us.
 
Sonoma Humane Society
PO Box 1296
5345 Hwy 12 West, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
 Tel: (707) 542-0882 * Fax: (707) 542-1317 * www.SonomaHumane.org