Why people shop not adopt! What we can say to combat the reasoning.

We’ve all had this conversation. A friend wants to bring home a new pet, and despite your best efforts, she’s set on buying from a pet store. How can you convince to her adopt, not shop? Here are four things we hear a lot, and how you can respond.

If I don’t buy that puppy in the pet store, who will?

Pet stores usually sell their puppies quickly, and the store will slash the price on slow sellers until they’re bought. If people stop giving their business to pet stores that sell puppies by not purchasing puppies or anything else from them, ultimately, the puppy mills that they support will shut down from lack of demand. Hurray!

I want a purebred/a puppy, and they don’t end up in shelters.

Some people want a Golden Retriever no matter what. Tell your pal that a one-of-a-kind mutt from a shelter is just as healthy and lovable, but that 25% of animals who enter shelters are purebreds, and that most breeds have a breed rescue—a group that re-homes dogs of a specific breed. Oh, and show them some videos of ASPCA puppies.


Shelter pets aren’t likely to be healthy.

Explain to your pal the many physical and mental ailments puppy mill dogs—most of those in pet stores—can develop. Remind your pal that any animal can become sick or injured, regardless of where he came from, but that at a shelter you know up front if your new pet has any chronic health issues. Let your friend know that pet store dogs are actually somewhat more likely than shelter dogs to need vet care for an illness.



My friend has a shelter dog, and he’s hyper/destructive/scared/shy.

Here’s where those of you with shelter pets can point to them and say, “Uh, what about Mr. Fluffy here? He’s a model dog and he came from a shelter.” Then point out that just like dogs from anywhere else, some shelter dogs have behavior issues to work on. Adopting from a shelter allows you to know exactly what you’re getting and whether you’re prepared to handle any issues that may arise.


Good luck! If you have other suggestions, share ‘em with us. And if you’ve persuaded someone to adopt, not shop, tell us about it. (Taken from the ASPCA.com)



Donations make a difference!

When we say every little bit helps we mean it. Today we had the pleasure of visiting the residents at Brierwood Gardens here in Brantford to receive a donation. Not only did they raise funds by holding a Strawberry Social and collecting donations, they also bought toys, food, bowls, and other things the shelter will use on a regular basis.

We brought along "Rita" to say thank you as well. After hearing a few times "it's not much" we had to stop and remind them that every donation makes a difference. Everyone donation contributes to saving the life of an animal in our care.

The food is essential, the toys are great for enrichment purposes, and the monetary donation make sure what we are able to open our doors another day and do the business we do.

Thank you to the residents at Brierwood Garden, you have made a difference to us!

Storm Season - Are you and your pets ready?

The spring and summer storm season is upon us and while we have been lucky so far the unpredictable nature of storms means that we should be planning ahead, for ourselves and our pets.

As pet owners we need to think beyond how scared our pet might be during the thunderous booms of a storm to what would happen if that storm turned nasty. Think devastating wind gusts or even a tornado, power outages for storm reasons or other summer related issues all could mean that your family and your pets might need to stay put for hours or days.

What would you pack in an emergency kit for your pet? It's not much different than for yourself, but with a few tweeks! Here is what we recommend you have put aside to make sure your are ready for whatever weather comes our way.

Creating a Pet Emergency Survival Kit:

·         72 hour food supply, including bowls and a can opener

·         72 hour water supply

·         Blankets/towels

·         Leash, muzzle, harness

·         Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper

·         Pet carrier to allow for easy transport

·         Medical records, Veterinarian’s name and contact number

·         Medications and a pet first aid kit

·         Current photo of your pet along with their name, address and brief description

·         Information on your pets feeding schedule, temperament/behavior, medical concerns

·         ID tags and Micro chip number

·         Flashlight

·         List of boarding facilities, hotels that can accommodate pets

You should check the Kit twice a year and updated it as necessary. Ensure that there is always fresh water and food, medication and restock any items that may have been used from it. Remember your ability to care for your pet during a time of emergency will depend on how well you have prepared for it. Take the time to create a Pet Emergency Survival Kit; it may just very well save your pets life one day

The Puglets

Of course we need to check-in with our Foster Friends here at the Brant County SPCA, and this week's road trip was to see our little "puglets" and give them their first set of vaccinations.

At 6 weeks old the five little beauties are doing great. Mom is already back at the shelter with more than one application for adoption already processed. Our foster friends here have done an amazing job of making sure these guys are happy, healthy and well socialized with humans and other pets.

Just look at those faces and tell us that you could resist! As well as the basics of care this foster family has gone above and beyond by getting getting them ready for life as a big dog. They have been groomed by having their hair cut and nails trimmed, they are almost house trained with just an accident here and there, and next they will be working on crate training.

No matter who adopts these beauties they will be getting an amazing dog, saving a life, and making all that hard work our foster friends have put into these little guys well worth it. It will be a bit before they are ready to find their next home applications are being accepted now so if you are interested please make sure you contact the shelter. We will continue to follow these little guys through their spay/neuter, micro chipping, vaccines and of course their slobbers and playtime too.

Another Special Case - Charlie

Okay he might be more refined than a 'Charlie' he might just be a 'Charles'! No matter what his name is this another special case for us at the Brant County SPCA.

This sweet 10 year old, Shih Tzu mix has cataracts in both eyes and the vets believe that he has no sight left at all. We have given him a great grooming, he has had some dental work taken care of and he has no adoption fee.

Charlie is a happy boy, and is a bit of a suck for a good cuddle session. He seems to adjust well to his environment, and staff who have been working with him believe that he would be great with children because of his good disposition.

We want this pooch to find a home, and if you believe that you have the right place for him then give us a call at 519.756.6620. If you don't have a place then do us a favor and pass this onto a friend, you never know who may be looking for their next perfect pet!

 

Spring is here and shelter is at capacity.

Anyone who has been around shelter life knows that spring is "kitten season", and that is no excetpion as spring arrives in Brantford and Brant County. As a result the shelter has reached its capacity for felines and is once again offering waived adoption fees for those cats in our adoption area.

Tate, Tori and Thomas are just a few of those waiting for a home away from the shelter. So many of the cats waiting have unique and wonderful personailities.

We are also asking the public to be pro-active and call ahead before bringing in stray cats or cats they wish to surrender as cage space depends on daily adoptions. 

And don't forget with our Meet Your Match program finding your new friend is as easy as filling out a survery. Our cats are stay neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and ready for you to come take them home! 

Meg's Pups - Week Three

Well there was a BIG difference in the little pups this week when we went for a visit. Momma Meg is taking such amazing care of her brood. Not only was she great once again about us coming into her space at her foster home, but the little ones are fat, healthy and have wonderfully shiny coats. There are two little girls, who happen to be the biggest at the moment, and five little men in the group.

Once again we cannot thank Karen enough for providing the foster home that Meg needs while she cares for her pups. A few, as you can see, are trying to stand up which doesn't last long but is fun to watch. Just about all of their eyes are open and a few of them have their ears starting to stand up. Momma Meg was too busy getting lots of attention from our Animal Care Manager Nadine while we were there to get her picture taken, but she is looking as good as the little ones.

It is not only puppy season but it is also of course kitten season. We often have a lot of kittens coming in at this time of the year, sometimes with their mothers and sometimes without. Foster homes are desperately needed so that these wee ones have the time to grow before finding their forever home. 

Foster friends are given everything they need to care for these very helpless creatures. Food, litter, toys, blankets, and an animal care team at the shelter that are there to support them each step of the way.

Not everyone has the lifestyle that will allow them to adopt a pet, but if you have an interest and you have time fostering is a good alternative and a much needed resource to the shelter. We could NOT do what we do or save the number of animals we do without our foster friends. Learn more by visiting out main site at www.brantcountyspca.com or give us a call at 519.756.6620.

**** Wait! We cannot forget to tell you that because of our last story Byron was adopted. His new owners drove all the way from Guelph after reading about him through a Facebook post that had been shared by a friend.****

Byron - A good dog who needs a GREAT home.

Every once and a while a pet comes into our care that needs a little more than normal, and this is one of those cases.

Byron is a two year old Shepherd cross who is a little bit of a wall-flower. Part of the reason is that he as a type of canine retinal degeneration. After having been checked out by a veterinarian he was deemed healthy in every other way and has no other health issues, nor will more arise because of the degeneration in his eyes.

What does this mean for Byron? Dogs with this type of issue have the symptoms progress over time. They usually experience night blindness first and then the condition progresses. Already it has been noticed by the staff that he seems to have very little peripheral vision and can only tend to see things straight ahead.

Because of all of this Byron needs a special home. His assessment has already labeled him as a wallflower meaning that he needs a patient owner with a relaxed lifestyle. We would not be doing the best for Bryon by placing him in a home with children as the sudden movements that he cannot see are not fair to him. He is sweet and with some gentle guidance and a little help he will make a wonderful companion. Here is the best part, because of Byron's existing medical issue his adoption fees are waived.

If you think that you are that right person for Byron because contact the office today. As you can see from his photos he's a smiley guy who needs the right home, we hope it won't be long before he finds his perfect match.

Ruby goes to school.

It seems that everywhere we go these days we are asked "How is Ruby doing?". If you have not heard of Ruby yet here is the Cole's Notes version . . .  Ruby is a puppy that was brought to us with a case of mange so severe that we were unable to determine her breed. Estimated to be about four to five months old she is suffering from what animal cruelty investigator Brandon James said is the worst case of the skin disease he has seen. Named Ruby by our staff because her skin was ruby red, she was found wandering in the area of Fawcett and River roads on Saturday March 24th and brought into the shelter.

Since her first days at the shelter Ruby has had her ups and downs, resting with a Foster Friend who is taking care of her medically, physically and emotionally. Today she was well enough to say thank you to a special group of kids who along with their teacher have raised over $400 to contribute to Ruby's care.

The students in Ms. Grey's Grade 4-5 class at Graham Bell-Victoria school didn't mind the interruption today, and they were even more surprised when Officer Brandon James came in with Ruby so she could show them her own brand of appreciation for helping in her healing process.

Having a class contact us and offer to help is great all on it's own, having the students raise over $400 mostly in pennies is another. These children should be applauded for their effort and compassion, as should Ms. Grey for fostering and encouraging these qualities in each of the children in her classroom.

Ruby still has a ways to go, but we can't wait to bring her back to Graham Bell-Victoria and Ms. Grey's class once more before the end of the school year to keep them updated on her progress.

The Importance of Foster Friends

There are so many different ways to volunteer at the Brant County SPCA and one of them is by becoming a foster family. By becoming a foster friend you will be supporting the animals that need most -- literally. Whether providing a comfortable, isolated place for pregnant animals, or feeding orphaned kittens every four hours, you will be contributing to the health and well-being
of many animals. Though all food, supplies and medical care are provided by us, the time, commitment, benevolence and understanding will be up to you.

One of the amazing foster friends that we have right now is Karen from Pet-D-Gree Professional Pet Care Services. Not only does Karen lead a busy life with her pet centered business but she has also been working with the Brant County SPCA for many years fostering some of our animals in need when she has the time. Karen's foster right now?

New Mom Meg and her band of new pups, all seven of them! Because of our foster friend Meg was able to give birth outside the confines of the shelter and is able to bond with her pups in an environment that is quiet, spacious and had plenty of care.

Sometimes our lifestyle makes it hard to make the years of commitment that a pet will need and we understand that. This is a way for pet lovers to give back to an organization that needs places short term to house animals that are most in need.

Thank you Karen and to all our other foster friends for the dedicated work that you do for the Brant County SPCA. We will be following Meg and her pups over the next weeks and introducing you to other foster friends, volunteers, pets and staff.

Heidi's success story!

In October of 2009 we adopted Heidi, a German Shepherd cross that had come to the Brant SPCA after being reportedly thrown from a vehicle.

We fell in love with her immediately, but were very unsure about how this dog, with her insecurities and fear, would fit into our active lifestyle. She was quite scared of us in fact, especially my husband. Well, my husband was able to go to the shelter ever day for a number of days to work with Heidi, and with each passing day we saw her confidence increasing and fears subsiding.

I could not imagine our life without Heidi - she has enriched our lives so much and brought so much joy to our household. This past year we welcomed our first child into the family, and spent a great deal of time preparing Heidi for the arrival. Heidi adores being a "big sister". She is such an amazing dog and has come so far from the timid dog we adopted. She loves car rides, playing with other dogs, swimming, hiking, and has mastered a number of commands.

Thank you to all the SPCA staff and the Animal Control officers for all their assistance and care.
The Elwell's

Moe!!!

About 2 1/2 years ago I adopted Moe from the Brantford SPCA. They named him Moen because he had a kennel cold and his eyes and nose ran. He bring so much joy to my life. And everyone who meets him always says how he is such a different kind of cat. He is such an appreciative pet. Every toy I buy him he loves. He is very vocal. He loves to voice his opinion. He knows many tricks. One of his favorites is the word " treat!" He also loves to give hugs, he will climb right up you to wrap his little paws around your neck and lick your face. He also loves to hear his own name. I wanted to write this just to show how much I love my pet. He is the best decision I've ever made. Thank you SPCA !

Lady Bella

Just to update you, Lady Bella is doing great. She moved in with us in May 2011 and after figuring out that she was loved and wanted she went on to understand about toys, treats and trips to the trails. She is now just over 4lbs (a 1 ½ lb increase) and has taken over LOL J. She gets along great with both her sisters (the 4 legged one and the 2 legged one). She is the most loving and affectionate dog who now unfortunately has become a ‘fashion diva’. She won’t go anywhere until she has the proper clothing on... ski jacket in winter, rain coat in wet weather or pretty dresses for summer and special. I have attached a couple of pics so you can see our little diva. Thanks again, she is the best thing to come into all of our lives.

Carm Eaton, Ray Pellerin & Alicia Pellerin

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this:
decide what you want.........Ben Stein

Warrick a.k.a Sammy :)

I adopted Warrick (now Sammy) around this time 3 years ago. Just wanted to leave an update on how he's doing. As you can see, he's put on a few pounds but is still healthy. He is a great companion and all the animals love him.