Call of the Wild
Posted on 5 February 2010 | 1 response
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Call of the Wild
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| At the Austin Humane Society, we’re a dog-and-cat operation. And that’s because there are plenty of dogs and cats that need saving!
But that all changed last week.
Here’s what happened: Up in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth, authorities raided an exotic pet dealer who allegedly was neglecting and abusing the animals. They seized more than 27,000 exotic animals.
Let’s say that again: They seized 27,000 exotic animals. Two-toed sloths, blue-tongued lizards, pink-toed tarantulas. Hedgehogs and frogs. The SPCA of Texas took over the rescue operation and moved all 27,000 to the not-yet-completed new SPCA headquarters in Dallas. When the SPCA of Texas called us for help, a number of staff members immediately offered to go. This was a massive undertaking, because every animal needed to be medically screened, treated, and fed—and all in very precise conditions.
Lead by our Adoption Supervisor, Charles Spinoso, the AHS staff members set to work immediately. Here’s a bit from his report back to AHS late last week:
 We’ve been doing pretty constant work. So far, we’ve been helping the clinic staff with medication. Today, we collected turtles and applied medicine to their shells to treat a bacterial infection. We’ve fed the sloths and the wallabies. Most fun of all? We’ve cleaned up after 1,000 hamsters and mice! In all, four of our staff members have gone to Dallas to work on this epic rescue project. And last weekend, our Executive Director and Financial Director spent a day with the Texas SPCA touring the site and helping feed some animals. “It was astounding to see the work, dedication, and caring all of these volunteers are offering to these animals,” explained Frances Jonon, Executive Director. “They’re doing important work.” At AHS, we consider ourselves an emergency resource. While we focus on dogs and cats, we want to help protect all living animals. And sometimes that means going above and beyond our usual call of duty. We’re happy to do it, eager even. Because in the end, whether we’re sheltering Hurricane Katrina’s feline castaways or opening our doors to the survivors of a busted puppy mill, it’s about life. It’s about saving. It’s about answering the call. Please support our efforts to be one of Austin’s primary resources in animal emergencies by making a donation today. Thank you.
Charles and Amanda, both AHS adoption experts, help care for the more than 27,000 exotic pets seized in Arlington. Helping with the rescue effort were Charles Spinoso, Amanda Boutourline-Travis, Heather Allard, and Brooke Smith. To read the full story of the exotic animal seizure, click here. To see a photo slideshow of the animals, click here.
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Unlikely pairs
Posted on 2 February 2010 | No responses
This dog and orangutan video reminded me of another unlikely pair we had here at the Austin Humane Society last February, Reddy Boy (German Shorthair Pointer mix doggie) and Mousey (4 month old tabby cat). They were adopted by a lovely family who emailed us recently to let us know how well the two of them were doing! They are still the best of friends and we are so pleased that we were able to find them a home together! Their new names are Sami and Sophie — they are kept very busy and are NEVER alone because they have another cat sister, as well as a human brother and a human sister and a human mom and dad!
For those of you who don’t recall their story, they were abandoned together in a night drop box at the city shelter with a note attached saying that they were the best of friends and should not be separated. Since the city shelter could not house them together, they called upon us to provide special arrangements for them so they could be adopted… together. Here are two videos for your enjoyment!
Click here to watch the Reddy Boy and Mousey video here!
Protect your fur friends from freezing cold weather!
Posted on 7 January 2010 | 2 responses
Brrrr! Even though they have fur coats, your companion animals can be very affected by cold weather. The following guidelines will help you protect your four legged friends when it’s cold outside.
1. Keep your cats and dogs inside. Severe cold weather can be fatal to your pets. In addition to freezing, pets that are kept outside are more likely to stray, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the cold, wet or ice. He can ingest sand, salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from icy conditions. Also, (this isn’t typically a problem in Texas, but…) never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
4. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or that covers from the base of the tail to the belly.
5. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
6. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
Resolutions for Rover…
Posted on 4 January 2010 | 1 response
Lose weight. Stop smoking. Call mom more often. Take up a hobby. Exercise. No matter what yours are, don’t forget to also think about some resolutions for your four legged family members. I’m not saying that Rex, Mollie, Fluffy and Stripe aren’t content with their daily lives – If they are anything like my dogs, they are probably perfectly happy, napping most of the day with intermittent trips outside to visit their squirrel and bird friends and to romp around… The cats nibble on their food throughout the day, stare out the window and lounge around in sunny places. They seem satisfied and happy…enough… But it did get me to thinking.
Our animals do need change and enrichment just like we do. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. New toys, a new walking route, catnip, a weekly trip to a park or a new play mate could make all the difference! For cats, they even make these really cool ‘cat tents’ so your cat can play safely outside.
What about making resolutions to change unwanted behaviors? Pulling on the leash, counter surfing, begging, jumping on people, etc… Obedience training not only teaches you how to teach your dog to be the best that he/she can, it also strengthens your bond! AHS does offer specialized dog and puppy obedience classes throughout the year.
Whatever you decide, here’s wishing you a fun, happy, healthy and very furry new year!
Music for the mutts and mews
Posted on 19 December 2009 | No responses
Makayla gets serenaded!
Tonight we had our 4th annual AHS Shelter Sleepover where we honor all of shelter pets who don’t have a home of their own. We bring ‘home’ to them for one night, Santa comes, we play games, stay late, eat, play some more, and some of us even spend the night. This year, we had something even more special to give to the animals…. Bedtime Lullabies! Our very own foster volunteer, Robert Griswold, strummed his
Mewsic Man
guitar in the dog kennel area until everyone went to sleep, and then he moved on to the cat colony rooms. It was like magic, everyone was so calm and peaceful.
Dear Santa, All I want is a home for Christmas. Love, Billy the Kid
Rags to Wags was a Howling Success!
Posted on 17 November 2009 | No responses
The Austin Human
e Society’s 4th annual Rags to Wags Gala was nothing to bark about this year! We had media celebs, city and county officials and professional models prancing our pups down the runway! Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors — there was so much generosity in the room! Paws were raised all night long in support of the animals in our care. Thank you so much! Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tel West Network Services and to everyone who made this night possible!
Click here to see event photos!
HOWL-O-WEEN Anyone?? Check out these safety tips for pets:
Posted on 29 October 2009 | No responses
Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for children, adults and even pets. However, for many family pets it is also a time filled with stress, fear and anxiety. While dressing up is fun for people, sometimes dogs and cats can become scared by face make-up and costumes, causing them to react in a frightened manner. To ensure a safe and fun Halloween for your pets, family, and your trick-or-treaters, the Austin Humane Society recommends the following options for Halloween pet safety:
Prior to the arrival of trick-o-treaters:
Take Your Dog for a Walk: By doing so, your dog will burn off some extra energy and feel slightly more relaxed before the evening begins.
During and After Halloween events:
Contain the dog and cat inside the house. Crate the dog and put the cat/kitten is a safe place with the door closed: Dogs need to feel secure while also protecting their domain. To ensure a safe evening for your family and trick-or-treaters, consider crating your dog with his favorite blanket and soft chew toys. Place your cat in a separate room, with the door closed. With the front door opening and closing frequently to trick or treaters, a cat and/or small dog can easily run out the front door. Be sure to leave plenty of food, water and toys to keep your dog or cat occupied and re-assure them often by visiting the room.
Backyard: We strongly recommend your dog not be permitted to roam through the backyard as this may disturb or frighten trick-o-treaters approaching your home. Additionally, the dog may become highly frustrated and anxious as the number of individuals entering your premises and, unfortunately, in rare cases, the dog may suffer injury or harm as they may try to dig under or jump the fence.
Place All Candy Out of Reach: Because chocolate can be fatal to dogs and cats, move all candy out of their reach. Additionally, be sure all candy wrappers and foil are discarded properly as wrappers and foil can result in intestinal blockage or suffocation if your pet consumes it. If you suspect your pet ate any amount of candy or digested wrappers, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Decorations: Because dogs can be overly excitable during the Halloween events, it is highly recommended that all Halloween decorations be removed from any area in which the dog may come in contact. Of particular concern are items which the dog may hit with a wagging tail or candles which may have been lit through the night.
More Halloween Factors to Consider:
- People in costumes. Even familiar friends and beloved family members can be frightening to a pet when in costume. Or, your pet may mistake a costume for a toy and tug or jump on you or a child.
- Costumes for pets. Nothing is cuter than a pup or kitty in costume, but be sure the costumes are safe! Tight fitting costumes (with or without elastic) can be a choking hazard. Loose pieces can be chewed off or swallowed, causing an intestinal obstruction that needs expensive surgery to correct.
- Open doors. Don’t open the door if your pet is nearby and can escape. Even the best behaved pet can become confused or agitated with a lot of children coming and going on Halloween. Make sure your pets are wearing collars with ID tags and current rabies tags — just in case they make a break for it through an open door.
- Unusual noises. Laughing trick-or-treaters, people screaming when they get scared — these can make your pet anxious and unsettled. A frightened dog can snarl or snap at strangers or friends.
- Candles. Keep an eye on lit candles, especially when your pets are around. A curious cat can burn a paw or tail on a lit candle.
- Mischief makers. Local troublemakers may be out in full force smashing pumpkins, wrapping houses in toilet paper, tossing eggs at cars or even taunting pets.
My Radio Buddy
Posted on 14 October 2009 | No responses
I know I say this all the time, so here I go again — I’m in love! Look at this boy – his name is Stripe. A Chihuahua mix that’s just 9 months old and already a radio personality! We affectionately call him Stripe for the white line of fur that goes down his back which is unfortunately some type of scar. It looks a lot like he got the scar either from going under a chain link fence (we have seen this before with dogs who are not spayed or neutered and/or left 
in the back yard a lot and dig out) or, it’s from something that burned him. In either case, this boy is as forgiving as they come. He absolutely LOVES people and is happiest when he’s in your arms or lap which is great because he weighs less than 10 pounds. He’s also happiest when he’s getting exercise and playing. That said, we recommend a home that can do both for him. He’s the best of both worlds and VERY deserving!
For more information on Spike and/or of his dog and cat friends, please visit us online anytime at http://www.AustinHumaneSociety.org/adopt
Charlotte Says Sayonara!
Posted on 8 October 2009 | 1 response
You may remember that we wrote about Miss Charlotte a while back. She was the girl who was run over by a car, survived but came out with one less leg. She was treated at Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital and we fostered her through her rehab and therapy until she was strong enough to come to the shelter to meet her new family. So, aside from being the the luckiest and sweetest little girl you will ever know, she has found her forever home and has said “Sayonara” AHS! We hope to ask Charlotte to be one of our our Rags to Wags models on November 14th, she is QUITE the 
Diva!
Two Hoots for the Hounds!
Posted on 21 September 2009 | No responses
I have watched in awe over the last 3 years as I’ve seen six and sometimes seven Austin bands come together to donate their time and talents to the animals of the Austin Humane Society. It all started 3 years ago one rainy Sunday at Roadhouse Rags when Rick Broussard of Two Hoots and a Holler wanted to memorialize his dog who had recently passed and at the same time honor those in need. The first event raised over $500 for the animals of the AHS, the second raised over $700 and… drum roll… this year’s event at the Continental Club raised over $1000 for the animals of the Austin Humane Society. Special thanks to Robert Banta, Teri Joyce & the Tagalongs, Roger Wallace, Jeff Hughes & Chaparral, Rosie Flores, Jason Arnold & the Stepsiders, Two Hoots & a Holler, Jennifer Watts, jewelry designer extraordinaire, Diane Scott and most of all, Rick Broussard and the Continental Club for making all of this possible!
- Two Hoots for the Hounds!