Holiday Festivities with the ACHS

This week begins the holiday season, and leading the pack is Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Yule, and New Year's. And it's always wonderful to get your pets in on the celebrations, as well as some safety tips to keep in mind for the upcoming holiday celebrations.

Coming up on December 9th is our "Santa Clause and Paws" event. For a $10 minimum donation, you and your beloved pet can get your photos taken with Santa Clause. You will recieve a four inch by six inch photo in a special holiday folder. This event runs from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Market on State Street (formerly the University Mall) in Athens.

All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations and properly contained under their owner's control by leash or carrier. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, otherwise they will be placed on Santa's "Naughty" list and have to deal with a present far worse than coal.

There is nothing better about the holidays (aside, of course, from our Clause and Paws event!) than food. With very few exceptions, holidays are the time to indulge in some of the most luxuriously spiced and seasoned foods of the year. But these foods can also lead to illness when given to pets.

Avoid giving table scraps to your pets, and discourage guests from doing so. These scraps, particularly the high seasoning and fat content, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, inflammation of the pancreas, also called pancreatitis. This is a life threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

But don't think it's just the meat that's a problem. Turkey bones, and all poultry bones, can easily splinter and cause throat or bowel perforations. Double bag the bones and keep them out of reach of your pets. If wild animals or neglected animals frequently raid your trash, avoid placing scraps and bones out until trash day, or consider chaining and locking your trash can lids to discourage these animals from coming to harm.

Those of us with dogs (and some particularly lanky and intrepid cats) may be familiar with the sport known as "Counter Surfing". Be aware that your animals cannot resist the call of holiday food any more than your Great Aunt Margaret. Keep an eye on them, and keep your scraps out of access, and you'll be fine.

Avoid allowing your animals to ingest alcoholic drinks. This may seem like a no-brainer, but to a cat egg nog can seem like a special treat just for them, and it takes only a moment before they are lapping away at it. Animals' livers do not work in the same way the human liver does, and allowing your animal to drink even a small bit of alcohol can cause some serious harm.

This isn't to say you can't let your animals in on the food festivities, though. Place a dollop of packed pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) on top of their food. They will love you for it!

Have a safe, happy holiday season! We hope to see you at our Santa Clause and Paws event!

Puppy Mill Awareness Week Was A Success!

The Athens County Humane Society has had quite a successful week full of Puppy Mill awareness! With the help of generous volunteers, the ACHS was able to spread awareness all around Ohio University’s campus and throughout the Athens city community.

The week started off with two days at College Gate, just outside of College Green on Ohio University’s campus. At this location, there was a table full of information on puppy mills, t-shirts for sale, and treats for dogs and for humans! Probably the best part were the dogs and cats on hand to give students the opportunity to actually see the animals that the ACHS fosters and puts up for adoption. A couple of the dogs wore costumes for Halloween, and definitely sidetracked many students from getting to class on time! In addition to gaining knowledge about puppy mills, a few people picked up adoption applications, and many asked on ways to volunteer. The Messenger picked up the story, as well as WOUB, further spreading the information about puppy mills.

The week wrapped up with an event at Donkey Coffee, collaborating with Open Mic Night on Thursday. After a slight scare with a couple bands cancelling, the coffee shop quickly filled up around 9:30pm and by 10pm it was packed! The ImPRessions account for the Athens County Humane Society stood up in between the acts to give some facts about puppy mills and ways everyone can help the cause. A band even sang a song about the brutalities of puppy mills, and other ways people can help with animal rights. Everyone that attended was very open to the information, and the group left well informed. The Donkey staff was very welcoming and receptive to holding future events there…so look out for that!

Overall, Puppy Mill Awareness Week was a definite success and everyone that was involved made a great effort to get the information out to the public. Keep checking for updates about future events held by ACHS and ImPRessions!

Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! (AthensCountyHS)

Rachel Csaszar- Athens County Humane Society ImPRessions Account member

Puppy Mill Awareness Week 2009

As we enter the later half of the 2009 Fall quarter, the ImPRessions Athens Humane Society Account is making positive strides in its first year as an established account. Teaming up with Humane Society Vice President, Shelley Lieberman, our members have been working hard to promote the upcoming Puppy Mill Awareness Week both on campus and in the Athens Community.

We will kick things off on Monday October 26 and Tuesday October 27 with free bundles of animal crackers and fliers containing must-read information regarding puppy mills. At this promotional event, which will take place at College Gate, we will be joined by a few of our four-legged friends from the Humane Society. Promotional T-shirts will also be available for $15 each. Donations will be greatly appreciated, however our main focus is to get the information out to the public!

On Thursday, October 29^th, we invite you to Donkey Coffee at 9pm for Open-Mic night as we wrap up Puppy Mill Awareness Week and listen to local music. We are very thankful to everyone at Donkey to be able to partner up and promote our cause with one of our campus’ popular gathering places. Our goal is not only to gain support from our fellow students, but from local names and businesses on and around Ohio University’s campus as well.

Housing a pet in college is a fun idea that most upperclassmen look forward to when they make the switch form dorm life to off campus living. However, what most people may not be aware of is the unfortunate existence of puppy mills and what really goes on in the mass breeding of animals. This will be our account’s first big event and we look forward to maintaining the positive reputation of both our organization and the Athens County Humane Society. 

Eamonn Reynolds- Athens County Humane Society Account

Featured Pet of the Week: Feisty

If these piercing eyes of this gorgeous girl don't suck you in, I don't know what will! Feisty is a beautiful girl who is looking for a forever home. Are you the one who can provide it to her? If you're interested, please fill out our adoption questionnaire here. Sure you want a companion but not sure Feisty is the one for you? Check out our other adoptable animals.

Before you think of adopting an animal, please consider these things. It can be a lot of work (but in the end, it is ENTIRELY worth it!)

Featured Pet of the Week: Bubbles

How can this sweet little guy have gone so long without finding a forever home? I can't believe it! Look at the face! Look at the expression, the fur, the beauty that is BUBBLES. Bubbles is a young orange and white male tabby cat. He started off life with a rough and tumble go...he had health problems and some neglectful owners, but he's bouncing back. His name reflects his personality quite well. He's friendly and loving. He enjoys the company of other cats, but he's a bit shy. Approach him the wrong way and he may drift away like his namesake. Give him all the love he needs and he might just POP! Bubbles is a lover, and a friend. Are you interested in adopting Bubbles? Check out the process and paperwork. Not sure you're ready? Here are some things to consider.

Sure you want to adopt, but not sure Bubbles is the right one for you? Check out our list of adoptable animals.

Black Cat Superstitions

Ikea

The first, crisp hint of fall is in the air. Maybe it's the cool nights, or the subtle autumnal turning of the leaves. Maybe it's the scent of woodsmoke, or the feeling in the air that means that fall is not too far away. And with Autumn comes a time filled with legend, superstition, and myth - Halloween.



One of these superstitions is incredibly prevalent, and often misunderstood - the icon of the black cat. It is often hard to adopt out black cats and kittens due to superstitions held by people. But did you know that not all superstitions about black cats are negative?

That's right. Many have heard the saying that if a black cat crosses your path, bad luck will befall you, or illness, or perhaps even death. The same has been said about white cats in other cultures, particularly Asian cultures, where the white cat is considered to hold the same properties in legend and lore.

The superstition surrounding the ill luck of black cats is relatively recent - arising in western Europe during the middle ages. With stories and rumors of "witches" abounding the countryside, epidemics like the plague, and general financial worries, the black cat was made a scapegoat. Many locales tried to eradicate cats completely from their area, for fear that they were witches in disguise, harbingers of ill luck, or worse, carriers of the Black Plague.

Some areas of the world and some cultures still cling true to these superstitions, and unrightly so. Did you know that some cultures hold the black cat as an omen of good luck?

For example, there is a Celtic superstition that says a strange black cat showing up on your doorstep will bring prosperity and wealth, so long as it is cared for.

In Latvia, a small eastern European country bordering on the Baltic sea, black cats were said to be the spirit of Rungis, a god of harvests. Upon finding one in their barns or silos, joy was to be beheld, for it meant a well and prosperous harvest for the year.

Across the world, fishermen's wives would keep a black cat in the home to ensure no harm would come to their husbands while at sea.

Take a moment to visit Ball.

The theater world has two specific traditions concerning black cats. If a black cat were in the audience on the opening night of a performance, things would go smoothly. Many theaters had black cats in their employ, ensuring them good luck all around, so long as the cat was properly cared for by the cast and crew of that theater.

Southern France has the right idea, I think. They call their cats "matagots" or "Magician cats". They bring good luck to their owners, but only those owners who feed them well, treat them kindly, and give them the respect and love they would accord to a family member.

Have a look at Phoebe!

In the midlands of England, a black cat is thought to be a good omen for marriage. If a black cat is in the house where a young girl resides, she will find many a young many interested. A black cat gotten at the start of a marriage ensures a prosperous and happy one. If a loose white hair is found upon a black cat, groom it out, and keep it, for it is a sign you will find true love.

There are, of course, other myths associated with cats of non-specific coloring. The ancient Egyptians believed that the rays of the sun were entrusted into the eyes of the cat for safekeeping. The creation of cats was said to come about when Noah's ark was infested by rats. He asked a lion to sneeze, and out popped a cat!

But perhaps there is an inkling (pun intended) of truth to the legend that black cats bring good luck. King Charles I of England protected his black feline fiercely, believing his companion brought him luck and protection. The day after the cat died of natural causes, Charles I was arrested by Oliver Cromwell, and shortly thereafter King Charles was taken to the scaffold and beheaded.

Take a moment to visit Cindy Loo.

Featured Pet of the Week: Bella

Bella! Bellisima! Bella is a name that means "Beautiful" in Italian. Bella is as gorgeous and loving as they come. Bella is beautiful in her own unique and special way. Bella is just a baby girl with tortiseshell coloring.

When Bella was younger, her owners failed to treat her for an upper respiratory infection. Her "third" eyelid" has attached to her cornea. She is not in any pain, but Bella has a very unique look for sure. Bella does not need any special care or treatment - she is as rambunctious and loving as a kitten should be. Her world appears as though she's looking through plastic, and needs an owner who can understand that beauty comes in all forms - not just classical beauty.


Bella's favorite activities include cuddling and playing, and she is looking for a home that can provide all of these things and more.

Bella her siblings Susie Q & Kong, who was featured in a week past, can be visited most days at White's Mill btwn 8am-5pm. Call to be sure they are there, area code seven four zero 592.1521

The first step to adoption is to return to us the adoption questionnaire.

There are some things to consider before adopting, and a list of these things can be found here.

Sure you want someone in your life, but not sure Bella is a good match for you? Check out our other adoptable animals and see if you can give one of them a loving spot in your home and heart.

Your Groceries Can Help.....

Well, not your groceries directly. If you are one of the many people in the local area who shops at Krogers, you can directly help the animals that the Athens County Humane Society assists. It doesn't cost you a dime of your money or Kroger Fuel Rewards, and only takes a minute or so to sign up for.

You can enroll online in the Kroger Community Rewards Program and help the Athens County
Humane Society raise money for the animals with your Kroger Plus Card. Every time you use your card in conjunction with a purchase of food or gas, the Athens County Humane Society benefits from it.

To enroll, follow these easy steps.
1. Visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com

2. Register for a Kroger account

3. Join the rewards program with your Kroger Plus Card
(Three easy steps)

4. Enter the "Athens County Humane Society" under
Organization Name (NPO Code will be 80074)

5. Spend, Swipe and Save...the animals!!

The money earned goes towards the low cost spay and neuter clinics that we hold every month, as well as the adoption of animals within the county. Tell your friends, tell your family!

Spay and Neuter Registration

Our next spay and neuter registration date will be September 3rd from 5-6 PM at the Market on State (Formerly the University Mall) in Athens.

Spay and neuter services are already extremely low cost, and are available to residents of Athens county as well as the surrounding counties. In addition to this, there is a low-income program to help residents of Athens County spay or neuter their animals at an even lower cost. Qualifications for the low-income assistance program can be found here.

When registering your animal(s), you will need to bring a valid photo ID or driver's license, as well as the payment. Costs are listed on the website above, as well as what types of documentation are acceptable as proof of low income.

Please bring your ID, a photocopy of your low-income paperwork, and the required payment in cash. Unfortunately we cannot accept methods of payment other than cash.

You do NOT need to bring your pets to the registration. You will receive details on the time and date of your pet's appointment after registering.

Not sure why you should spay or neuter your pets? Read up on the myths and facts of spay/neuter.

Want to hear it from a cat's point of view (as told by the characters from the Lion King)? Click here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sharing is Caring

I was on my way out of Nelsonville this evening for a night on the town. While my husband and I stopped to refill our gas tank, I had the pleasure of overhearing an amazing conversation between two people at the pumps. A man had a dog with him, a little boxer with a cast on his leg. This man and his dog had just gotten back from a veterinary appointment, and the man had acquired the dog that very day.

From what I gather, the dog had been laying on the road in Lancaster, and had been hit by a car and was in a large amount of pain. No one nearby seemed to know who the dog belonged to, or why the dog would have been in the middle of a non-residential area in the middle of a very busy road. The man, who had not been looking for a dog, contacted an organization local to Lancaster, Forgotten 4Paws, to help with emergency vet care. They helped out, and the man now has a new member of his family who is only a little worse for wear. The entire time the story was being told, the dog, who from what I heard was howling in agony mere hours ago, was happily licking his new owner's face, and giving all the love he had to give. The man couldn't have seemed more pleased.

As a silent observer to all of this, I couldn't help but smile. Not only was I smiling to hear that someone had lent a hand to an animal in need, when many had already passed by, but smiling to see the reactions of those other people at the gas station who were listening to the story. It warmed my heart to hear that, yes, there are still people who would give up a day to help out for what could be a lifetime.

Similar to this, a letter was published in the Athens News on Monday thanking Donkey Coffee of Athens for helping out with the feral felines, Jolene, Anna, and Andy. Jolene is still looking for a new home, and we're surprised that no one has shown interest in her yet. She's a quiet, docile companion who is fiercely independent and timidly loving. Hopefully someone will fall in love with Jolene. It is also my hope that more businesses will take a cue from Donkey and lend a hand to some of the animals in the county.