Gatsby's story

By Kelsey Morrow-Fox

Gatsby, a corgi mix, proudly sports his lobster costume for Halloween. He was rescued from a puppy mill bust in 2009, and now lives a very happy life with his loving owner. Because of his puppy mill experience, he has hip dysplasia and has had to have multiple surgeries on his legs. However, with the care his owners now give him, he is able to experience things that he would never have at a puppy mill, such as adequate food and water, treats, toys and love. He now enjoys playing with his squeaky toys and going for long walks through the park. Gatsby advocates staying away from puppy mills so other dogs don't have to experience what he and his family did, and recommends adopting dogs from shelters so adorable dogs like him can have good homes.

ACHS Impressions Members To Serve at Redbrick

By Sarah Holt

Impressions members on the Athens County Humane Society account will be serving at Redbrick Sports Pub on Wed., April 27, from 6-9 p.m. to raise puppy mill awareness. What’s better than getting delicious food and supporting an awesome cause? So come out to RedBrick to support a great cause!

The money raised will go toward helping an innocent dog or cat find a loving home as opposed to the terrible conditions that animals must endure in puppy mills. Here are a few of the facts that you should know about puppy mills:

- Puppy mills are distinguished by their inhumane conditions and the constant breeding of unhealthy and genetically defective dogs solely for profit.

- Very often the dogs in puppy mills are covered with matted, filthy hair, their teeth are rotting and their eyes have ulcers. We have seen many dogs whose jaws have rotted because of tooth decay.

- The dogs are typically kept in small wire cages for their entire lives. They are almost never allowed out. They may never touch solid ground or grass to run and play.

(www.prisonersofgreed.com)

These are just a few of the horrors that these poor animals face. So please come out and help—it’s as simple as eating a meal. We look forward to seeing you all there!

By Paige Kruse, ImPRessions ACHS account member

The Athens Humane Society ImPRessions account hosted a successful Puppy Mill Awareness event with the help of Redbrick Sports Pub.. On Wed., Jan.19, ACHS members served dinner and drinks with the tips benefiting the Humane Society and its fight for local pets. The Athens community and fellow students were able to stand up against puppy mills while enjoying a lively atmosphere and 45 cent wing night. Although most volunteers didn’t have a lot of serving experience, costumers were patient and ready to contribute for a good cause. Puppy Mill Awareness Week strives to shed light on the miserable conditions of puppy mill breeding.
With thousands of mills across the United States, most puppies are left in small, wired cages and never feel the grass on their paws. Large pet stores will buy dogs from puppy mills at low costs and sell them for a large profit. Puppy mill owners have been known to shoot the dogs rather than provide vet care.
Adoption is a great step toward bettering conditions for dogs. Interested in the fight against Puppy mills? Visit http://www.humanesociety.org/ or http://www.stoppuppymills.org/.

Winter Weather Safety

By Camille Davis, ACHS ImPRessions account member

When the weather gets cold, and the snow begins to fall, it is easy for us to add another layer of clothes. But what about our pets? Winter pet safety is an important subject for all pet owners.

One of the most basic ways we can take care of our pets in this harsh winter weather is by bringing our outdoor pets inside. Winter weather brings many perils, from the biting cold to the mountains of snow. It is not uncommon for pets to get lost in this weather, so when they do go outside make sure they are wearing their tags and keep dogs on leashes. It is easy for them to get turned about and have a hard time picking up the scent of home in the snow.

Pet owners should also take caution of outdoor cats. Parked cars provide cats a safe haven from the snow, so be sure to bang on the hood of your car to warn any sleeping animals that you are about to start the car.

Dogs may seem warm with their furry coats, but even they are subject to the cold of winter. When bringing your dog in from a walk be sure to fully dry off their legs and belly. No one wants to walk around in wet clothes, especially clothes covered in road salt. Also check the area in between the pads of their paws. Ice and salt can gather quickly in that space.

The fashionable dog owner can dress short haired dogs up in adorable, warm sweaters. If you aren’t the fashionista then be sure to not cut your dog’s hair short. For the dogs who love playing in the snow, you may want to give them a little extra food to keep their energy up!

While winter can be a dangerous time for people and animals, it can also be a lot of fun. The snow provides countless photo opportunities of dogs playing in the snow. Is there anything cuter than a furry snowball? What better time to curl up on the couch with your cat then when the snow is falling? With months of winter ahead of us, be sure to keep an eye on your pets and be sure to enjoy the winter!