Spay Day Week

The Athens Humane Society is proud to introduce Spay Day Week! One day is respectable, but think of what can be accomplished in a whole week! This we give to you, animals. And we also give it to those of you who love causes like the Humane Society, but happen to be busy on Tuesday (the official Spay Day).

Spay Day Week’s activities start Monday, February 22nd, bright and early (well, bright at the very least) with a table set up on the first floor of Baker. We will be giving out free hot chocolate (although, donations will be very appreciated), selling t-shirts for $15 (see the picture below), and answering any and all questions that you have about the organization and how to get involved. We will be there from 10am to 5pm, so be sure to drop by. Try to remember that even the smallest amount can go so far! Whether ten dollars or twenty-five cents, it is all useful and beneficial. Sacrificing that morning coffee may help change an animal’s life, so remember that it is definitely worth it.

Another big event for the week is happening Wednesday, February 24th. Go to Red Brick Sports Pub from 6-9pm and support our girls who are trading their Public Relations suits for waitress aprons for the night. In order for us to keep the donations we need to make a good deal in tips, so dig deep into those pockets and share the puppy (and kitten) love!



Happy Spay Day Week to all!

-Hannah Meiser: Athens Humane Society Account Member

Winter Pet Care

With this winter already being colder than the past few years, it’s important to keep your pets happy and warm inside and out. Here are some of the tips the American Veterinary Medical Association suggest:

Housing:
It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

Roaming cats:
Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.

Frostbite and snow removal salt:
Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.

Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); snow sprays/snow flock; super glue; styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); expoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets.

Remember to check out our Facebook page and our Facebook fan page for further updates!

Cleo Stoll – Athens Humane Society Account Member