It's Holiday Time Again

Dear friend of animals,

At the Meriden Humane Society we believe all lives are worth saving. Many of our animals come to us after terrible accidents or abuse and our goal is to make them healthy and find them new forever homes. The cost of vet care is rising, making it more and more difficult for us to save the lives of homeless pets.

In the last year we’ve seen many animals with serious medical needs that were saved thanks to your generous donations. Last winter a little cat came to us after falling asleep in a car engine. She was found with wounds covering her whole backside and needed lots of special care to ward off infection. She was named Oozy, for the obvious reason, and staff and volunteers spent more than a month working with her. Throughout her rehabilitation Oozy was always a sweetheart, totally trusting that we were helping her. Finally Oozy healed and was ready for adoption. She found her forever home quickly and her painful past is now behind her.


Oozy
Another sad case is that of Shiloh and Tessa. Both were older dogs found wandering the streets. They were found separately, but as soon as they saw each other at the shelter they went running and didn’t leave each other’s sides the whole time they were with us. Unfortunately they both had massive mammary tumors that desperately needed to be removed. Without the many donations made towards their care, they would not have been able to get their surgeries and their story would not have ended as happily. They were adopted together and are living out the rest of their lives reunited with each other in a new happy home.


Shilo
There was also Sherman, a Japanese Chin whose back was broken after some children tried to ride him, KJ, a handsome white pit mix who came to us emaciated and hurting, and Kiki, a sweet calico cat who needed lots of TLC after having a difficult time nursing her kittens. The extensive care these animals and the many others like them needed was very costly and it is only because of the kind people who make donations that we can continue to do our best to save lives.

Unfortunately, not every story ends as happily, but we have to make every effort to save each and every animal who comes to us. Tag was a loving puppy with trust in his eyes, but when we found him abandoned under a porch, literally starving to death, it was difficult to imagine that he still trusted us after what his previous human owners had done. Despite our best efforts, Tag passed away when his heart gave out following surgery. Thankfully he was able to spend his last few days lying in the sunshine at the shelter, being offered the best foods and given all the attention he could handle. While we couldn’t save Tag, it’s important that we showed him in his last few days that he was loved and that not all people were like the ones who had left him to die. Thanks to your donations, we were able to give Tag the best care possible in his last days. He may not be with us any longer, but he knew that we did everything we could to help him.


Tag
Saving lives is the primary mission of everyone here at the Meriden Humane Society. We will always do our best to help even the worst cases, to save as many lives as we can. However, without your help we cannot continue to provide the level of care our animals need. The helpless animals that come through our doors rely entirely on you and your generosity! We need your help to make happy endings like Oozy’s, Tessa’s, and Shilo’s possible. Please consider making a donation towards the care of our many animals this holiday season. Don’t let the suffering continue. We have many cats and dogs awaiting surgeries, medical treatments, and vaccinations and spay/neuters. A $60 donation will spay/neuter and vaccinate one cat. The cost to spay/neuter one dog ranges from $100-$175. One rabies vaccine costs $17, and to perform testing on one cat costs $20. Surgeries to repair broken limbs or remove tumors can often cost over $500.

We are extremely thankful and gratified for the many lives we have been able to save, but we are also devastated by the animals we have lost and the hundreds we were unable to help due to limited funds and space.

We know that your budgets are tight, and that all of us, sadly including our animals have to do with less, but sick and injured animals can not afford to wait for a better economy!

We thank you for the sacrifices you have made in order to continue your support for our animals and to help us save lives. We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season and that you don’t forget to put the animals at the Meriden Humane Society on your shopping list this holiday season.

To make a safe online donation, click on the Paypal button at the top of this page. Checks can be sent to The Meriden Humane Society at 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.

Sincerely,
The staff and volunteers of the Meriden Humane Society

P.S. As a small independent organization we don’t have the resources to host large fundraisers or to put out multiple pledge letters. As you know, this is the first pledge letter you have received from us this year, and it will be the only one. 100% of your donation will be used to help local animals as well as your friends and neighbors, many of whom have either had to surrender their animals to us or have been fortunate enough to be able to adopt new four-legged members into their families from us.

Please remember to vaccinate and spay/neuter your pets.

Paws In Need: Chicken and Grampy

Sometimes senior pets need special health care to keep them in tip-top shape. Chicken and Grampy are both senior strays that need extensive dental work. Having teeth in bad condition sounds like it could just be a small thing, just an aesthetic problem, but it can easily become life threatening. Help us save these two loveable dogs by making a safe, online donation towards their vet care by clicking on the Paypal button.

Chicken



Chicken was saved from animal control with only a few days left to live. He had been brought in as a stray and his time was up. We saved him with hopes of getting him adopted, as he has the kindest eyes and is a sweet boy. After a visit to the vet, we found out this cute little boy is 10 years old with a severe need for dental work. This is always an expensive venture but this dog deserves to life a long, healthy, happy existence. He was left unclaimed at animal control...skinny and unwanted in a previous life, Chicken has become a favorite at the humane society among staff and
visitors. Won't you help him to get the life he deserves?



Grampy



Brought to MHS by a concerned resident on a rainy day in September, Grampy immediately touched our hearts. The man who brought him to us said he'd seen the dog nearly get hit by a car several times that afternoon. The man said Grampy had been wandering for at least five days, looking for somewhere to be safe.



At 12 years old, this dog has lots of love to give, as he loves walks, cookies and being around people and other dogs. He rides well in the car and is a lot of fun to be around. He is spunky & energetic despite his age, in fact a lot of people who visit have no idea he is twelve!



However, after several trip to the vets, we have learned that Grampy has an extensive list of medical needs (dental work, thyroid tests) that will take a bit of time, and a lot of money, so he can get completely healthy and live out the rest of his days without discomfort. We need help as our budget is small, but we feel this dog has so much to offer to a perspective owner. This 8 1/2 pounds of love is a joy to have around and is still as smart as whip. He is as loving as he is goofy. He was brought to MHS for his second chance. Won't you help him find it?

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Imagine having lived in a wonderful, loving home your whole life. You were always friendly with your special people, you weren’t ever a nuisance, and you gave nothing but love and kisses. You used to play and keep your family company, but now you’re getting old and maybe you don’t want to play as much. How would you feel if your family decided they don’t want you anymore, they want a young pet again?

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, why not consider making the golden years of these homeless cats and dogs just as joyful as their younger years? Give them the love they know they deserve, no matter what their age is.

Verizon



Verizon is the oldest resident of the shelter, at 22-years old. He hasn’t had an easy life and it shows in his face. We don’t know what happened to him before coming to us, but we know how he arrived. Verizon was thrown out of a moving car outside a local business, whose employees brought him to the shelter. He may be old, but he has so much love to give. He likes to climb up on people’s shoulders and go for a ride, all while purring like a freight train. You won’t meet a more affectionate and deserving cat anywhere.

Visit Verizon on Petfinder.


Bailey



Bailey is a senior Chihuahua who just wants to enjoy her golden years. She loves to go for walks, though she isn’t so sure about the rain, and enjoys rolling around in the grass. She also likes napping in her bed and cuddling into soft blankets. Bailey does need eye ointment, because she doesn’t produce tears, but that’s no trouble at all. Isn’t such a lovely and sweet dog worth it?

See Bailey on Petfinder here.

Sebastian



Sebastian is practically a baby compared to Verizon at only 12-years old. This guy doesn’t feel his age at all and doesn’t understand all the fuss about getting old. He can be awfully cuddly when he’s in the mood, but he’s an independent guy and mostly wants to do his own thing. A lot of the time ‘his own thing’ is napping in the sunny spot and trying to mooch food off anyone nearby, but at his age if he wants to be a little lazy or quirky it seems unfair to deny him. Sebastian can be a little grumpy sometimes, but if he were the only cat in the house that would make him a whole lot less grouchy.

Visit Sebastian on Petfinder here.

Herbie



Herbie is a sweet senior Beagle. His favorite part of the day is when he gets to go out for his walk. He is older, so he doesn’t want to go climbing mountains, but he’s no couch potato either. He just loves the fresh air and getting to sniff around at everything. He also loves his toys and treats, but he doesn’t like to share them very much. Since he’s such a laid-back dog, he would make a great companion for someone looking for a friend with a little less energy.

Visit Herbie on Petfinder here.

What To Do If Your Pet Is Missing

One of the most difficult situations pet owners can find themselves in is when you come home and realize that your dog has escaped the yard or your cat tore through the screen and is out wandering. If it hasn’t ever happened to you before, you might not know what to do, so it’s important to have a plan before this happens.

As with most things, planning ahead is important to give you the best chance of finding your pet. Make sure all pets wear collars and ID tags at all times. Along with a rabies tag, you should purchase a personal ID tag that lists your pet’s name and your phone number. Since collars can go missing, however, permanent forms of ID such as microchipping are still strongly recommended.

The most important thing to remember is not to panic. If you’re curled up on your couch weeping, that isn’t helping find your pet. As soon as you realize they’re gone, you have to jump into action to find them as soon as possible.

If your pet has a microchip, the first thing you want to do is report your pet missing with the microchip registry. Most vets and animal control agencies will scan for microchips, which will lead them directly back to you. This is why you should always keep your information in the registry up to date.

Place the smelliest cat or dog food you can find outside your home. Tuna works great with cats. You want something that will draw your pet’s attention back to the house. If they’re just in the yard under a bush where you can’t see them, this alone might bring them out of hiding.

The next step is to get out in the neighborhood and start looking. Bring along pictures of your pet to show neighbors, lost flyers, and anything that makes a sound your pet will come to. Have a box of dog biscuits, a bag of cat treats, and a can of food to tap with a spoon. Anything your pet will recognize and want.

You have to talk to everyone. Stop at every neighbor’s house and ask if they’ve seen your pet, and remember to leave your contact information with them. Ask the postman, the neighborhood kids, anyone. Show everyone the photos of your pet so they know what exactly they’re looking for.

Remember that frightened cats can hide in some pretty small spaces, so search everywhere, even if you don’t think your cat could fit in the space. A flashlight might help you, even during the daytime, look in some of these hidden places. Many cats hide close to home, especially if they’ve always been kept indoors, because they get frightened. Look in all the bushes, under the porch, anywhere that provides good cover to a scared animal.

Hang lost flyers with a photo of your pet and your contact information around the neighborhood and the immediate area. This way anyone you may not have spoken to in person can still help you. Having a color photo of your pet on the flyer is best, but still include a physical description, including the date and area where the pet was last seen.

Once everyone in your area is aware of the missing pet, it’s time to spread out. You need to call all vets in the surrounding area and alert them. Someone may have found your pet injured and brought it to a vet for treatment. You’ll want to call animal shelters and animal control for the same reason. Many people that find a lost animal will bring it to one of these organizations. Visit these places in person to see any animals that might possibly be yours.

Most animal-friendly establishments, from vets to pet stores, have a bulletin board where you can post lost flyers. Take advantage of this and post as many flyers as you can in every store and vet office that you can. While you’re there, take a look for any ‘found’ flyers. Someone might have your pet and is looking for you just as desperately as you’re looking for them.

Newspapers always have a section for lost and found pets, so check the paper regularly. Put in an ad about your lost pet and check for anyone who might have found yours. Some papers will even place these ads for free.

Losing a pet is extremely stressful, but if you put together a plan you greatly increase the chance of getting your pet home again.

Don’t forget to contact MHS if your pet gets lost. We have a bulletin board in our lobby for lost pets, so bring a flyer with you to post there. We can also let you know if we’ve taken in any animals recently that match your lost pet or if anyone has contacted us about a found pet.

The Neediest

One of our favorite things to hear when someone comes to look at the animals is 'Who needs a home most?'. We love the meaning behind the question, that someone really cares which animals need them the most, rather than which are the prettiest, youngest, and most playful. And the answer to that question right now is, without a doubt, Alex.



Alex has the distinction of having lived at the shelter for longer than any other animal. He's been homeless for five years now, which makes him very sad. I can actually tell you exactly what it's like to live with this cat, because I do live with him. He's my foster, because after five years I couldn't stand to see him at the shelter any more.

He can be exceptionally frustrating and he isn't the cat for everyone. He's very shy when he's given free reign of a room, but is a massive sweetheart when he's crated. He loves to be brushed, he loves to chase moths, he loves to chow down on his wet food. For a cat as timid as he is, it's something big for him to perk his ears up and stay out in the open when you enter the room. It's something big for him to ask for attention, even if you are holding a plate of wet food. He might not be comfortable showing affection the way most cats do, but he is a good cat. He still has love to give.

He needs to be on a prescription diet to control diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease. He also needs (right now) twice weekly injections of B12, which are very easy to do and he puts up no fuss, and periodic steroid injections to control gum disease. He'll probably need a full dental cleaning and some tooth extractions in the future.

Loving an animal as simply pathetic as Alex is is never difficult, but he needs just the right home. He needs someone who is going to love him and stand by him no matter what messes he's made or what medical care he needs. He might be too nervous most of the time to show his appreciated physically, but it's not hard to tell that he really does care and love you in return.

If you think you might be the special person who has it in them to love this cat, please contact MHS or email h.gregory@live.com for more information.

Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Day

August 12th is Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day! For someone who doesn’t spend very much time working in animal welfare, that might sound confusing, but it’s very simple. Many adopters want the “perfect” pet, the prettiest, friendliest, youngest, cutest pet. But think of all the homeless pets who are older, not the best looking, or need some training. There’s nothing wrong with pets like that, they can give all the love that the “perfect” pet can, and they’ll appreciate your love even more.

All sorts of silly things can affect how adoptable a pet is. Black cats and dogs are often overlooked, large dogs are the last to be adopted, senior cats are forgotten in the face of fresh young kittens. Pets with special needs can still be wonderful companions, they just need a little something extra.

These are some of the special animals at MHS that might be considered “less-adoptable”. If you’re open to adopting the “perfect” pet, you might find that one of these homeless pets is the purrfect one for you.

Lynx & Laurel



Lynx and Laurel are both semi-feral cats that just adore each other. Laurel is very shy with people on her own, but when she’s with Lynx she’s like a whole new cat! They rub on each other and meow with their little high-pitched voices when they want attention, so you always know when they’re in the mood for it. The advantage to adopting cats like Lynx and Laurel is that they won’t be bothering you every minute of the day like some cats that just crave attention all the time. They would be fine staying home alone during the day.

Visit Laurel and Lynx on Petfinder.

Ellen



Ellen came from a home where she lived with 47 other cats and two dogs. There’s nothing you can throw at her that will surprise her. She’s a bombproof kitty. Even though she’s an absolute sweetheart, Ellen hasn’t been chosen for adoption yet! She blends in with all of the other black cats, so she doesn’t get much attention. Her appearance doesn’t suggest that there’s anything special about her, but she is just so sweet that when you sit down with her you learn there’s something special under that dull black coat. And what’s wrong with a black cat really? They go with everything!

Visit Ellen on Petfinder.

Samson



Samson is a senior Chihuahua. He’s just tiny, the sort of dog you could put on your lap and enjoy a movie with. Older dogs might not have as many years left, but doesn’t that mean they should enjoy their golden years? He is calm and sweet, so he might make the perfect senior companion for a senior person. There are many health benefits to having pets as a senior citizen. They help lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of loneliness. Don’t you want to help make Samson’s golden years his best?

Visit Samson on Petfinder.

Dean



Dean is a five-year old hound mix. He needs an adult home that can work with training with him. He needs someone who can teach him the rules, what behavior is acceptable and what behavior isn’t. He’s very specific about who he likes, so he needs work accepting strangers. He doesn’t seem to like children much either, so he should live in a home with adults only. The fact that Dean needs training, and that’s he’s a large dog in a world where small dogs rules, means many people pass over him. Large dogs are wonderful, though. Need someone to keep you warm in the winter? A big dog can do that. Tired of looking for animals that hide when it’s time to go the vet? A big dog can’t do that.

Visit Dean on Petfinder.

Olivia



Olivia is an older cat with hyper-active thyroid. She needs daily medication, but she makes that a breeze. She is so gentle and sweet that when it’s pill time (and she needs it twice a day) she just swallows it likes it’s nothing. Olivia is so very loving and calm, she just wants to cuddle all the time. She has a big bed in our kitchen that she is always in. Nothing makes her happier than snuggling right into it. Admittedly, no matter how easy it is to do, giving daily medication really doesn’t have an upside. You’ll just have to settle for feeling great that you’re helping a special needs girl live a long and happy life.

Visit Olivia on Petfinder.

There are many other special animals at the Meriden Humane Society who need your help. These animals might be considered “unadoptable” by some, but we know that there is a home to fit every animal. What one person might consider a special need, someone else might think of as a quirk! If you’re looking for a quirky pet, come on down to visit with our cats and dogs. Even if everyone doesn’t consider a pet to be perfect, they might be the perfect one for you!

Wildlife Rehabilitation

The occasional wild animal finds its way to the Meriden Humane Society in need of help. However, because we have no wildlife rehabilitator, we cannot take in wild animals. If you need help with wildlife, we can point you in the right direction, starting with the list of contacts in this post.

Most of the time wildlife should be left alone, but there are certain situations where a professional wildlife rehabilitator must be contacted. If you need help with orphaned, injured, or immature wildlife it is important to contact a professional. Only a liscenced wildlife rehabilitator has the expertise to care for wild animals.

If you have found a wild animal in need of help, here are some local wildlife rehabilitators listed by town.

To find a liscenced rehabilitator in your area, see complete listings here.

Berlin

Hungerford Park
(860) 827-9064
Migratory birds
Non-migratory birds
Bats
Reptiles/Amphibians

New Haven

Gaylene Vasilopoulos
(203) 435-1982
Non-migratory birds
Small mammals
Reptile/Amphibian

Jennifer Weiffenbach
(203) 777-4241
Non-migratory birds
Small mammals
Raccoons
Reptile/Amphibian

North Haven

Diane Brignola
brignola_d@hotmail.com
Small mammals
Racoons

Stratford

Dr. Louis Pieper, Jr.
Barnum Animal Hostpial
(203) 378-0687
Migratory birds
Non-migratory birds
Small mammals

Southington

Dabid & Kathleen Pendell
(860) 621-4249
Raptors only

Jayne Amico
(860) 2768433
Native songbirds (specializing in Chimney swallows, killdeer, hummingbirds, woodpeckers)

Wallingford

Rosanne Falconieri
Yalesville Veterinary Hospital
(203) 265-1646
(203) 988-8733
Squirrels
Opossums
Reptiles
Songbirds

West Haven

Wings And A Prayer
(203) 809-8694
Birds only

Wishlist: Washing Machine

One of the least glamorous jobs in the shelter is working in the laundry room. You get all the mess and funny smells that come with cleaning cages, without getting to interact with the animals as much. All in all, it isn't very much fun, but it needs to be done every day or the dirty pile will start touching the ceiling.


Chipmunk contributes to the laundry process.

You can imagine that with the amount of laundry we have to wash, our machines don't last long. That's why every few months we seek out replacements for washers that won't wash and dryers that won't dry. There's only so far learning the little tricks, like hitting it on the left side twice and slamming the lid, can take you. Well, we're down to a single washing machine again and looking for a new one.

We don't need a brand new washer, or a pretty one, or one with lots of fancy settings. We just need something that will make our towels clean. If you have an old washing machine or dryer that you don't need, it would be appreciated very much by all of the animals counting on clean blankets every morning.

If you have a washing machine or dryer that you'd like to donate, please contact us at (203) 238-3650 or email us at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

Spay and neuter can be very expensive at a private vet, but is the single most important thing you can do to help solve pet overpopulation. Preventing litters from being born means there will be more homes for all of the animals that are already in shelters. The cost can seem prohibitive, but thanks to these low-cost options everyone can afford to neuter their pets.


Help prevent the suffering of abandoned kittens.

H.O.P.E. Spay/Neuter Clinic
130 Scott Rd
Waterbury, CT 06705-5204
203-437-7955
http://www.hopect.org

The Fox Memorial Clinic (cats and dogs)
701B Russell Road, Newington, 06111
860-594-4503
http://www.cthumane.org/site/Pageserver?pagename=care_spayneuter

TEAM Mobile Unit (cats only, including ferals)
1-888-367-8326
Spay/Neuter and Vaccines
http://www.everyanimalmatters.org

Friends of Animals (cats and dogs)
1-800-321-7387
Call for certificate, location, and prices
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html

SPAY-USA (cats and dogs)
1-800-248-7729
Call for certificate, location, and prices
http://www.spayusa.org

Central CT Cat Project (cats only, including ferals)
$70 includes vaccines
860-828-KATS
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT325

Hartford Veterinary Hospital (cats and dogs)
2300 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06111
860-666-1447
Call for prices and to schedule an appointment

Sterile Feral Program (cats only, including ferals)
$50 for feral cats, $90 for domestic cats, includes vaccines
Weekly clinic held in East Hartford and Ashford
860-242-9999 ext. 318
laura@ourcompanions.org
http://www.ourcompanions.org/pages/programs_ferals.htm

Compassionate Care Animal Center - S.T.A.R.T Program (dogs and cats, including ferals)
Program for low-income families and individuals. Servies are offered on a sliding scale at a very reduced rate, and in some cases there are no charges at all.
Monthly clinics in Middletown.
860-380-0415
http://www.compassionatecarect.org/programs.html

Brandford Compassion Club (stray and feral cats)
Assistance provided for spay/neuter and vaccines for stray and feral cats.
203-315-3795
brandfordcompassionclub@yahoo.com
http://www.brandfordcompassionclub.org

Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats (feral cats only)
Assistance with trapping, sterilizing, and releasing feral cats, and fostering feral kittens.
P.O. Box 946, Cheshire, CT 06410
INFO@FRIENDSOFFERALCHESHIRECATS.ORG
http://www.friendsofferalcheshirecats.org
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT299

No Adoptable Dogs?

The Connecticut SPCA is bringing 400 dogs to Connecticut for adoption, on the premise that there are no adoptable dogs in the whole state. All animals deserve homes, of course, but bringing those 400 dogs here puts the animals already in Connecticut in danger. Since the remarks about there being a lack of adoptable animals in Connecticut are coming from a generally reputable source, people believe it, but it just isn't the case. There is a whole kennel of dogs here at the Meriden Humane Society who would disagree with the statement that there are no adoptable animals.

It doesn't stop with dogs, though, and there are plans to bring cats to Connecticut as well. Here at MHS we receive so many requests for help with cats and kittens that we can't possibly take every single one of them, and the situation is the same for every rescue group out there. If there is one thing Connecticut already has enough of, it's cats and kittens. Saying otherwise is extremely irresponsible and puts all shelter animals in Connecticut at risk.

Fred Acker, the director of the Connecticut SPCA, said, "There's a real shortage of adoptable dogs in Connecticut." Here are some of the dogs that would argue otherwise.

Herschal



Herschal is a big friendly guy. He wants a family that he can curl up in bed with and just fall asleep on. He gets along great with kids, dogs, and cats. If you love Pit Bulls, you will love this dog.

Visit Herschal on Petfinder.

Scotty



Scotty is an adorable Brussels Griffon who is just a blast to be around. If you're looking for a high energy dog that will love to play long and hard, this is him. This is the dog you've been looking for. He wiggles all over when you open his crate and is just bursting with energy. He can't wait to get outside for walks.

Visit Scotty on Petfinder.

Fluffernutter and Peppercorn





These two dogs are just so sweet. Peppercorn is a little more of an adventerous soul. Not too adventerous, though, and he doesn't stray much farther than his leash stretches. Fluffernutter is a bit of a slow walker and tends to lag behind on their walks, but is eager to catch up and be held. They absolutely love each other and desperately want a home together. These two would make great companions for anyone looking for calm, low-maintenance dogs.

Visit Fluffernutter and Peppercorn on Petfinder.

George



George is a young dog with tons of energy. He is a Great Dane/Bloodhound mix and is therefore very strong, so large breed experience would be useful with him. He loves to play in water and had a great time splashing around in the stream by the shelter. He is looking for a family that's as active as he is.

Visit George on Petfinder.