Disaster Preparedness

While it looks like Hurricane Earl is going to miss us here in Meriden, it’s never a bad idea to review your disaster preparedness plan. It’s been five years since Hurricane Katrina, when the issue of animal rescue after natural disasters was first brought to the nation’s attention. Thanks to the efforts of both local and national rescue groups, many animals were saved and reunited with their families. However, this disaster also taught us that the best thing you can do for your pet in the face of an evacuation is to take them with you. That’s why it’s important to know your plan ahead of time.

Here in Connecticut we are lucky not to experience many natural disasters, but there are other reasons that homes can be evacuated and you will need to have a plan for your pets in this case. The rule of thumb is that if your home is unsafe for you to remain it, it is also unsafe for your pets. Even if you are told that the evacuation is short term, you cannot be certain when you will be able to access your home and your pets again. Take them with you.

When evacuating with your pets there are items that you must have ready to go. These include:

-Food for all your pets
-Bottled water
-Food bowls
-Cat litter and litter pans
-Pet first aid kit
-Carriers for small animals and leashes/collars for dogs
-Medical records stored in a waterproof container or baggie
-Any medications your pets need
-Current photos of your pets in case you are separated

All pets should wear ID at all times, but in an emergency this is even more important. Microchipping is a safe and permanent form of identification, but if there is no time to have this done all pets should wear a collar with ID tags. The tags should include your pet’s name, your name, your phone number and address, and the phone number of an out-of-state contact person in case your area loses cell reception or phone lines are down. If you know where you are evacuating to, you should also include a temporary tag with the address and phone number of that site. But be aware that collars can become lost and if your pet does not have a form of permanent ID (such as a tattoo or microchip) there may be no way of positively identifying them.

You also need to know where you can bring your pets once you’ve left your home. Most emergency shelters will not take in animals, so it is likely you will need to make other arrangements. Locate and keep contact information for pet-friendly hotels both near your home and out of the area. Try to make arrangements with friends or family to temporarily take in you and your pets.

The best advice anyone can give is to be prepared before there is an emergency. If you’re given an hour to get out of your house, will you remember everything you need for you emergency kit? Will you know where you can take your pets? Will you know who to contact for help? These are things you need to consider before hand or your pets will pay the price. A pet left chained outside or roaming a house in a disaster can be seriously injured, made ill by contaminated food and water, or killed. Your pets deserve the same concern that any other member of your family would. Don’t let your pets down by being unprepared in an emergency.

Links and Further Reading:

Get a free Rescue Alert sticker for your front door.

ASPCA’s recommendations for disaster preparedness

FEMA’s recommendations for disaster preparedness for pets

Take FEMA’s IS-10: Animals in Disaster course

United Animal Nation’s recommendations for disaster preparedness

Emergencies: Be Prepared

Nothing is scarier to a pet owner than finding their four-legged friends in distress. Do you know what to do in an emergency? Do you know where to call for help? If it's late at night, a weekend, or a holiday, you might not be able to contact your regular vet. For that reason it's important to know where the nearest emergency vet is.

Some Connecticut 24-hour emergency vet hospitals include:

Animal Emergency Hospital of Central Connecticut
860-563-4447
588 Cromwell Ave, Rocky Hill CT

Connecticut Veterinary Center, Inc.
860-233-8564
470 Oakwood Ave, West Hartford cT

Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center
860-347-8387
730 Randolph Road, Middletown CT
*will treat rabbits

VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital
(203) 718-2419
1572 S Main St, Cheshire CT

Other important phone numbers:

Pet Poison Helpline: 800-213-6680
*note that there is a $35 fee

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
*not that there is a $65 fee

While we all hope to never need to make an emergency vet visit, everyone needs to be prepared for that eventuallity by knowing how to reach the nearest emergency hospital. There are many situations when an injured or ill pet cannot wait for morning or until Monday to receive medical care and it is our responsibility to ensure that they reach help as quickly as possible.

A Lesson on Declawing and Humane Alternatives

Scratching is a natural, healthy part of cat behavior, but it can be a major concern for many families with cats or who are considering adopting a cat. It’s not hard to understand why. No one likes having their furniture scratched and for people on certain medications cat scratches can be very serious, but you don’t have to make a decision between your sofa and health or having a happy feline companion.

In the United States declawing is one of the most popular solutions to scratching. Many people are surprised to find that this is a procedure unique to the United States. In many European countries (see a full list here) declawing is illegal. It is recognized as an inhumane procedure that harms the cat without providing any benefits.

(View a diagram of the bones of a cat's foot before and after declawing.)

Declawing is not the simple surgery that many believe it is. A cat’s claw is connected to a bone called the distal phalanx, which is amputated along with the deep digital flexor tendon. The closest comparison is having the tip of your fingers cut off at the first knuckle. This leaves the cat with a painful recovery, as cats do not have the option to lay in bed while their mutilated paws heal.

The psychological side effects of declawing are troubling and unacceptable. Claws are a cat’s main defense mechanism and removing it can drastically alter their personality. Some declawed cats become frightened and withdrawn while others become aggressive. Since they no longer have their claws to defend themselves, many turn to the only other means of defense they have: teeth. Declawing can also lead to a problem behavior most owners find more difficult to live with than scratching. After the surgery cats still must scratch in their litterbox and many learn to associate the pain of their damaged paws with the box itself. This can lead them to avoid the box and seek out softer surfaces to relieve themselves on. Scratching is also a means of marking territory and, deprived of this method, some cats will turn to urinating outside of the box in order to scent mark their home.

There are also physical side effects to such a serious surgery. Complications following surgery are extremely common and include hemorrhage, infection, and regrowth of nails. Scratching also allows cats to stretch their back muscles and removing this ability can cause painful seizing of the muscles.

So what are you supposed to do about scratching? Thankfully, there are many effective and, most importantly, humane methods for discouraging your cat from scratching on your furniture.

The easiest thing you can do is provide appropriate scratching surfaces for your cat. Scratching posts can be purchased at any pet store or made yourself. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Some cats prefer upright scratching posts and some prefer horizontal surfaces. Traditional scratching posts such as these are great for cats that like, for instance, the corner of your sofa, and cardboard scratchers like these are best for cats who like to scratch on the carpet. Any scratching post can be sprayed with cat nip spray to attract the cat to it and some already come treated with cat nip.

A relatively new solution to scratching is a product called Soft Paws. These are small plastic caps that you apply to each of your cat’s claws, almost like putting on fake fingernails. They are blunt on the end so your cat can’t scratch anything, but they don’t interfere with the cat’s natural movement and don’t cause any discomfort. They are simple to apply on your own and come in many fun colors.

One of the reasons cats scratch is to shed the outer layer of their claws. If you keep their nails trimmed you can help eliminate this need. Trimming nails is a simple procedure you can do yourself with pet nail trimmers purchased from any pet store. Simply extend the cat’s nail by pressing at the base with your finger and trim off the hook of the nail. Be careful to avoid the blood line, which in most cats is easily visible. If you aren’t comfortable trimming your own cat’s nails, your veterinarian or groomer could do it for you.

Declawing is inhumane and not a reasonable reaction to scratching, but by trying some of these alternatives you can live in harmony with your feline friend without sacrificing your furniture or your cat’s wellbeing. Your cat will thank you for it.

Further reading on declawing:

www.declawing.org (Warning: this site contains graphic photos.)

HSUS’s position on declawing

Declawing in the Petfinder library

June is Adopt A Cat Month!

While any time of year is a great time to bring a feline friend into your life, June is the special month set aside to highlight adoptable cats. We know the perfect home for each and every one of our cats is out there and one of those homes might be yours! If you've been thinking of adopting a new family member, our many kitties would be very pleased to see you stop by the cat room.

Timmy



Timmy is the King of Comfort. He's rarely found anywhere but his big comfy bed and looks lost when its in the wash. Timmy is laid back and mellow, the perfect cat for someone who doesn't want the energy of a kitten bouncing off their ceilings. He likes to sit on laps and loves to be petted, but generally waits for you to go to him. He is declawed, so he would prefer not to live with animals that might pick on him but is fine with other gentle cats.

Rosemary



Rosemary is one of many young mother cats that are looking for homes now that their kittens have been adopted. She's just a tiny cat herself, it's hard to imagine that she's a mother. She loves to cuddle and is definitely best friend material. When there's no one around to curl up with, she settles for snuggling into her blankets, but she'd really like a family to give her all the petting and attention she wants.

Oogie



You'd be hard pressed to find a more affectionate cat than Oogie. He's never happier than when he has a lap to sit on and someone to scratch his chin. There's just something about him that's perfect for hugging and he's more than happy to cuddle. He has some silly habits, like sleeping under the sink, and will probably wants to pick out a comfortable napping spot in his new home. Just don't be surprised if he picks somewhere you never thought of!

Callie



It's hardly fair that Callie got looks and personality, but some cats are just lucky. She keeps her long calico fur immaculate to show off for visitors and is just the sweetest girl. It's hard to resist a beautiful kitty like her, but she wants everyone to know that she's more than pretty fur! She also loves to be petted and is very outgoing. She has a bit of a silly side, as you can see, but she promises to behave herself when guests are over.

Brian



Brian sure is a hoot. Most people don't even notice that he's missing a leg when they first meet him. Brian was hit by a car and had to have his leg amputated, but we're not even sure if he's noticed yet. He certainly can chase and jump just as well as any other cat. He's always playing and loves toys of all kinds. He has a lot of energy and can be a little hard to keep up with, but if you're looking for a fun companion you won't find any cat better suited than Brian.

Virginia



Virginia is quite the explorer. She came to the shelter with kittens and wasn't pleased to be cooped up with them. She wants to see the world and go on adventures, and now that her kittens have all been adopted she has her chance! She wants to be part of everything going on around her and would love to have a home of her very own to explore.

If you're interested in any of our adoptable cats, just come on down to the shelter to meet them. We're open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to six and we'd be more than happy to introduce you to any of our cats.

Furry Fosterables

Now that you've learned a bit about fostering, why not check out a few of our animals that are looking for foster homes?

Kittens



Orphaned kittens and pregnant cats are already entering the shelter as Kitten Season starts. We need as many foster homes for these animals as possible. Don’t let any kittens grow up in cages this spring. Don’t turn away pregnant moms in need. Help us raise healthy, happy kittens by volunteering to foster.

Sunshine



Sunshine is 19-years old and very sad to have lost her home. She and her five friends came to the shelter after their elderly caretaker passed away. Sunshine was used to a very quiet home and she doesn’t understand all the hustle an dbustle of the shelter. She’s too scared to live with the rest of the cats here, so she spends most of her time hiding in her bed. Doesn’t she deserve better? She would rather live out her life in a foster home where she can be comfortable and happy again.

Thing One and Thing Two





Thing One and Thing Two were left outside the shelter in a box, a scary situation for any cat to find themselves in, but made worse for these two because they are both declawed. They know they can’t defend themselves, so they huddle together in their cage and try not to be noticed. To make matters worse, they both have impaired vision. Thing One is entirely blind in one eye and Thing Two is partially blind in one eye. They want a foster home where they can gain some confidence in themselves and have their eyesight monitored.

Sid



Sid wandered up to a house looking for food and affection after being abandoned outdoors. Since being at the shelter he has tested positive for FIV and hyperactive thyroid. He takes a pill twice a day for his thyroid, but doesn’t need any special care for the FIV. He’s an older cat, ten at minimum, and he needs a low-stress environment that he just can’t find at the shelter.

Serenity



Serenity was found wandering the streets in the dead of winter. This sweet girl is very grateful to be inside where her meals are guaranteed, but she also has hyperactive thyroid and is around 13 years old. As an older cat with special needs, she isn’t very attractive to adopters, no matter how pretty her green eyes are, but she still wants a home. She is looking for a foster to live her despite her special need.

Fostering: How You Can Save a Life

Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to participate in animal rescue and we need your help! Kitten Season is starting up and soon requests to help pregnant cats and orphaned kittens will be overwhelming the shelter. In order to care for all of these mommas and babies we need volunteer foster homes.

What is fostering?

Fostering is when you provide a temporary home for an animal that needs more individual care than is possible in a shelter setting. Foster homes are essential to keep animals as healthy and happy as possible while they wait for their forever homes.

What sorts of animals need foster homes?

We look for foster homes for lots of animals. This includes orphaned kittens that need round-the-clock care, special needs pets that need medication multiple times a day, senior pets that are unlikely to be adopted, and shy animals that need to be socialized. In the spring time, also known as Kitten Season, we always need foster homes for pregnant cats and kittens with and without mothers.

What is involved with fostering?

Foster parents are expected to shelter the animals in their care, provide them with attention, food, and water. The goal of fostering is to help the animals become as socialized and healthy as possible, so anything the foster parents can do to meet that goal is fantastic.

What does the shelter provide to foster homes?

We will send you home with everything you need for your foster pet. We can provide litter boxes, leashes, food bowls, bedding, and any other supplies necessary for caring for the animal. We can also provide veterinary care.

Why is fostering necessary?

Foster homes help animals that don’t thrive in the shelter environment. The shelter is a high-stress environment that many animals don’t adapt well to. Being in a foster home allows these animals to be comfortable while they await their forever homes.

For animals that are too young to be adopted or are pregnant, foster homes provide a safer environment than the shelter. Kittens and puppies have fragile immune systems, so being in a home is much safer than being around many other animals. For pregnant mothers, a low-stress environment is also ideal for raising healthy babies.

How long a commitment is fostering?

This depends on the type of animal being fostered. Puppies and kittens are a minimum of eight weeks and pregnant animals are often longer. Senior animals are often placed in “permanent foster” homes, so the foster lasts for the remainder of the animal’s life. For undersocialized animals the time period varies, but an agreement will be reached during the application process as to how long the animal will be in the foster home (of course, this can be adjusted later).

Can I adopt my foster pet?

Of course. Foster parents are encouraged to give up their foster pets when an adoptive home is found so that they can help more homeless pets, but if a foster parent does want to adopt they can go through the adoption application process.

What do I get out of fostering?

Fostering is incredibly enriching to the families. They get the knowledge that they have helped save a life, that they opened their doors to an animal in need when no one else would.

How do I become a foster parent?

Foster applications are available in the lobby of the shelter. A staff member or volunteer will meet with you to discuss what you can offer a foster pet.

What animals are available for foster?

The best way to find out what animals are looking for foster homes is to ask a staff member or volunteer. You can also call us at (203) 238-3650 or email us at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net.

MHS Dogs Have Star Power

Have you ever wondered about the animals of the stage and silver screen? Where do they come from? Ladies' Home Journal offers answers, at least concerning some lucky Broadway stars. As you can see in the image above, from the Dec '09/Jan '10 issue of the magazine, one of our own is now making a name for himself in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Of course, we think all of our animals have potential, but we usually stop at the potential to be a great friend and companion. We're all exceptionally proud of Frankie and his career on stage. Frankie is proving what we've always said; shelter dogs are awesome!

You can read the full article on trainer Bill Berloni and his Broadway stars here.

In The News: Rocky

 

A favorite among staff and volunteers, Rocky was lucky enough to get some extra exposure on Thrusday morning. He has been with us at the Meriden Humane Society since May 2009 and he hopes he made an impression on someone out there who wants to give him a new home.



Isn't that the perfect picture of comfort? Rocky loves searching out the biggest, comfiest beds to sleep in and he doesn't care one bit if he looks silly. He's a very laid back cat, content to enjoy a slow-paced life, and he wants nothing more than to have his very own home to make himself comfortable in. He is very social with people and loves attention of all kinds. Rocky is just a big sweetheart.

Rocky is special needs, in that he has elbow dysplasia. That just means he takes joint supplements once a day and he walks with a limp. He takes his medication like a champ (it's just a capsule in his wet food, so he even enjoys it!) and doesn't let his limp get him down. He navigates the cat room with no trouble and behaves just like a normal cat.

If you think you could give Rocky the home he deserves, come on down to visit him. He doesn't want to celebrate an anniversary at the shelter. Instead, why not take him home so he can start a new, happier life?

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month and if you’ve ever considered bringing a rabbit into your family, now might be the time. Rabbits are very different pets from cats and dogs, but are just as rewarding. They take some special care, which if you’re accustomed to cats might take some time to get used to, so it’s generally recommended that you do some research before taking the plunge and adopting a rabbit. A good rabbit resource is the House Rabbit Society, which will help you decide if a rabbit is the pet for you.

Rabbits are a subject very close to my heart, as I have personally shared my home with many wonderful bunnies. They offer love and companionship and will probably help dispose of your Christmas tree (as long as it wasn't treated with chemicals). Each rabbit as its own personality just like we do and discovering their favorite games and treats is fun for both of you. Yes, they need some special considerations, such as bunny proofing the house and finding a rabbit specialist vet, but these are small things to do for a good friend.

At MHS we see rabbits periodically and several staff members and volunteers have rabbit experience, so if you have rabbit questions we can at the very least point you in the right direction. Right now we don’t have any rabbits available for adoption, but there are several rabbit rescues in Connecticut. Adoptable rabbits are listed on Petfinder just like cats and dogs, so once you’ve learned a bit about them you can search for adoptable buns that fit your lifestyle.

While here at MHS every animal is loved, some become very special to their caregivers. Often these are the animals that come to us in the worst shape, that need the most extra care. Sometimes the story ends happily for these animals and sometimes it doesn’t. At the beginning of this new year, as we all look forward to the animals we’ll save in the coming months, we can’t help but remember some of our favorites from this past year.

Tag



Tag was just a puppy when he was found emaciated under a porch. While his heart never wavered, his body was just too weak. He passed away after a week of what may have been the most love he had ever been shown. We have written Tag’s story many times and rather than tell it one more time, instead we would like to print this letter from one of Tag’s caregivers.

You were taken from us too soon. Never able to know the true love of a “family”. Tragedy struck so shortly after you came to us. You were loved unconditionally in the short time that we had you; it’s tragic to think the most love you saw only came after you arrived at a shelter. When you walked in the door, our hearts broke for you, like they have for so may. You touched everyone you met, no matter how weak or sick, you would always wag your tail and try to give a kiss. You were the most peaceful laying your head on someone’s chest.

These were the moments that we knew brought you comfort.

Sadly, you came to us too late. What had been done by the people before could not be undone by us, we tried so hard, and you fought as long as you could. Your spirit and bravery are greater than most. No matter how much you hurt, you never let it show. In your last day many tears were shed by everyone you had touched. Your sad eyes, your sweet kisses, your gentle tail wag will forever be in the hearts of all who cared for you. We will never forget what happened to you. We will never forget the life you were robbed. We will never forget all you suffered in the five months of your life. Most importantly, we will never forget you, and we will continue fighting to help as many others as we can. Every time we look into the soft brown eyes of a pit bull, we will see you, and every time we see the smile of a dog, we will see you shining back at us letting us know you overlook all the dogs that come into our care.

You were robbed of so much, but you gave your all. You reminded us why we are here, why we don’t give up and of all the others that need to be saved.

Thank you Tag for everything you showed us in your short time, for everything you had to give up. Thank you for warming our hearts and humbling our souls. You live in our work. We miss you and you will never be forgotten.


Blink



Blink was abandoned at the shelter with a litter of kittens in 2007. Her babies were adopted quickly, leaving her at the shelter to wait for her own forever home. It turned out to be a long wait and, like most long-term residents, became a big favorite among staff and volunteers. Blink could be very sweet, but was also shy and liked to spend her time with the feral cats. We all knew that it would take a very special person to adopt Blink, but also that they would be greatly rewarded for it. Just in time for the holidays this past winter, that special person appeared and now Blink is living in her forever home. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a favorite, but there’s also no happier moment.

Grampy



Grampy was rescued just in time. After almost being hit by a car several times, Grampy was scooped up by a kind person and brought to us. Even though he was 12 years old, Grampy always had a lot of energy, especially if he heard the treats bag. With his teddy bear-like appearance, it was hard to resist falling in love with him. It soon became clear that he needed extensive dental work, but that didn’t bring his spirits down at all and it didn’t scare away the family that adopted him. He is now living happily in his new home and will be going to the dentist very soon.

Alex



Alex had the distinction of having lived at the shelter longer than any other cat, not a prize any animal wants to win. While he was very shy, Alex could be incredibly loving. He enjoyed being talked to and, when his foster mom’s imagination started faltering, he often listened to Sherlock Holmes stories. Alex is a testament to the importance of foster homes. As his illness progressed it became clear that the shelter was too stressful an environment for him. Even though he passed away in the end, having a foster home allowed him to be comfortable and happy for his last few months.

Truffles



Truffles is a little dog with a huge personality. This poor girl came to MHS with skin allergies so severe she would scratch until she bled. She will likely always need some supportive care for her skin, but she’s feeling so much better now and has long since grown her hair back. (And in this cold weather, she needs it!) Now that she isn’t so concentrated on itching all the time, her real personality is starting to come out. She loves to sit on laps and gives kisses and has endless amounts of energy. It was hard not to fall in love with Truffles right from the start, you try resisting a dog who looked as pathetic as she did, and hopefully this year she’ll be well enough to find her own forever home.

Caden and Pasta



Both Caden and Pasta lived difficult lives outdoors before coming to MHS and it resulted in both testing positive for FIV. Caden was brought in with a horrible wound on his neck from being attacked by a dog and Pasta was humanely trapped in a feral colony. Despite their different backgrounds, they got along great. Both proved to be very cuddly and would rub up on people at any opportunity. FIV can be scary to potential adopters, but once you learn the facts it isn’t scary at all. Thankfully for these two big boys, their FIV didn’t scare off their new family. They were adopted together and have settled wonderfully into their new home.

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