by Laurie Griffin

2010 is here, and Old Man Winter has shown up in full force.  Don’t forget animal friends who depend on us to meet their needs for survival.  The Denton Humane Society and other animal rescue groups advocate indoor homes are better for pets and their people.  When included as part of a household, pets almost always prove to be happier and healthier, are better behaved, and both owners and pets enjoy relationships that are more rewarding.   Winter winds in North Texas are brutal for animals left outside, add to those dropping temperatures and a wet climate, and outdoor animals face a severe and bitter reality.

For pets who are kept outdoors, extra precautions must be taken to make their environment is as safe as possible.  Provide adequate shelter, which includes an insulated structure that has a firm ceiling, four walls, and is several inches off the ground.   Make sure the opening is one that will allow the animal access while keeping the space fully covered.  Fill with hay or cedar chips, and place in a sheltered area with the entrance facing away from the wind.  Keep water fresh and change several times daily to prevent freezing, or provide a heated bowl with a warming device, sold at pet stores.  According to the Humane Society of the United States, animals who are kept outside often need more food and water to sustain energy levels needed to stay warm.  Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for outdoor animals in winter.  Keep food and water in plastic bowls.  Metal bowls can freeze and cause serious damage your animal’s mouth and tongue.  Don’t forget to provide shelter for horses and livestock in winter, too.  Make sure their water does not freeze, and supply a shelter that will allow animals to escape heavy snow, ice or rain, as well as severe winds.

Keep your environment free of dangerous toxins that are commonly used in winter.  Anti-freeze is a green liquid that is sweet-tasting and attractive to pets.  It is also a major cause of death in animals every year.  Keep driveways and garage floors clean from spills, or consider using propylene glycol in vehicles, which is a coolant/anti-freeze that is less toxic when swallowed by pets or wildlife.  Be careful about salt and sand used on the roads when conditions are icy.  These can burn and damage paws, so be sure to wipe your pet’s feet after walking in snow or ice.

If animals have access to your vehicles, be careful to check under your hood before turning the ignition each day.  Cats are especially drawn to engines as warm hiding places, and may crawl inside and stay for hours or even overnight.   Every year many cats are injured or killed when motors start and they are caught inside.  Tap on the hood before starting the car, and open if you hear something unexpected.

Help control the problem of animal over-population by having your pet spayed/neutered this winter.  Mating season will be in full swing in the spring, so get a head-start on decreasing the massive numbers of unwanted dogs and cats born each year.  For information on low cost spay/neuter, contact Texas Coalition for Animal Protection at www.texasforthem.org or The Denton Humane Society at www.dentonhumanesociety.org

During this economic downturn, charity groups are feeling the pinch.  2010 promises to be a challenge in terms of meeting the needs faced by animals in Denton County.  According to the Denton Humane Society, current donations are drastically down, while the need for assistance is greatly increased.  This is true for animal rescue groups nationwide.  If you have a little extra to give, donations by way of money, food, and supplies are greatly appreciated.

Mahatma Gandhi once said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”  Let’s help care for the animals of Denton County this winter, and make a difference in the lives of our fellow furry citizens!

Denton has a critical need for a new animal shelter to replace the existing City of Denton shelter built in 1979, which is out of date and capacity. The current shelter, which has a maximum capacity of 114 animals, will handle over 5,000 dogs/cats in 2009. Due to population growth by 2017, conservative estimates are that over 7,550 stray, abused and abandoned dogs/cats will require service annually. “This is a project that is long overdue for Denton and needs addressing with appropriate dispatch,” said DASF Chairman Bette Sherman.

Denton Animal Shelter Foundation, Inc. (DASF) is a federal tax-exempt foundation partnering with the City of Denton in proposing an updated and more humane concept in animal care and adoption by launching a $3.2 million capital campaign to support the building of a new Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center. The city will need to fund the majority of the 22,240 square foot facility which would continue to house city Animal Services functions required by state and city regulation. DASF is soliciting private donations for the adoption and care areas, changing the strategic focus to rescue and adoption instead of merely warehousing dogs/cats. “This facility would be a positive reflection on the image of the city of Denton,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Kamp, DASF Vice Chairman. She added that “the city would continue to operate the care center with increased participation from volunteers and local rescue groups.” Texas State Representative Myra Crownover is serving as Honorary Chairman of the capital campaign.

After 18 months of assessment and research, the conceptual design was completed by Connolly Architects, Inc., an Austin-based firm specializing in animal shelters. Hired by the city, Connolly completed a master plan that was accepted by city council in December 2008. In January 2009, the city purchased 20 acres of park land, designating six acres for the new animal care facility, and would be three times the size of the older shelter, allowing for future growth and expansion. Areas funded through private donations would include attractive adoption-friendly dog/cat habitats, outside dog play, cat screened porch, on-site vet clinic, community/event room, grooming, “get-acquainted” private rooms, separate space for puppys/kittens, and volunteer coordination/training space. This center would seek to qualify for green energy efficiency LEED silver designation and would use advanced technology for maximum operating cost effectiveness.

As part of the capital campaign, contributors have the opportunity to “name” areas of the new shelter. Available for individuals, families, businesses, and groups, and may include “in memory ” or “honor ” designations. A permanent “Wall of Honor” will be installed in the lobby of the recognizing contributors.

The mission of DASF is fundraising and public education to support the city shelter; it is not involved in daily shelter operation. DASF is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization with no paid staff. For contributions and more information: www.dentonanimalshelterfoundation.com

When pet owners choose to hire someone for in-home care, a locally owned pet sitting business is the optimal choice, especially in today’s economy.

Independent pet sitting businesses, as a whole, have been in existence for decades. In fact, many of these businesses have been pet sitting for a number of years and, in addition to providing excellent care, they offer advantages. Pet sitting businesses operate their services in a way that uniquely fits the community by being able to offer options and special arrangements on a client to client basis with freedom to fit their clients’ needs.

“Many people are concerned about the economy and are looking for ways to keep money in their communities,” says Therese Kopiwoda, founder of PetsitUSA. “Hiring pet sitting businesses that are fully owned by community members is an excellent way to put money back into one’s local economy.”

To find the best professional in-home pet sitting service, search online for company websites that offer an insight into the level of expertise each pet sitter offers, whether or not they are certified in pet first aid/CPR, or ask for recommendations from other owners. Also, look for a sitter who is part of an organization such as Pet Sitters International. When it comes to the right person caring for one’s pets, pet sitters are a solid choice for owners who want the best.

Sheila Wilson, Companion Pet Sitting, 940-390-6820, www.companionpetsitter.com
Serving Denton, Aubrey, Crossroads, Krugerville, Providence, and Savannah

“My pet, my choice. Say NO to spay and neuter.” Those were the words on the bumper sticker in front of me as I picked up my daughter from school. I thought about the words, and wondered if the driver had ever been to an animal shelter, where millions of cats and dogs are euthanized each year because there are not enough homes for them. This time of year, every pound in the nation is brimming with litter upon litter of unwanted kittens and pups, waiting for a family and a chance for a happy life, waiting, through no fault of their own, for the home that never comes. I wonder if this “anti-spay/neuter” attitude would hold true if this person were forced to look into an animal’s pleading eyes, just before he takes his last breath. Even the no-kill shelters and foster programs turn countless animals away each year simply because there is not enough room. According to the HSUS, more than 4 million dogs and cats who enter open-door shelters will be euthanized in 2009. It’s a heartbreaking situation, but there is something we can all do to make things better.

1. Be responsible with your own pets. It can’t be said enough – have companion animals spayed/neutered. Sterilization not only helps to reduce massive overpopulation numbers, but also creates a happier, healthier pet, and a better home environment. Studies show that animals who are neutered live longer, healthier lives, have far less behavioral problems, and make better members of the family! For more information, visit www.hsus.org/pet_care.

2. Donate to spay and neuter causes. Local groups, such as Denton Humane Society and Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), have spay/neuter programs that are in constant need of financial donations. Programs offer assistance to local pet owners who cannot afford to provide this service for their pet.

3. Volunteer your time. Fundraisers take a vast amount of time, effort, and manpower. Contact your local rescue group and ask how you can help raise money for spay/neuter, as well as other animal welfare causes.

4. Spread the news! Encourage others you know to make the choice to have their dog or cat neutered.

On a very positive note…on April 1st, TCAP announced that it has sterilized 55,000 dogs and cats since its beginning in 2002. According to www.cats.com, one female and her offspring can produce over 420,000 in seven years. Keeping this statistic in mind, TCAP has prevented the births of millions and millions of unwanted cats and dogs in the last 7 years! TCAP runs a low cost spay/neuter clinic in Denton, as well as a location in Ft. Worth. They offer services five days a week, including low cost vaccinations.

As I drove by a park today, I counted the neighborhood cats who live nearby. I was able to see a total of 9. One black and white female looked very pregnant, another huge orange tabby was clearly an unneutered male. I shake my head and wonder what will happen to these guys, these innocent lives who have no voice. Each cat is too wild to even approach, and those who are friendly have little chance of finding a good home, as the number of animals in need greatly exceeds the people who want them. Every community across the nation has a swarming supply of unwanted animals, all present because at some point a human choice was made not to spay/neuter their pet. Let’s do better by our animal friends!

For information on TCAP’s low cost programs, contact them in Denton at 713 Sunset Street, 940-566-5551. For additional information on spay/neuter, low cost programs, or volunteer opportunities, contact Denton Humane Society at 940-382-PETS or www.dentonhumanesociety.org.

Our four-legged friends do not know what a financial crisis is, but they feel the effects of the current economy nonetheless. Shelters and foster home groups report staggering numbers entering their already maxed-out programs, with some facilities experiencing as much as a 44% increase. The Denton Humane Society reports an unprecedented amount of calls from individuals in need of food, financial and medical assistance, and help in re-homing pets, while also coping with a major decrease in donations.

The individual stories are heartbreaking, from animals left behind when their families were evicted, to those with jobless owners who struggle to feed them. The problems feel overwhelming, especially when we all feel the financial strain. However, there are simple things you can do to make a difference.

Get creative. Clean out closets and host a garage sale to benefit animals. Donate a month’s worth of spare change. Save money from lattes and brown bag it for lunch a few days a week, giving the money to the needy animals instead. Request that friends and family members make a donation to animal charities in lieu of birthday gifts. Set up an animal donation bank in your company’s break room, or organize a bake sale at work, school, or church.

Start a food drive. Establish a pet food collection box at work, school, or church, or ask your favorite merchant to set one up at their place of business. Recruit your child’s class, church youth group, or local Boy and Girl Scouts to collect food as well. Pick up an extra bag of dog or cat food each time you grocery shop, and drop it off for animals in need.

Every contribution counts. A donation of time is an invaluable gift for animals, and animal groups are always in dire need of volunteers and foster homes. New or gently used blankets, towels, animal crates, and other pet supplies are also greatly appreciated.

Remember rescue. Adopt a rescued animal the next time you add a pet to the family, and make sure all your companion animals are spayed and neutered. For more information on how you can help the animals during this economic crunch, contact the Denton Humane Society, at 940-382-PETS, visit dentonhumanesociety.org, or the animal charity of your choice.

by Laurie Griffin

Compared to many places in the United States, Texans are lucky when it comes to winter weather. Conditions here remain fairly comfortable, and our winter season is a very short one indeed. However, even though winters in Denton County are relatively mild, pets in our area still need protection.

Dogs and cats are almost always safer and happier indoors, especially when temperatures plunge. If at all possible, don’t leave animals outdoors in winter weather, especially those who are young or old, shorthaired, or have health problems. Regardless of outside temperatures, wind chill can be lethal for animals. All outdoor pets must have a structure with four walls, a solid ceiling, and a floor that is several inches off the ground. This space needs to be large enough for your animal to completely turn around and fully lie down, but also small enough to contain body heat. Be sure the opening is fully covered with a heavy plastic flap. Place plenty of cedar chips or straw on the floor, and change regularly, and turn the entrance toward a house or shed, and place out of the wind.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, pets who spend time outdoors are more quickly drained of energy and require extra food and water. Check with your veterinarian about the diet of outdoor pets, who may need more caloric intake to produce adequate body heat, and may need as much water in winter as summer, if not more. Water bowls should be consistently checked and not frozen, and place all food and water in plastic bowls because metal bowls can freeze and stick to your pet’s tongue. Invest in a warming device for pet bowls to keep from freezing over, available at hardware stores and pet supply sources, costing as little as $15.

Antifreeze-coolant is a deadly toxic green liquid that has a sweet taste and is very appealing to dogs, cats, and children. Keep all chemicals secured, and driveways and garage floors clean. The HSUS recommends antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol, stating that “if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.” Salts used on the roads when conditions are icy can cause irritation and burns to your pet’s feet, mouth and tongue. Keep pets away from road ice, and wipe feet clean after walks. A coat that is poorly maintained is also less able to keep animals insulated properly. Consider a sweater for short-haired dogs to wear when exercising.

In cold weather, make sure the engine of your car is critter-free by banging on the hood, forcing animals to flee. Never leave your pet inside a vehicle in the winter, while you are running errands, since interior temperatures can quickly drop and animals can become ill or freeze. Place crates/bedding away from drafts inside the home. Heating ducts and your HVAC system can cause indoor conditions that can be irritating to your pet’s skin and nasal passages. Watch for signs of sensitivity, such as redness, flaking, rashes, or excessive scratching, as well as sneezing and runny nose. Never leave your pet unattended with an electric or propane heater or fireplace.

Companion animals consider their caretakers to be family, and rely on them exclusively to meet their needs. Use caution and care in winter months, and whenever possible, invite them inside! They are social beings and do best when they can be part of the family unit, especially when outside weather is less than ideal.

by Laurie Griffin