More Animals Dropped at Shelter as Economy Struggles

Once upon a time, most of the animals at the Cobb County Animal Control shelter were strays that were either homeless rogues or animals that had somehow lost their way. Not so anymore. The number of animals dropped off by their owners has been on the increase since the economic downturn.

When you go to the shelter and read the cage cards, you will find that owner turn in now comprises the reason for the majority of animals being at the shelter. Of the ones that come in as strays, many were left abandoned in homes or turned out to wander the streets because their owner could no longer care for them.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to keep your pets, please check out the resources that are now available for assistance. Help is out there and it may allow you to keep that precious family member. 

Here are just a few of the available community resources:

• Pet Buddies Food Pantry 
• PALS - veterinary care assistance program for seniors, disabled or ill pet owners
• Pet Vet Inc - low cost vaccination, testing, flea meds, dental care and more
• Petco  on Barrett Parkway – 770.218.6201 – low cost vaccinations
• CatSnip - low cost spay/neuter for cats
• Lifeline Animal Project - ow cost spay/neuter
• WellPet Humane - low cost vet clinic
• Ahimsa House - aids domestic violence victims by housing their pets
• No Paws Left Behind - help locating pet friendly apartments and “no kill” animals shelters.

Please email me if you don’t see one on this list that will help your situation. I will do my best to help you find one out there that will.

This week’s pets, Crisco and Sherman, are two of these casualties. Both are senior animals that had been with their families for many years. Both were turned in by their owners. I can only assume that either death or the economy were the reasons why.

Crisco is a beautiful, well-cared for, 12-year-old Calico cat. She came to the shelter on Oct. 2 when she was turned in by her owner. This senior looks and acts like a youngster. She has the most gorgeous green eyes and lovely calico markings. I had Crisco out in the bonding room at last weekend’s adoption event and she hopped up in a chair and watched contentedly as the cats, kittens, and kids ran around the room playing. She didn’t have a problem with any of them. Her former owner said she was good with kids and other animals…and she is. Crisco has many good years ahead with lots of love to give someone. She would do well as a companion for a senior adult or a family with kids. This is one versatile kitty. ID No. 536449536449.

Sherman, a 10-year-old Boston Terrier, was dropped off by his owner on Oct. 11. He has a cataract on one eye and the beginnings of one on the other eye. That doesn’t seem to get him down; he just rolls with the punches. Sherman has a mellow personality, loves kids, enjoys adults, and is simply waiting for someone to come and get him to go home again. This fellow will need a bit of TLC to help him get around in a new environment, but he views that as a new adventure. If you have room for a real cutie at your house, come take Sherman home. ID No. 536762.   

Once these animals are at the shelter, they have only two ways out - adoption or death. Help make it adoption.

My blog: A cat in a dog’s world

To see more available animals at the shelter:

Friends of Shelter Cats facebook page:

Vet Tip Of the Week

Do you have an anxious dog? Does your dog scare easily with loud noises or thunderstorms? If so, consider purchasing a D.A.P. collar or diffuser (most veterinarians carry these products). D.A.P. stands for Dog Appeasing Pheromone. All dogs are exposed to this pheromone while nursing as puppies. The mother dog produces and releases it within 3-5 days of giving birth. Dog Appeasing Pheromone produces a sense of calm and is soothing in stressful situations to most dogs. If your dog responds to this pheromone, it is a natural method to ease fear and reduce anxiety and stress-related behaviors. D.A.P. should be tried for at least 30 consecutive days as some dogs need longer exposure before you see results. 

Common signs associated with fear/anxiety in the dog include: 

-Panting, restlessness and/or pacing 

-Excessive barking/whining 

-Clinging to their owner, OR hiding, cowering, and avoiding interaction with you and other pets 

-Urine and/or stool accidents in the house in an otherwise house-trained dog 

-Destructive behavior such as chewing, digging at doors/walls, etc.

Of course, if your dog is showing any of these behavioral changes on a regular basis or in response to scary events, such as thunderstorms, you should consult with your veterinarian first. They will need to thoroughly examine your pet to make sure no underlying medical issues need to be addressed. In addition to Dog Appeasing Pheromone, they will also recommend re-training your dog to accept scary/anxiety-producing situations, and will offer advise on specific behavioral modification techniques. Sometimes, anti-anxiety medication is necessary too.