Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
www.agr.georgia.gov PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2009
Contact: Arty Schronce, Jackie Sosby or Tyler Adams at 404-656-3689
Cat food recalled for inadequate thiamine level
Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is alerting Georgians to the recall of some cat food.
is recalling some cat food it manufactured for Premium Edge because it contains an inadequate level of thiamine.
Diamond Pet Foods is recalling the following date codes of Premium Edge Finicky Adult cat food and Premium Edge Hairball cat food:
RAF0501A22X 18 lb., RAF0501A2X 6 lb., RAH0501A22X 18 lb., RAH0501A2X 6 lb. The date of manufacture is May 28, 2009.
Symptoms displayed by a cat with a thiamine deficiency may include in coordination or muscle weakness, paralysis of the hind limbs, seizures, lack of appetite, vomiting, ventroflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, dilated pupils and abnormal eye movement called nystagmus. Any cats fed the recalled food that display these symptoms should be immediately taken to a veterinarian.
Veterinarians who diagnose any cat that has become ill from consuming the affected pet food are asked to file a report with the Food and Drug Administration.
To contact Premium Edge Pet Foods, please call 1-800-977-8797 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Anyone who purchased the recalled products should return them to the place of purchase.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
Anatomy of a Georgia Raid
Georgia Alert from CNN on 10-15-09: Authorities raided a residence in Laurens County, Georgia, and found dogs scarred and malnourished
Anatomy of a raid to rescue dogs allegedly bred to fight From Brooke Baldwin and Susan Brown CNN
LAURENS COUNTY, Georgia (CNN) -- It was 8 a.m. October 15. Our CNN crew had been up for a while, waiting. We still didn't have an address.
My producer, Susan Brown, and I had several questions: What would the living conditions of these dogs be like? What about the man whose door the Sheriff's Office was about to knock on? He was unaware of the raid that was about to occur in his backyard. Despite all of our planning, unknown variables were at play.
First stop was the Sheriff's Office in Laurens County, which is in central Georgia. Starting with information from a tip line, authorities had uncovered clues that led them to believe they needed to intervene and investigate.
The plan was this: The sheriff would drive to the property to execute the search warrant for particular objects generally associated with dogfighting, and for the dogs themselves.
Expressing concerns about the conditions at this private residence where dogs were suspected of being bred for dogfighting, Laurens County Sheriff Bill Harrell said, "If anything is going wrong, we want to get it stopped."
Private investigators with Norred and Associates Inc. will work alongside Harrell and his deputies, leading tactical teams. The teams were made up of veteran investigators donating their time, effort and expertise, along with volunteers of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society, who would collect and care for the dogs.
(The Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society: can be contacted at 478-272-5341. Norred & Associates Dog Fighting tip line is 1-877-215-2250. A reward of $5,000 is offered for information.)
All of the team members had experience with animals, particularly pit bulls. Based on information from the tip line, they were starting the day prepared to find as many as 60 dogs chained up in the woods behind one man's house in East Dublin, Georgia. These men and women waited, braced for battle -- only the war they were waging was on animal cruelty.
"I want to thank everybody for coming. It's for a good thing. It's for the dogs." Chuck Simmons, a private investigator and former police chief, was mapping out the search area on a dry erase board.
He was warning his crew about snakes, water from recent rains and nonsocialized dogs. After loading up crates on several trucks, everyone headed out. With the address of the raid location in hand, our crew joined a convoy of half a dozen cars down several rural roads to our final location. We arrived at a one-story ranch house with several acres of grounds.
The sheriff beat us there. He and his deputies were already roping off this man's front yard with yellow crime tape. Rollin Monta "Monty" Loyd, the property owner, appeared furious. As the teams moved into the woods behind his home, our crew was stuck in front and across the street.
We could not go on the property to get the shots we wanted, because that would be trespassing. We couldn't see the dogs, but we could hear them. The private investigators, who were part of the raid, videotaped the operation.
Half an hour into the raid, reports began to come in. The good news: The dogs were still there; news of the raid hadn't leaked. The bad news: There weren't 60 dogs, as anticipated; there were more. The final count was 97.
Most of the dogs were pit bull terriers; many were puppies. They were found cowering in cages or chained. Some older dogs were scarred -- possible signs of fighting, investigators said. Others were malnourished, simply skin and bone.
Their conditions were atrocious, according to Terry Wolf of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society. "Their chains are too short to reach shelter, those who have shelter. The water that they have seems to be recent rainwater with algae in it, and I've seen no food bowls. Most of them are very timid," Wolf said. "They seem to be human-friendly, but they're attention starved, and they're definitely not socialized. You can tell they've been living hidden in the woods, out of sight."
Irene Sumner, director of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society, talked through tears, overcome before the count had been completed.
She told us about a puppy found dead and tossed aside into a used plastic bag. "I wouldn't do that to anybody. How can they -- what do you need 80-plus dogs for? There's no reason for it. It would be totally different if it was a kennel situation where they were housed, fed, vetted, all of the above. We don't know all of the information on that yet, but you can visually see that that's not the case here," Sumner said.
The Sheriff's Office says no evidence of dogfighting or training was found on the property, but veterinarians will examine the dogs for any physical signs of fighting. Test results will take several days.
As volunteers continued to count dogs and buzzards circled overhead, property owner Loyd waited out front with members of his family. He was angry.
CNN tried to speak to him, to give him a chance to tell his side of the story. He didn't want to talk. Instead, he shouted to go see his lawyer. When reached, Loyd's attorney said: "My client has not participated in dogfighting and is not charged with dogfighting."
Loyd was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Neighbors and family members whom CNN spoke with came to his defense, saying Loyd loved the dogs and they were bred to be pets.
The founder and CEO of the private investigation firm heading up this raid isn't buying it. Since the story broke about NFL player Michael Vick's dogfighting ring, Greg Norred has been donating his firm's time and expertise and his own money to rescuing dogs.
"I'm an animal lover. I've always been an animal lover. And in the wake of the Michael Vick case, I always thought there might be something I could do about animal cruelty, and with the type of business that I'm in and the resources that I have, it seems like dogfighting is the best vehicle that I can use to do something about animal cruelty."
In the past two years, Norred's team has volunteered for at least 16 raids. They've helped put 20 people behind bars and saved 200 dogs. Make that almost 300 after this most recent raid.
Several hours into the raid, the first group of dogs was transported from the woods to an undisclosed location. A CNN crew was allowed to go but could shoot only from inside this building.
Investigators feared that if there were any identifiable marks outside the property, someone might recognize it and steal the dogs. Authorities couldn't take that chance. But they did allow video of some of the dogs from inside the cages. They had taken many puppies, which looked helpless.
Volunteers feared one puppy wouldn't make it through the night. The next step for these dogs is to determine which ones are healthy enough to possibly be adopted. Some, sadly, won't share that fate. They'll have to be put down.
Sent by: Humane Assoc. of GA (HAGA) A statewide coalition of humane societies, animal control and rescue groups and individuals.
There is a CNN video that goes with the story. You can view it here -- http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/20/georgia.dog.raid/index.html#cnnSTCText. Don't worry, it's not a dogfighting video, just the raid.
Anatomy of a raid to rescue dogs allegedly bred to fight From Brooke Baldwin and Susan Brown CNN
LAURENS COUNTY, Georgia (CNN) -- It was 8 a.m. October 15. Our CNN crew had been up for a while, waiting. We still didn't have an address.
My producer, Susan Brown, and I had several questions: What would the living conditions of these dogs be like? What about the man whose door the Sheriff's Office was about to knock on? He was unaware of the raid that was about to occur in his backyard. Despite all of our planning, unknown variables were at play.
First stop was the Sheriff's Office in Laurens County, which is in central Georgia. Starting with information from a tip line, authorities had uncovered clues that led them to believe they needed to intervene and investigate.
The plan was this: The sheriff would drive to the property to execute the search warrant for particular objects generally associated with dogfighting, and for the dogs themselves.
Expressing concerns about the conditions at this private residence where dogs were suspected of being bred for dogfighting, Laurens County Sheriff Bill Harrell said, "If anything is going wrong, we want to get it stopped."
Private investigators with Norred and Associates Inc. will work alongside Harrell and his deputies, leading tactical teams. The teams were made up of veteran investigators donating their time, effort and expertise, along with volunteers of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society, who would collect and care for the dogs.
(The Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society: can be contacted at 478-272-5341. Norred & Associates Dog Fighting tip line is 1-877-215-2250. A reward of $5,000 is offered for information.)
All of the team members had experience with animals, particularly pit bulls. Based on information from the tip line, they were starting the day prepared to find as many as 60 dogs chained up in the woods behind one man's house in East Dublin, Georgia. These men and women waited, braced for battle -- only the war they were waging was on animal cruelty.
"I want to thank everybody for coming. It's for a good thing. It's for the dogs." Chuck Simmons, a private investigator and former police chief, was mapping out the search area on a dry erase board.
He was warning his crew about snakes, water from recent rains and nonsocialized dogs. After loading up crates on several trucks, everyone headed out. With the address of the raid location in hand, our crew joined a convoy of half a dozen cars down several rural roads to our final location. We arrived at a one-story ranch house with several acres of grounds.
The sheriff beat us there. He and his deputies were already roping off this man's front yard with yellow crime tape. Rollin Monta "Monty" Loyd, the property owner, appeared furious. As the teams moved into the woods behind his home, our crew was stuck in front and across the street.
We could not go on the property to get the shots we wanted, because that would be trespassing. We couldn't see the dogs, but we could hear them. The private investigators, who were part of the raid, videotaped the operation.
Half an hour into the raid, reports began to come in. The good news: The dogs were still there; news of the raid hadn't leaked. The bad news: There weren't 60 dogs, as anticipated; there were more. The final count was 97.
Most of the dogs were pit bull terriers; many were puppies. They were found cowering in cages or chained. Some older dogs were scarred -- possible signs of fighting, investigators said. Others were malnourished, simply skin and bone.
Their conditions were atrocious, according to Terry Wolf of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society. "Their chains are too short to reach shelter, those who have shelter. The water that they have seems to be recent rainwater with algae in it, and I've seen no food bowls. Most of them are very timid," Wolf said. "They seem to be human-friendly, but they're attention starved, and they're definitely not socialized. You can tell they've been living hidden in the woods, out of sight."
Irene Sumner, director of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society, talked through tears, overcome before the count had been completed.
She told us about a puppy found dead and tossed aside into a used plastic bag. "I wouldn't do that to anybody. How can they -- what do you need 80-plus dogs for? There's no reason for it. It would be totally different if it was a kennel situation where they were housed, fed, vetted, all of the above. We don't know all of the information on that yet, but you can visually see that that's not the case here," Sumner said.
The Sheriff's Office says no evidence of dogfighting or training was found on the property, but veterinarians will examine the dogs for any physical signs of fighting. Test results will take several days.
As volunteers continued to count dogs and buzzards circled overhead, property owner Loyd waited out front with members of his family. He was angry.
CNN tried to speak to him, to give him a chance to tell his side of the story. He didn't want to talk. Instead, he shouted to go see his lawyer. When reached, Loyd's attorney said: "My client has not participated in dogfighting and is not charged with dogfighting."
Loyd was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Neighbors and family members whom CNN spoke with came to his defense, saying Loyd loved the dogs and they were bred to be pets.
The founder and CEO of the private investigation firm heading up this raid isn't buying it. Since the story broke about NFL player Michael Vick's dogfighting ring, Greg Norred has been donating his firm's time and expertise and his own money to rescuing dogs.
"I'm an animal lover. I've always been an animal lover. And in the wake of the Michael Vick case, I always thought there might be something I could do about animal cruelty, and with the type of business that I'm in and the resources that I have, it seems like dogfighting is the best vehicle that I can use to do something about animal cruelty."
In the past two years, Norred's team has volunteered for at least 16 raids. They've helped put 20 people behind bars and saved 200 dogs. Make that almost 300 after this most recent raid.
Several hours into the raid, the first group of dogs was transported from the woods to an undisclosed location. A CNN crew was allowed to go but could shoot only from inside this building.
Investigators feared that if there were any identifiable marks outside the property, someone might recognize it and steal the dogs. Authorities couldn't take that chance. But they did allow video of some of the dogs from inside the cages. They had taken many puppies, which looked helpless.
Volunteers feared one puppy wouldn't make it through the night. The next step for these dogs is to determine which ones are healthy enough to possibly be adopted. Some, sadly, won't share that fate. They'll have to be put down.
Sent by: Humane Assoc. of GA (HAGA) A statewide coalition of humane societies, animal control and rescue groups and individuals.
There is a CNN video that goes with the story. You can view it here -- http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/20/georgia.dog.raid/index.html#cnnSTCText. Don't worry, it's not a dogfighting video, just the raid.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Paws, October 2009
Thomaston-Upson Humane Society
Paws for Pets
By Jan Price
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
October is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Their motto is: Make Pet Adoption Your First Option! Good pets can be found at your local shelter. Save a life today.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What does this have to do with pets? One abuser can have multiple victims: spouse, children, perhaps even a parent -- and pets. Abusers often use family pets to threaten and manipulate their victims. Many victims will not leave a pet behind because they fear for its life, so they remain in an abusive situation. There is a connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
With Halloween fast approaching, we would like to remind you that chocolate is a forbidden, deadly food for your pets. And sugar is not good for them either. Your pets are just as susceptible to diabetes as you are. (Be sure to check the ingredient list on any food you purchase for them. Sugar is not a necessary nor an acceptable ingredient and it is showing up in a number of dog foods and treats.) Do not leave lighted candles in jack-o-lanterns around where your dog's tail or a frightened cat can knock them over and start a fire. If you have a Halloween party, lock even your friendliest pet in another room with food and water (and a litter pan for a cat) where it won't be distrubed by loud noises, music or a group of strangers. Do not allow anyone to give your pets alcohol.
All pets must have fresh water available and be fed regularly.The best way to feed an adult dog is to divide the daily total in half and feed twice a day. Avoid exercise before and directly after eating. Do not moisten any food preserved with citric acid; it an cause bloat, which can kill your dog. So can drinking too much water before or after eating.
If your dog is outdoors, he must have shelter. Adequate covered shelter, not a pet carrier. If your cats spend most or all of their time outdoors, they should have shelter in the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures and severe weather.
Walk your dog every day. The exercise is good for both of you. Chaining an unsocialized dog can result in increased aggression and increase the likelihood he will bite. A running chain might appear to allow a dog more movement but he is still restricted and isolated.. If you do keep him tied out, be sure to give him attention and play with him. The chain should not be too heavy for the dog, neither should it be too tight and allowed to grow into the neck. It should be at least 3 times the length of the animal from tip of nose to tip of tail. A swivel at each end is less likely to tangle and could save your dog's life. Never tie up a dog wearing a "choker" or training collar. They are not intended to be worn all the time. Misuse of these collars could result in the death of your dog. Use a flat, properly fitting buckled collar.
If your pet has a microchip, be sure to keep your contact information current and a printout of the microchip number and pertinent information from the database (there are 6) with your pet's medical records. If your pet is missing, be sure to check the shelter in person at least every 3 days.
We appreciate the community’s ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance – spay/neuter or emergency vet help – contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets@gmail.com, download a form from UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Paws for Pets
By Jan Price
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
October is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Their motto is: Make Pet Adoption Your First Option! Good pets can be found at your local shelter. Save a life today.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What does this have to do with pets? One abuser can have multiple victims: spouse, children, perhaps even a parent -- and pets. Abusers often use family pets to threaten and manipulate their victims. Many victims will not leave a pet behind because they fear for its life, so they remain in an abusive situation. There is a connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
With Halloween fast approaching, we would like to remind you that chocolate is a forbidden, deadly food for your pets. And sugar is not good for them either. Your pets are just as susceptible to diabetes as you are. (Be sure to check the ingredient list on any food you purchase for them. Sugar is not a necessary nor an acceptable ingredient and it is showing up in a number of dog foods and treats.) Do not leave lighted candles in jack-o-lanterns around where your dog's tail or a frightened cat can knock them over and start a fire. If you have a Halloween party, lock even your friendliest pet in another room with food and water (and a litter pan for a cat) where it won't be distrubed by loud noises, music or a group of strangers. Do not allow anyone to give your pets alcohol.
All pets must have fresh water available and be fed regularly.The best way to feed an adult dog is to divide the daily total in half and feed twice a day. Avoid exercise before and directly after eating. Do not moisten any food preserved with citric acid; it an cause bloat, which can kill your dog. So can drinking too much water before or after eating.
If your dog is outdoors, he must have shelter. Adequate covered shelter, not a pet carrier. If your cats spend most or all of their time outdoors, they should have shelter in the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures and severe weather.
Walk your dog every day. The exercise is good for both of you. Chaining an unsocialized dog can result in increased aggression and increase the likelihood he will bite. A running chain might appear to allow a dog more movement but he is still restricted and isolated.. If you do keep him tied out, be sure to give him attention and play with him. The chain should not be too heavy for the dog, neither should it be too tight and allowed to grow into the neck. It should be at least 3 times the length of the animal from tip of nose to tip of tail. A swivel at each end is less likely to tangle and could save your dog's life. Never tie up a dog wearing a "choker" or training collar. They are not intended to be worn all the time. Misuse of these collars could result in the death of your dog. Use a flat, properly fitting buckled collar.
If your pet has a microchip, be sure to keep your contact information current and a printout of the microchip number and pertinent information from the database (there are 6) with your pet's medical records. If your pet is missing, be sure to check the shelter in person at least every 3 days.
We appreciate the community’s ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance – spay/neuter or emergency vet help – contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets@gmail.com, download a form from UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Adopt A Calico
Baby, a beautiful tortoiseshell (calico) cat needs a home. She is 9 years old, spayed & has all her shots. She is very loving, and she enjoys spending most of her time outside.
This is a sweet, lovely kitty, and she is a good mouser. Need to find a home -- a good home -- soon.
For more information:
call 706-646-2074
Dial 0
and leave a message for Ellen Tew with the operator.
This is a sweet, lovely kitty, and she is a good mouser. Need to find a home -- a good home -- soon.
For more information:
call 706-646-2074
Dial 0
and leave a message for Ellen Tew with the operator.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Paws, September 2009
Paws for Pets - Upson Humane Society
By Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
This month the Upson Humane Society is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its incorporation. We are grateful to the five women who founded the HS, including our current Secretary/Treasurer Kay Dunaway, and to Mr. W.C. Byrd whose love of animals - in particular, cats - led him to build a local animal shelter for the Humane Society to run.
As you know, the county oversees the animal shelter today. The UHS concentrates on raising funds to help county residents spay/neuter their pets. Do you have a good fundraiser idea? Would you like to help provide pet services to the elderly? What about helping with humane education in the elementary schools? Then come to our meetings.
Last month I reminded you to not rely solely on a microchip for the return of a lost pet. If the shelter or vet does not scan animals, the microchip will not be found. If the animal is improperly scanned, the microchip will be missed. Chips can and do migrate to other areas of the body from where implanted and in rare cases are implanted improperly and fall out.
Let's suppose your lost pet is scanned at the shelter, the microchip is found and read, the shelter checks the database for your information so they can contact you and … Oops. The database is blank. Many either don't bother to register or forget to. You are not automatically entered into a database. You must register the chip number and your contact information. If your information changes for any reason, it is your responsibility to update it. So be sure to keep the information current. Some pets have been returned many years after they were lost.
You can't remember if you registered the chip? Or you have lost the paperwork? There are six U. S. databases. To find out which one you are registered with, take your pet to a vet or shelter to have your pet scanned to get the microchip number. Go online to CheckTheChip.com and enter that number. It will search and tell you which database to contact. Go to that website and check your information, making any necessary changes. If it isn't there, register the microchip number before you forget.
Be sure to print the information and put it in your pet's file with all his vet information. You will need this if your pet is lost, and a shelter might require you bring paperwork to verify this chip number belongs to your cat or dog.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets@gmail.com, download a form from UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
By Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
This month the Upson Humane Society is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its incorporation. We are grateful to the five women who founded the HS, including our current Secretary/Treasurer Kay Dunaway, and to Mr. W.C. Byrd whose love of animals - in particular, cats - led him to build a local animal shelter for the Humane Society to run.
As you know, the county oversees the animal shelter today. The UHS concentrates on raising funds to help county residents spay/neuter their pets. Do you have a good fundraiser idea? Would you like to help provide pet services to the elderly? What about helping with humane education in the elementary schools? Then come to our meetings.
Last month I reminded you to not rely solely on a microchip for the return of a lost pet. If the shelter or vet does not scan animals, the microchip will not be found. If the animal is improperly scanned, the microchip will be missed. Chips can and do migrate to other areas of the body from where implanted and in rare cases are implanted improperly and fall out.
Let's suppose your lost pet is scanned at the shelter, the microchip is found and read, the shelter checks the database for your information so they can contact you and … Oops. The database is blank. Many either don't bother to register or forget to. You are not automatically entered into a database. You must register the chip number and your contact information. If your information changes for any reason, it is your responsibility to update it. So be sure to keep the information current. Some pets have been returned many years after they were lost.
You can't remember if you registered the chip? Or you have lost the paperwork? There are six U. S. databases. To find out which one you are registered with, take your pet to a vet or shelter to have your pet scanned to get the microchip number. Go online to CheckTheChip.com and enter that number. It will search and tell you which database to contact. Go to that website and check your information, making any necessary changes. If it isn't there, register the microchip number before you forget.
Be sure to print the information and put it in your pet's file with all his vet information. You will need this if your pet is lost, and a shelter might require you bring paperwork to verify this chip number belongs to your cat or dog.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets@gmail.com, download a form from UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Paws, August 2009
Paws for Pets - Upson Humane Society
By Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
We have a lovely tortoiseshell cat in need of a home posted on Upson Pets. A tortoiseshell, in case you aren't familiar with the term, is a type of calico. Baby is 9 years old, spayed & has all her shots. She is very loving, a good mouser, and more of an outside than inside cat. If you are interested, call Ellen at (local number) 770-581-0223.
Some of us have never understood why any dog owner would even consider cropping the ears or docking the tail of certain breeds. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) has commended Banfield, The Pet Hospital, for its efforts to stop performing cosmetic and convenience surgeries on cats and dogs. Banfield, the nation's largest network of animal hospitals, has discontinued cosmetic tail docking and ear cropping and is encouraging the elimination of both from breed standards. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has toughened their position on both cosmetic procedures but the American Kennel Club (AKC) disagrees. Can I assume from this that no one from the AKC has ever had his or her ears cropped or tail docked?
Also, Banfield will not do devocalization surgery on dogs. Devocalizing is when a dog's vocal chords are cut. It used to be popular with research laboratories but it has also become increasingly popular with some breeders and some who show their dogs. In case anyone you know is considering this, a well-made educational video (not suitable for children) against the practice is posted on UpsonPets.com. Please note that this is written solely to inform you. I have not asked the local vets, but hopefully assume devocalization is not done in Upson County.
Wednesday, August 12 was Petfinder's Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Day. This should be celebrated every day. Adopting an older or a handicapped pet can be very rewarding.
After reading another story about a dog with a microchip that was nearly euthanized because it was improperly scanned, I want to again warn you to not rely solely on the microchip if your pet is lost. A microchip is worthless if the shelter does not scan or shelter personnel do not scan properly. So if your pet is lost, get moving. Look hard, post flyers, and call the vet offices. Visit the shelter at least every 3 days.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets@gmail.com, download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
By Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
We have a lovely tortoiseshell cat in need of a home posted on Upson Pets. A tortoiseshell, in case you aren't familiar with the term, is a type of calico. Baby is 9 years old, spayed & has all her shots. She is very loving, a good mouser, and more of an outside than inside cat. If you are interested, call Ellen at (local number) 770-581-0223.
Some of us have never understood why any dog owner would even consider cropping the ears or docking the tail of certain breeds. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) has commended Banfield, The Pet Hospital, for its efforts to stop performing cosmetic and convenience surgeries on cats and dogs. Banfield, the nation's largest network of animal hospitals, has discontinued cosmetic tail docking and ear cropping and is encouraging the elimination of both from breed standards. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has toughened their position on both cosmetic procedures but the American Kennel Club (AKC) disagrees. Can I assume from this that no one from the AKC has ever had his or her ears cropped or tail docked?
Also, Banfield will not do devocalization surgery on dogs. Devocalizing is when a dog's vocal chords are cut. It used to be popular with research laboratories but it has also become increasingly popular with some breeders and some who show their dogs. In case anyone you know is considering this, a well-made educational video (not suitable for children) against the practice is posted on UpsonPets.com. Please note that this is written solely to inform you. I have not asked the local vets, but hopefully assume devocalization is not done in Upson County.
Wednesday, August 12 was Petfinder's Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Day. This should be celebrated every day. Adopting an older or a handicapped pet can be very rewarding.
After reading another story about a dog with a microchip that was nearly euthanized because it was improperly scanned, I want to again warn you to not rely solely on the microchip if your pet is lost. A microchip is worthless if the shelter does not scan or shelter personnel do not scan properly. So if your pet is lost, get moving. Look hard, post flyers, and call the vet offices. Visit the shelter at least every 3 days.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets@gmail.com, download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Paws, July 2009
Paws for Pets - Upson Humane Society
By Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet August 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
In the stifling heat and humidity of June 21, two Chihuahuas - a chocolate and a tan and white - were dumped in front of Martha Mill. Domesticated animals are not prepared to fend for themselves under any circumstances. And these two have not fared well. The chocolate dog was picked up by city animal control in the Walgreens parking lot, but his fate at the animal shelter is unknown. The terrified tan and white dog was seen for several days inside the gates on mill property, but he was too small and agile to corner, and was last seen two weeks ago running across the street into the bushes.
Whenever I come across an abandoned animal, I struggle to understand why anyone would do such a terrible thing to an animal dependent on one or more humans for food and shelter. Was it a husband who wanted to "punish" his wife by abandoning her pets and driving away? Was it a woman who lost her job and could no longer afford to keep a once-treasured member of the household? Or perhaps it was …..
There is no excuse for these and other dogs and cats to be abandoned anywhere at any time for any reason. You should never dump them in the city or the county or leave them behind when you move. In fact, the Georgia Animal Protection Act, which can be found on the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture website, states: "It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly and intentionally to abandon any domesticated animal upon any public or private property or public right of way." (Code Section4-11-15.1)
I have never run into a skunk while walking my dogs, but a friend sent me a skunk spray remedy just in case. He suggested keeping it in my recipe box so it's handy, because if either human or pet should be sprayed by a skunk, the oil needs to be neutralized before it dries or the smell can last up to two years.
If your dog is sprayed, leave him outside the house while you change into old clothes. Skunk spray is oily and can be easily spread, so be careful while you are bathing the dog to get the part that was sprayed but not to spread the oil all over him.
My friend said some have had to repeat it once, but it totally neutralizes the sulfur (mercaptan) compounds dissolved in the natural oils of the skunk spray. Be very careful around the eyes, nose and mouth! If you have to wash the dog's face, use a sponge or a washcloth. It will fizz and can explode if contained, so mix in an open bucket or a large bowl, and do not try to store any that is not used.
Mix together:
2 cups of 2% Hydrogen Peroxide
1 oval tablespoon of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 tablespoon of mild, preferably perfumed, liquid dishwashing detergent
Wet the dog down with warm water, Apply mixture while rubbing and massaging it in. Let stand two to three minutes. Rinse very thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel.
Help fund spay/neuter in Georgia. Buy the new Feline Friend specialty license plate (or Buddy or Animal Friend) at the county tag office for a one-time fee of $25.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at UpsonPets@gmail.com, download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
By Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet August 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
In the stifling heat and humidity of June 21, two Chihuahuas - a chocolate and a tan and white - were dumped in front of Martha Mill. Domesticated animals are not prepared to fend for themselves under any circumstances. And these two have not fared well. The chocolate dog was picked up by city animal control in the Walgreens parking lot, but his fate at the animal shelter is unknown. The terrified tan and white dog was seen for several days inside the gates on mill property, but he was too small and agile to corner, and was last seen two weeks ago running across the street into the bushes.
Whenever I come across an abandoned animal, I struggle to understand why anyone would do such a terrible thing to an animal dependent on one or more humans for food and shelter. Was it a husband who wanted to "punish" his wife by abandoning her pets and driving away? Was it a woman who lost her job and could no longer afford to keep a once-treasured member of the household? Or perhaps it was …..
There is no excuse for these and other dogs and cats to be abandoned anywhere at any time for any reason. You should never dump them in the city or the county or leave them behind when you move. In fact, the Georgia Animal Protection Act, which can be found on the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture website, states: "It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly and intentionally to abandon any domesticated animal upon any public or private property or public right of way." (Code Section4-11-15.1)
I have never run into a skunk while walking my dogs, but a friend sent me a skunk spray remedy just in case. He suggested keeping it in my recipe box so it's handy, because if either human or pet should be sprayed by a skunk, the oil needs to be neutralized before it dries or the smell can last up to two years.
If your dog is sprayed, leave him outside the house while you change into old clothes. Skunk spray is oily and can be easily spread, so be careful while you are bathing the dog to get the part that was sprayed but not to spread the oil all over him.
My friend said some have had to repeat it once, but it totally neutralizes the sulfur (mercaptan) compounds dissolved in the natural oils of the skunk spray. Be very careful around the eyes, nose and mouth! If you have to wash the dog's face, use a sponge or a washcloth. It will fizz and can explode if contained, so mix in an open bucket or a large bowl, and do not try to store any that is not used.
Mix together:
2 cups of 2% Hydrogen Peroxide
1 oval tablespoon of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 tablespoon of mild, preferably perfumed, liquid dishwashing detergent
Wet the dog down with warm water, Apply mixture while rubbing and massaging it in. Let stand two to three minutes. Rinse very thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel.
Help fund spay/neuter in Georgia. Buy the new Feline Friend specialty license plate (or Buddy or Animal Friend) at the county tag office for a one-time fee of $25.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at UpsonPets@gmail.com, download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dogs for Adoption - Tara & Belle
Tara
Tara is probably a black lab mix. She has white on her feet and on her neck and the tip of her tail. Her tail curls over her back and she has a short coat. Tara is appromiately 7 months. She weighs about 35 lbs. She has been spayed and is up to date on her shots.
Tara is crate-trained, house trained with a doggie door, and has earned the right to be free of her crate at all times. The only time she is crated now is during meals. She has started obedience training and understands sit, down, and stay. She enjoys training and has shown a lot of potential for future training. If adopted locally I will provide 2 free obedience lessons to help her bond with her new family and get off to a good start.
Tara is a very social dog and loves to play with other dogs or people. She has had limited exposure to a cat and seemed okay with them.
Tara hates to be alone. This should not present a problem if she has a canine or human companion.
Since she is so good in the house I want her to be a house dog with a fenced yard for play. She is still an active puppy and will need regular exercise.
Belle
I have what I think may be a purebreed black lab female spayed about 3 years old that is available too. Her name is Belle. Belle is housetrained with a doggie door and is very good with other dogs. She is shy and is very slow to come to you because she is scared. But she is a happy, calm dog that likes to swim and lay around the house with you. Belle is spayed and her shots will be due next month. Both dogs are on heartworm prevention.
Belle & Tara together
Email your contact information to UpsonPets @ gmail .com (Put the address together) if you are interested in either or both dogs.
Tara is probably a black lab mix. She has white on her feet and on her neck and the tip of her tail. Her tail curls over her back and she has a short coat. Tara is appromiately 7 months. She weighs about 35 lbs. She has been spayed and is up to date on her shots.
Tara is crate-trained, house trained with a doggie door, and has earned the right to be free of her crate at all times. The only time she is crated now is during meals. She has started obedience training and understands sit, down, and stay. She enjoys training and has shown a lot of potential for future training. If adopted locally I will provide 2 free obedience lessons to help her bond with her new family and get off to a good start.
Tara is a very social dog and loves to play with other dogs or people. She has had limited exposure to a cat and seemed okay with them.
Tara hates to be alone. This should not present a problem if she has a canine or human companion.
Since she is so good in the house I want her to be a house dog with a fenced yard for play. She is still an active puppy and will need regular exercise.
Belle
I have what I think may be a purebreed black lab female spayed about 3 years old that is available too. Her name is Belle. Belle is housetrained with a doggie door and is very good with other dogs. She is shy and is very slow to come to you because she is scared. But she is a happy, calm dog that likes to swim and lay around the house with you. Belle is spayed and her shots will be due next month. Both dogs are on heartworm prevention.
Belle & Tara together
Email your contact information to UpsonPets @ gmail .com (Put the address together) if you are interested in either or both dogs.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Paws, June 2009
Paws for Pets
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society does not hold a meeting in July. The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 4 at 6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center.
June is American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month. It's been proven that people who own pets live longer, have less stress and have fewer heart attacks! Adopt a purr pet for your health.
For those of you with internet access, you can easily donate food to various shelters. Visit UpsonPets.com and scroll down until you reach the three graphics for feeding shelter animals in the sidebar. Bookmark each and click on them daily. It only takes a few moments. On the Animal Rescue site, scroll down the page to read the names of those places where the food is donated. The Freekibble.com site for dogs and the FreekibbleKat.com for cats were started by Mimi Ausland, a 12 year old girl from Bend, Oregon, who wanted to help feed healthy food to hungry animals at her local animal shelter. Freekibble now includes 14 shelters from Oregon to Florida and is partnered with Castor and Pollux. They have an interesting daily question on each site, and it doesn't matter whether your answer is right or wrong, 10 pieces of free kibble will be donated. 10 pieces of kibble doesn't sound like much, but it adds up, which is why daily participation is a good idea.
Our weather is hot and humid, so try an experiment: take off your shoes and socks and go outside where you tie up your dog for short or long term periods. How does the concrete or ground feel to your feet? Well, how do you think it feels to your dog? Make sure he has shelter, somewhere comfortable to lie down, clean cool water in a non-metallic bowl at all times, and shade. Better yet, bring him inside the house and allow him to find his personal "cool" spot. Don't turn off the air conditioning when you leave the house because you have a cat(s) or dog(s) inside but there are no humans home. Animals can die locked inside a hot, humid house!
And speaking of heat, it's time for another reminder about not leaving a pet inside a parked car. If you aren't aware of how quickly a car can go from warm to sauna, just try sitting inside your car in the sunshine with the windows rolled partway down. You can sweat to try to cool your body down, and you can open the door and get out as soon as you become uncomfortable. But your pet can't sweat - he pants - and he can't open the door and get out on his own. So locking him in, even for a few minutes with the windows rolled partway down, could very well be a death sentence for your pet. My Dog is Cool has a lot of good information on the subject.
Florida residents Dennis Geary and his family adopted Astro, a German Shepherd, from a shelter. A month later Astro disappeared. Nine years later, on Jan. 29, 2009, an animal control officer in Tennessee picked up Astro after receiving a report about a dog running loose. Officers were able to track down the family through a microchip implanted at the time Astro was adopted. The family has moved three times and now resides in Louisville, Kentucky, so although they were surprised, they are pleased to have Astro home again. It is cases such as this one that show the value of a microchip should your pet be lost or stolen. But a microchip is of no value if shelters do not scan every incoming animal and scan it properly. Does your local shelter scan incoming animals for a microchip? If not, then call your county manager's office, your county commissioners and your county chairman.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets @ gmail .com (put it together), download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society does not hold a meeting in July. The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 4 at 6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center.
June is American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month. It's been proven that people who own pets live longer, have less stress and have fewer heart attacks! Adopt a purr pet for your health.
For those of you with internet access, you can easily donate food to various shelters. Visit UpsonPets.com and scroll down until you reach the three graphics for feeding shelter animals in the sidebar. Bookmark each and click on them daily. It only takes a few moments. On the Animal Rescue site, scroll down the page to read the names of those places where the food is donated. The Freekibble.com site for dogs and the FreekibbleKat.com for cats were started by Mimi Ausland, a 12 year old girl from Bend, Oregon, who wanted to help feed healthy food to hungry animals at her local animal shelter. Freekibble now includes 14 shelters from Oregon to Florida and is partnered with Castor and Pollux. They have an interesting daily question on each site, and it doesn't matter whether your answer is right or wrong, 10 pieces of free kibble will be donated. 10 pieces of kibble doesn't sound like much, but it adds up, which is why daily participation is a good idea.
Our weather is hot and humid, so try an experiment: take off your shoes and socks and go outside where you tie up your dog for short or long term periods. How does the concrete or ground feel to your feet? Well, how do you think it feels to your dog? Make sure he has shelter, somewhere comfortable to lie down, clean cool water in a non-metallic bowl at all times, and shade. Better yet, bring him inside the house and allow him to find his personal "cool" spot. Don't turn off the air conditioning when you leave the house because you have a cat(s) or dog(s) inside but there are no humans home. Animals can die locked inside a hot, humid house!
And speaking of heat, it's time for another reminder about not leaving a pet inside a parked car. If you aren't aware of how quickly a car can go from warm to sauna, just try sitting inside your car in the sunshine with the windows rolled partway down. You can sweat to try to cool your body down, and you can open the door and get out as soon as you become uncomfortable. But your pet can't sweat - he pants - and he can't open the door and get out on his own. So locking him in, even for a few minutes with the windows rolled partway down, could very well be a death sentence for your pet. My Dog is Cool has a lot of good information on the subject.
Florida residents Dennis Geary and his family adopted Astro, a German Shepherd, from a shelter. A month later Astro disappeared. Nine years later, on Jan. 29, 2009, an animal control officer in Tennessee picked up Astro after receiving a report about a dog running loose. Officers were able to track down the family through a microchip implanted at the time Astro was adopted. The family has moved three times and now resides in Louisville, Kentucky, so although they were surprised, they are pleased to have Astro home again. It is cases such as this one that show the value of a microchip should your pet be lost or stolen. But a microchip is of no value if shelters do not scan every incoming animal and scan it properly. Does your local shelter scan incoming animals for a microchip? If not, then call your county manager's office, your county commissioners and your county chairman.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection at our four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial assistance - spay/neuter or emergency vet help - contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets @ gmail .com (put it together), download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Paws, May 2009
Paws for Pets
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Is your cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, guinea pig or other pet scratching or biting himself relentlessly? Is your dog rubbing his face with his paws or against the furniture? Is your cat pulling out her hair? A pet owner generally assumes the animal has fleas. But this behavior can also be caused by a variety of other health problems, ranging from lice, fungus, mange, anxiety, liver disease or allergies.
Yes, your pets can get allergies too, even hay fever. They don't usually get a runny nose and watery eyes. Mainly, they get allergic dermatitis (skin disease) and when their biting, licking and scratching causes open sores, bacteria and yeast can bring infection.
The protein in flea saliva is the most common allergen to trigger an overreaction of your pet's immune system. Breathing in pollen, mold spores, dust, tobacco smoke and other allergens can start some pets scratching and possibly cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing. Skin irritation can be caused by touching something such as plastic, grass, wool or even chemicals found in some household products used around the house or yard. A plastic food or water bowl can cause something called "plastic dish dermatitis" of the nose. Food allergies can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but the most common symptom is itching.
There are many things that can cause an itchy skin reaction in your pet. The safest way to deal with this type of health problem is to see your veterinarian to find the cause of your particular pet's itch and to work out a plan of treatment.
As the days grow hotter and more humid, your pet needs fresh water, fresh water, fresh water. (This can not be overstressed!) Do not tie a dog out for even a short time without water or shelter. Never, never, never leave an animal in the car, even for a few minutes! (Yes, I know the sentence is repetitive. It needs to be. It's too easy to miss the word "never" in a sentence regarding animals.) Dogs and cats can not perspire. They can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. The inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. A pet left in a hot car, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die.
And do not transport your dog unsecured in the back of a pickup truck. And by unsecured, I am not implying you should chain/tie your dog. I know of a case where someone tied their puppy in the back and the puppy either fell or jumped out and was run over by a rear wheel. Better to crate the dog and secure the crate.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection boxes. There are four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial spay/neuter assistance, contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets @ gmail .com (put the address together), download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Is your cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, guinea pig or other pet scratching or biting himself relentlessly? Is your dog rubbing his face with his paws or against the furniture? Is your cat pulling out her hair? A pet owner generally assumes the animal has fleas. But this behavior can also be caused by a variety of other health problems, ranging from lice, fungus, mange, anxiety, liver disease or allergies.
Yes, your pets can get allergies too, even hay fever. They don't usually get a runny nose and watery eyes. Mainly, they get allergic dermatitis (skin disease) and when their biting, licking and scratching causes open sores, bacteria and yeast can bring infection.
The protein in flea saliva is the most common allergen to trigger an overreaction of your pet's immune system. Breathing in pollen, mold spores, dust, tobacco smoke and other allergens can start some pets scratching and possibly cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing. Skin irritation can be caused by touching something such as plastic, grass, wool or even chemicals found in some household products used around the house or yard. A plastic food or water bowl can cause something called "plastic dish dermatitis" of the nose. Food allergies can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but the most common symptom is itching.
There are many things that can cause an itchy skin reaction in your pet. The safest way to deal with this type of health problem is to see your veterinarian to find the cause of your particular pet's itch and to work out a plan of treatment.
As the days grow hotter and more humid, your pet needs fresh water, fresh water, fresh water. (This can not be overstressed!) Do not tie a dog out for even a short time without water or shelter. Never, never, never leave an animal in the car, even for a few minutes! (Yes, I know the sentence is repetitive. It needs to be. It's too easy to miss the word "never" in a sentence regarding animals.) Dogs and cats can not perspire. They can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. The inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. A pet left in a hot car, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die.
And do not transport your dog unsecured in the back of a pickup truck. And by unsecured, I am not implying you should chain/tie your dog. I know of a case where someone tied their puppy in the back and the puppy either fell or jumped out and was run over by a rear wheel. Better to crate the dog and secure the crate.
We appreciate the community's ongoing support through the aluminum can collection boxes. There are four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
If you need financial spay/neuter assistance, contact your local vet's office for information, email us at upsonpets @ gmail .com (put the address together), download a form from www.UpsonPets.com, or write us at Upson Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
T-Town Toyz Benefit Car Show
Here is a slideshow from the April 11, 2009 benefit for the Upson Humane Society. It was hosted by the T-Town Toyz Car Club.
An overview of the benefit is included in the UHS's April Paws for Pets column. Click here to read the April 2009 Paws.
An overview of the benefit is included in the UHS's April Paws for Pets column. Click here to read the April 2009 Paws.
Paws, April 2009
Paws for Pets
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets @ gmail. com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, May 5 at6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets @ gmail. com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, May 5 at
The T-Town Toyz Car Club held a car show the Saturday before Easter at the Ponderosa Steak House on
There were approximately 50 vehicles entered, many of them from
The participants all came in hopes of winning a trophy, but also to support the Thomaston car club, just as the local club turns out to support their shows. As oldies music played in the background, visitors wandered around the parking lot to check out the well-preserved antique cars and the newer models with the fancy designs. Shelter manager Smart Web brought Bo the shelter dog. Although the arrow was surgically removed early last month, the dog’s shoulder is still oozing and he limps on the corresponding leg.
The Humane Society’s Billy Brantley and Gwen Worwa cooked hamburgers and hot dogs and worked the food table. The car club brought all the food except the desserts, which were provided by several Humane Society members, including Dena Pitts, Sheena Ferrell, and president Bill Howell. Carol Axelberg, Deanne Avery, and Shirley Ellerbee pitched in wherever needed. Vice-president Dee Rogers presented the Top 10 trophies and the Best of Show, which was won by Richard Tingley for his 1934 Chevy. I took a number of photos which will be displayed on www.UpsonPets.com as soon as I can post them.
While a young volunteer drew the winning tickets, Kay Dunaway, treasurer, handed out the door prizes donated by Thomaston Hardware, Speedi Lube, Renew Massage & Therapy, Logtown Smoke House, Deidre Helms and Pam at Shear Shape Salon, Smokin Butts, Peachtree Café, Big Chic “Uptown,” Tidal Wave Auto Spa, Norris’ Fine Foods, Farmers Furniture, Advanced Auto Parts, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6447.
Ronny Blackstock and the T-Town Toyz Car Club did a fantastic job. They planned well, they publicized the event, and they worked hard. The 50/50 raffle was a big draw, especially as the time for the drawing grew closer and the pot grew larger. At the end of the day, the total was $604. Marilyn Bowman held the winning ticket. She and the Humane Society each received 50%, or $302. And all the entry fees and proceeds from the food were donated to the Humane Society – a total of (including the $302) $1,406.75.
The car club is able to do a fundraiser such as this one because they have a number of sponsors: 5 Star Tire & Auto; Advantage Vending; Corley’s Garage, Inc; State Farm – Kay Robinson; Kenny’s Towing & Recovery; Shepard’s Auto & Machine Shop: Dr. David P. Fieseler, MD, P.C.; Mark’s Automotive & Performance Center; Mallory & Trice, L.L.P.; Sam’s Consulting; Bank of Upson; Speedi Lube; Patriot Motors; and C&M Trucking.
We would like to thank all who participated in this fundraiser, in whatever capacity.
And we appreciate the community’s ongoing support through the aluminum can collection boxes. There are four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
Visit us at www.UpsonPets.com. Or write us at
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Car Show, April 11
The T-Town Toyz Car Club is sponsoring a Car Show to benefit the Upson Humane Society on Saturday, April 11, 2009, between 10 am - 3 pm, at the Ponderosa Steak House, 218 North Center Street in Thomaston.
We hope to see you there!
Click on picture to enlarge it.
We hope to see you there!
Click on picture to enlarge it.
ULMS Jr Environmental Club
On March 11, 2009 animal shelter manager Smart Web and assistant Christi Stephenson visited the Upson-Lee Middle School Jr. Environmental Club to receive donated cat and dog food. They took took two dogs from the shelter for the children to enjoy. The Jr. Environmental Club has been learning about pets and pet ownership from their sponsors Elaine Nix, Ann Dawson and Deborah Beveryly (not shown). Members included in photo are Kellie Hatcher, Christy Kennedy, Gina Martin, Brett Nicholson, Briana Nolton, Robby Watson, Leah Anglin, Jacolby Caldwell, and Dustin Higner.
The Animal Shelter will be holding their first Adoption Day of the year on Saturday April 04, 2009 from 8am until 12pm at the downtown yard sale. Anyone who would like to volunteer should contact the Animal Shelter at 706-647-5586.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Paws, March 2009
Paws for Pets
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center. We will be finalizing plans for the car show. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres said, “We are encouraging everyone, young and old, to “Go Orange for Animals” and support the ASPCA during the month of April.” I won't be going orange for the month, but I support prevention of cruelty to animals. And I believe that begins with parents teaching their children to treat animals with kindness by treating their children with kindness. It’s a sad fact that some children begin to abuse animals because they are acting out their own abuse. And those who abuse animals often “graduate” to abuse of humans – whether friend, spouse, parent, child or stranger. If you are aware of or suspect an animal is being abused, report it to Upson Animal Control and local law enforcement.
A recent well-publicized cruelty case in Upson County has opened the hearts and pocketbooks of local citizens. Most of you are aware of the Labrador Retriever mix found with two arrow wounds. Gangrene had already set into his right shoulder, the one where the broken arrow protruded. County Animal Control Officer Smart Web contacted the Upson Humane Society and we agreed to pay the dog’s medical bill. We would like to thank Dr. Mike Pasley of the Thomaston Animal Hospital for generously donating his services.
There have been many offers of a home for this particular dog, but don’t overlook the other adoptable animals, including Lab mixes, at the shelter. Smart has named the Lab “Bo” and appointed Bo the official shelter dog. Because of the dog’s good nature, he will accompany Smart to visit schools and nursing homes.
Shortly after picking up Bo, Smart offered a personal reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person. (The irresponsible person would probably be a better term.) Dr. Al Simmons has offered to match that amount and so have Jim and Denise Cleveland. Probate Judge Gary Hamby, Marsha Dokey and Hilton Plumbing have also pledged varying amounts. So the reward fund is now over $1500.
The car show will be from 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday, April 11 at the Ponderosa Steak House, 218 North Center Street. There will be trophies for the Top 10 and the Best of Show. Also there will be oldies music, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and food. Registration is $20 and is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles. It will be hosted by the T-Town Toyz Car Club of Thomaston. All proceeds will benefit the Upson Humane Society. For information, call 706-648-3048. See you there!
Smart will bring Bo to the auto show. He would like to include a few dogs from the shelter too, but he needs some volunteers. If you would like to help, call the shelter at 706-647-5586 or email sweb@upsoncountyga.org.
Also, contact the shelter if you can volunteer to assist at the shelter’s first Adoption Day of the year. This will be held downtown in front of Nancy Adams’s office during the Thomaston yard sale on Saturday, April 4th from 8 am until 12 pm.
Hot weather will be here before long. Remember, animals need shelter with plenty of shade and cold fresh water at all times. Watch the water bowl for mosquito larva.
We appreciate the community’s support through the aluminum can collection boxes. There are four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
Visit us at www.UpsonPets.com. Or write us at P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
Upson Humane Society
Jan Price
upsonpets@gmail.com
The Humane Society will meet Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the Civic Center. We will be finalizing plans for the car show. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres said, “We are encouraging everyone, young and old, to “Go Orange for Animals” and support the ASPCA during the month of April.” I won't be going orange for the month, but I support prevention of cruelty to animals. And I believe that begins with parents teaching their children to treat animals with kindness by treating their children with kindness. It’s a sad fact that some children begin to abuse animals because they are acting out their own abuse. And those who abuse animals often “graduate” to abuse of humans – whether friend, spouse, parent, child or stranger. If you are aware of or suspect an animal is being abused, report it to Upson Animal Control and local law enforcement.
A recent well-publicized cruelty case in Upson County has opened the hearts and pocketbooks of local citizens. Most of you are aware of the Labrador Retriever mix found with two arrow wounds. Gangrene had already set into his right shoulder, the one where the broken arrow protruded. County Animal Control Officer Smart Web contacted the Upson Humane Society and we agreed to pay the dog’s medical bill. We would like to thank Dr. Mike Pasley of the Thomaston Animal Hospital for generously donating his services.
There have been many offers of a home for this particular dog, but don’t overlook the other adoptable animals, including Lab mixes, at the shelter. Smart has named the Lab “Bo” and appointed Bo the official shelter dog. Because of the dog’s good nature, he will accompany Smart to visit schools and nursing homes.
Shortly after picking up Bo, Smart offered a personal reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person. (The irresponsible person would probably be a better term.) Dr. Al Simmons has offered to match that amount and so have Jim and Denise Cleveland. Probate Judge Gary Hamby, Marsha Dokey and Hilton Plumbing have also pledged varying amounts. So the reward fund is now over $1500.
The car show will be from 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday, April 11 at the Ponderosa Steak House, 218 North Center Street. There will be trophies for the Top 10 and the Best of Show. Also there will be oldies music, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and food. Registration is $20 and is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles. It will be hosted by the T-Town Toyz Car Club of Thomaston. All proceeds will benefit the Upson Humane Society. For information, call 706-648-3048. See you there!
Smart will bring Bo to the auto show. He would like to include a few dogs from the shelter too, but he needs some volunteers. If you would like to help, call the shelter at 706-647-5586 or email sweb@upsoncountyga.org.
Also, contact the shelter if you can volunteer to assist at the shelter’s first Adoption Day of the year. This will be held downtown in front of Nancy Adams’s office during the Thomaston yard sale on Saturday, April 4th from 8 am until 12 pm.
Hot weather will be here before long. Remember, animals need shelter with plenty of shade and cold fresh water at all times. Watch the water bowl for mosquito larva.
We appreciate the community’s support through the aluminum can collection boxes. There are four dog house locations. Bag the cans and drop them down the chimney.
Visit us at www.UpsonPets.com. Or write us at P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Donations are tax deductible.
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