Fireworks Are No Picnic for Pets!

The Humane Society of Utah would like to offer you 7 Tips on how to ease your pet's fears during this firework season in Utah.

While the 4th & 24th of July may be a time for fireworks and celebration, these holidays can become a nightmare for pets and their owners. The loud noises, flashing lights and smell of sulfur can cause excessive fear in pets who think the ear-splitting explosions signal the world is coming to an end. Sadly, for some animals, that’s just what it is.

“Every July shelters throughout our state are filled with dogs and cats who panicked during all the commotion, ran away and got lost,” says Gene Baierschmidt, HSU Executive Director. “The lucky ones get turned into shelters and have a chance of being reunited with their family. But others never do make it. Many runaways are at risk of being struck by a car.”

Here are some tips from the Humane Society of Utah to keep your pet calm and safe during Independence Day and Pioneer Day:

* Leave pets at home and indoors! Put them in well before dark!
* Close doors & windows...turn on music to muffle outdoor sounds
* Close curtains and blinds to block flashing light
* Be sure pets are wearing ID tags and have a microchip!
* Distract pets with chew toys or games
* Introduce loud sounds at a lower volume to help desensitize before the holidays
* Speak to a vet about natural, homeopathic, non-sedating remedies to keep pets calm

Pets should also be protected from physical injuries caused by backyard fireworks. An animals’ fur is susceptible to fire, even from something as innocent as a sparkler. Please be on guard to prevent a tragic accident.

The Humane Society of Utah Attends the 2010 Animal Expo

This spring, rising flood waters did not keep a flood of visitors from traveling to Music City U-S-A! While many came to see Elvis, Rhyman Auditorium and the famous hot spots Nashville’s known for, more than 1,400 animal lovers from 44 countries also came to Nashville...to network and learn the best ways to tend for animals whom come into their care.

Three members of the Humane Society of Utah staff made that trek to Tennessee for Animal Expo 2010, featuring 200 exhibitors and 70 workshops ranging from animal care, to adoption, disaster preparedness and veterinary medicine.  Here is a video that tells more about the Animal Expo 2010.

All told this was the largest gathering of animal advocates in the world and the exchange of ideas played like the sweet music coming out of the clubs right next door to Nashville’s convention center.

“There are quite a few changes we can make at our shelter to benefit the health of the animals, the adoption process and customer service,” says Kris Smith, Outreach Director for the Humane Society of Utah. “I learned quite a bit!”

Carlene Wall, Director of Operations for HSU discovered “a whole new set of shelter standards coming out so we will change alot of things to help animals stay healthier, emotionally and physically. We’re very lucky to be in the position we’re in here in Utah. Some shelters in other parts of the country can only take in 10 dogs and 20 cats at any given time. I can’t even imagine that. So we’re doing well...but there’s always room for improvement.”

Look for those improvements over the days, weeks and months to come at the Humane Society of Utah. And if you get to Nashville, make sure you keep an eye out for Elvis, whose likeness stands guard on honky tonk rooftops, watching over visitors to Music City USA...just as many of those visitors stand guard over the homeless animals in Utah and throughout our country.

June 25th, 2010 is Take Your Dog to Work Day for Utahns

Hate leaving your dog home all day while you’re working?  Wish you could have some canine company in that lonely cubicle?  Then tomorrow, Friday June 25, is YOUR day (and your dogs!).

The Humane Society of Utah joins the Humane Society of the United State in support of national Take Your Dog to Work Day 2010!  Bringing your dog to work makes everybody happy.  This policy could even increase adoptions, as one of the main reasons people don’t adopt pets is their hectic work schedule.  A dog-friendly policy allows people to spend more time with their dogs, making everyone feel better. 

Experts on the subject point to tangible benefits of a dog-friendly work place environment.  A recent survey discovered 37 percent of American companies have either raised or plan to raise employee contributions to health-care plans.  A “dog-at-work” program is a free benefit which can improve employee morale in the face of these (and other) cutbacks in benefits. Dogs are a “benefit” which can also help companies recruit as well as retain good employees.

Not only do studies show dogs in the workplace have a positive effect on employee, business and organizational health...they quite possibly save lives.  27 percent of those polled recently by the Associated Press indicated they were giving serious consideration to giving up a pet due to lack of time available to spend with their dog.  It’s believed having the opportunity to bring a dog to work keeps more families intact.

Dogs at Work: A Practical guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces is a new release with detailed advice on how to prepare a dog for the office environment while providing sample policies and handouts for employers (along with case studies).  Dogs must be in good health, altered, up to date on all shots and well mannered...which describes all of the dogs who come to work with us here at the Humane Society of Utah!

Cities Beginning to Ban the Sale of Companion Animals in Pet Stores

In the past year, South Lake Tahoe, California banned the retail sale of cats and dogs.  West Hollywood, California also passed a ban on the retail sale of animals.  In the past few months, Richmond, B.C., has considered a ban on the retail sale of dogs to cut down on the demand for dogs from puppy mills and impulse buying of pets.  There are other cities that are beginning to follow the animal advocacy example, but it is important to understand why.

The Humane Society of the United States has linked pet supply chains to puppy mills, where dogs are bred in harsh, unsanitary conditions with little regard for health.  Several major pet store chains, such as PetSmart, are not selling companion animals in their shops.  Instead, businesses are referring pet lovers to local shelters and Humane Society organizations for pet adoption instead.

While cities may pass legislation that bans the sale of companion animals in retail stores, it is still up to the people in any area to make smart choices when it comes to getting a pet.  We encourage people to take the time to visit their local shelter or Humane Society to find a pet through adoption services.

For more information on pet adoption, please call us at the Humane Society of Utah.  Be an animal advocate and think twice before purchasing a companion animal from a retail shop.

HSU Visits Hunter Elementary

This is a special day at Hunter Elementary...where Mrs. Handleyʼs kindergarten class is about to get a visit from a very special guest!

“Sam lives out on the streets...all by himself,” says Carlene Wall, Director of Education at the Humane Society of Utah as she points to a cut-out figure on the chalk board. “He doesnʼt have anyone to take care of him. Now heʼs hungry. Whereʼs he gonna get his food? Can he go to McDonalds? Hey, I'd like a Happy Meal with some chicken nuggetst and an orange drink. Yummy! Nooo.”

“Sam,” is a make believe character who always comes to class with Carlene Wall ...along with Misu ...a real dog Carlene rescued from the HSU shelter, and now helps her teach kids about canines!

“When he lived on the streets...was anyone playing fetch with “Sam”? No. Anywhere good to sleep?” Carlene asks the class.

Wall says “Helping kids realize itʼs a responsibility to have a pet, to learn at a young age just how important proper care of your pet is...” is the reason she speaks to so many school groups. Sheʼs been teaching these classes for 13 years to thousands of students, of all ages.

“With the older grades,” says Wall “I get into spaying and neutering, helping them understand the population problem. I have alot of lkids look and me and if I get two of them going “ooohhh,” then Iʼve made a difference and hopefully theyʼll go home and talk to their parents and tell their parents things nobody ever told me. If I can catch these kids when theyʼre little, and help them understand that we do have an over-population problem, and that thereʼs a way to fix it...maybe theyʼll go through life and and make responsible choices when theyʼre older...”

Carlene also wants to make sure kids make the right moves when they encounter a dog they don't know.

She puts another question to the kids. “Have you ever seen a dog chase a tree? Nooo...trees just stand still, o-k? So our hands are up away from the dogs mouth.  Trees do not jump up and down either. They do not spin around in circles and they do not scream. They just stand still! If you look a dog in their eyes, you are asking them in dog talk to fight you You will lose. Do not fight the dog!”

Carlene teaches kids how to protect themselves...but just as important, she and Misue show them the right way to approach a dog.

“So the dog smells your hand. If they walk away, leave them alone. If they stay, you may pet them. But everybody, including grown ups want to put their fingers right in the face of a dog right by their eyes. We want the dog to feel safe. So weʼll let the dog smell your hand, then turn your hand and pet underneath and behind. Never across the face and top of the head. Always around!

It's hard to say who enjoys these classes more...Misu, Carlene or the kids. But itʼs easy to see the Humane Societyʼs mission and why these school visits are so vitally important.

“Now,” Carlene offers, “hopefully...the next time they see a dog they donʼt know, theyʼll think about it and make the right choices...”

Sentencing for Utah Dog Killer

Joseph Pachall of Bountiful, Utah is scheduled to be sentenced in Second District Court by Judge John R. Morris on July 1, 2010. Mr. Pachall was originally charged in the Fall of 2009 with stabbing his family dog to death and filing a false report with the police, claiming he had been kidnapped.

Torturing and abusing an animal in Utah is now a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, during a preliminary hearing held on April 30, 2010, Mr. Pachall was allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of attempted torture of a companion animal which is a Class “A” misdemeanor carrying a reduced sentence and fine.

The Humane Society is once again soliciting your support, asking you to write a letter to Judge Morris asking Mr. Pachall receive the maximum sentence and fine for his cruel and callous actions, that he receive psychological counseling, and never be allowed to own animals or interact with them in the future. Your letter should be addressed to:

The Honorable Judge John R. Morris
Davis County-Farmington District Court
800 West State Street (P.O. Box 769)
Farmington, Utah 84025

Please write your letter as soon as possible and ask friends and relatives to do the same. Those in our state who love animals must remain vigilant and let it be known that torturing and abusing an animal will no longer be tolerated in Utah. The case number is #101700180. Thank you!

The Humane Society of Utah's Cup Runneth Over...With Cats and Kittens!

Space for cats and kittens is at a premium inhe Humane Society of Utah animal shelter. Along with the influx of newborn kitties received during “kitten season,” the Humane Society of Utah has also seen a dramatic increase in the number of adult cats being relinquished by owners due to the slow economic recovery, foreclosure, down-sizing, etc.

The Humane Society has called upon all of its foster families to help take care of the countless litters coming into our facility. At the same time the HSU has stepped up its efforts to increase adoptions. Currently, the adoption fee for all kittens 5 months old & younger is $50 ($70 for two kittens).  Cats 5 months of age up to 2 years of age can be adopted for $24.50 while the adoption fee for all cats over 2 is just $10!

This situation facing the Humane Society of Utah emphasizes even more the need for all cat owners to make sure their pets are sterilized and remain indoors. The public can contact the Humane Society of Utah at 801-261-2919 for answers to any questions regarding fostering, sterilization and adoptions.

For More Information Contact: Carl Arky (801) 330-4513

Golf and Poker Tournament Benefitting the Humane Society of Utah

Thousands of dollars are raised in one weekend for the Humane Society of Utah by the Utah Poker Tour, The Piper Down Club and Hog Wallow. Hog Wallow sponsored a special golf tournament at Old Mill Golf Course in Salt Lake City while Utah Poker Tour donated all the proceeds of its Texas Hold 'em Tournament at the Piper Down Club! Click here to watch the Humane Society of Utah's video documenting the event.  Watch this video and others and keep up to date on what's happening at the Humane Society of Utah!

The Perfect Father's Day Gift

Make Dad Smile on Father's Day!

Looking for a Fatherʼs Day gift for a dad who loves animals? Hereʼs a great way to celebrate all the dads in your life and give gifts that help the cats and dogs at the Humane Society of Utah!

Visit the Humane Society of Utah's Cafe Press site and find a cool tshirt, home office clock or tote bag to help him when he's on the go.  You'll also find a great selection of shirts, caps, hoodies, and jackets. Thereʼs also bowls, bottles, mugs, clocks, liscense plates, posters, buttons, stickers and tote bags. Find a gift that shows you care about the Fathers in your life as well as the animals at the Humane Society. 

Year Round Heartworm Testing & Medication For Your Pet

Caring for your dog or cat means providing the best food, shelter and living conditions that you can.  You may spend money on toys, training or grooming, however be sure to consider a simple preventative health measure: annual heartworm testing and year round daily medication.

Testing for heartworms in pets involves obtaining a small blood sample. This tests looks for evidence of the presence of adult heartworms.  Almost all veterinarians agree on the necessity of heartworm preventive medication for every pet. Your veterinarian will test your pet for heartworms before starting on a monthly regimen of heartworm preventive medication for the first time, unless the dog or cat is less than 6 months of age.  After that, annual heartworm testing is recommended for all pets, even when receiving year-round heartworm preventive medication.

Some may think that it is only necessary to test for heartworms in the Spring.  This could not be further from the truth.  There may be more mosquitoes present in the Spring and Summer, but once your pet has been bitten and infected with microscopic heartworms, they can mature and begin to cause health problems in your pet.  Here is a list of the effects of heartworm disease on your pet:

• depression
• lethargy
• lack of appetite
• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• coughing up blood
• abnormal heart rhythms
• death

If you are unsure of the last time your pet was tested for heartworms, visit your veterinarian, regardless of the season.  Prevention is better than having to treat your pet once heartworm disease is present.  By working together, you and your veterinarian can protect your pet from heartworm disease.  If you have experience with heartworm prevention with your dog or cat, please share your story with others. 

Exercising Your Pet Safely in Hot Weather

The Humane Society of Utah wants you to keep your pet on their exercise regiment, but offers these tips for hot weather exercise safety:

-          Exercise your pet in the cool of the early morning or in the evening.  You are both sure to enjoy the temperature and being outdoors while avoiding over heating. 

-          Before you go out on an exercising excursion, be sure to carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cold water.  Your pet will thank you for the nice cold drink after exercise time in the sun. 

-          If you take your dog out for a walk, avoid hot asphalt.  Dog paws can get burned.  Stick to grassy paths if possible. 

-          If you have an overweight animal, keep the exercise regimen to a healthy minimum.  You may want to consult with your veterinarian about the optimum exercise time for your pet.

-          Be aware of areas that have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals as they are often used as part of summer lawn and garden care.  If you suspect that your pet has is sick or may have been poisoned by chemicals, contact your veterinarian at once. 

-          When you are exercising your animal, you will want to keep an eye out for signs of heat stroke, such as heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, fever or rapid heart beat.  If you notice that your pet is displaying these types of behaviors after a vigorous exercise session, you may want to contact your veterinarian.
 

If you have other hot weather exercising pet safety tips to share with us, please leave a comment!

Summer Pet Care Tips

Most pet owners may feel like hot weather pet care is an issue of common sense.  But it is easy to forget that our pets have different needs in the heat of summer than we do.  Here is a list of things you can do to help support a healthy and happy summer for your pet:

-         Do not leave your pet in a locked car for any period of time. In minutes your car reaches dangerous temperatures.  Animals DO NOT sweat the same way that humans do to regulate their temperature. 

-          If you have dogs, keep an eye out for heat stroke behaviors such as excessive panting, heavy salivation or unexplained hyper excitement.  If you suspect that your dog has heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately.

-         Make sure your pet is in an area with easy access to shade and water.

-         With mosquitoes in the air, make sure to visit your veterinarian for heartworm medications.  Preventative medications can prevent serious health conditions caused by heartworms. 

-         Keep your pet properly groomed to prevent matted fur that might provide a favorable environment for skin infections. 

-         Watch out for allergic reactions that might develop for your pet.  If you notice that your pet has round, red spots with a slightly puss like appearance, visit your veterinarian. 

If you have any specific questions about summer care for your pet, please feel free to consult your local veterinarian or email the Humane Society of Utah.  Please let us know what types of summer care tips you have for other pet owners.