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for your own pet, or for pet-sitting assistance, read on:
Spay/neuter services
Wish somebody would spay that stray in your neighborhood? Call Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet for help – don’t wait for the problem to multiply.
We offer help and advice with trapping, veterinary service and housing the animal after surgery. For help, please call us at 419/470-2988.
Over the next 12 months, Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet has $15,000 in grant funding to spay/neuter stray and feral cats, and pets from low-income households in Toledo and the surrounding areas.
We can’t take in every animal we receive calls about, just because of the sheer volume of unwanted animals in our area. But, if you’re willing to serve as a caretaker – feeding, watering and sheltering these animals – we’ll have them spayed/neutered and returned to their environments. It’s the best solution we have, given the shortage of adopters and high numbers of unwanted animals. And, statistics show that spayed/neutered cats in a neighborhood fill an environmental niche, discouraging new cats from moving in and breeding even more.
Statistics also show that outdoor cats are not the chief killers of songbirds; rather, it's loss of environment and environmental pollutants that reduce the bird population. Actually, outdoor cats kill many more rodents than they do songbirds.
Finding your pet a new home
Finding a new home for your pet can be extremely difficult – for the owner and especially for the animal. That’s why we encourage people to do whatever they can to keep their animals – and don’t adopt unless you can include your pet in your plans as long as it lives.
Animal welfare groups – including Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet – really have all we can handle dealing with unowned animals. Many are sick, injured, malnourished or threatened – and for those reasons, they really must come first on our priority list. Saying “no” is the most frustrating and heartbreaking part of this volunteer work, but in truth, we have no choice most of the time.
The statistics say it all: the average cat and dog have 3-5 homes in their lifetimes. They’re the lucky ones. Millions nationwide are euthanized because there are so very many of them and so few adopters. That’s why we need help and cooperation from pet owners to either find a way to keep their animals or place them responsibly. Both solutions take time and effort – but as an animal lover, you must be willing to try.
Here are the most common reasons animals lose their homes – and some solutions!
>“I’m moving…”Usually this is easy – just shop around for housing that allows pets. This takes more time and planning, but it’s worth it if you can stay together.
>“I’m traveling.”– or “I don’t have time anymore." Dogs are a little more demanding; cats are fine if you work long hours or travel now and then. If your dog needs walking when you’re not around, hire a pet sitter or dog walker. Have a friend or relative help out or consider “day care” services for your pet.
>“We have behavioral issues…”If the issue is litterbox accidents, PLEASE see your vet. So frequently, the problem is a urinary tract infection – treatable, curable, and absolutely no reason for a cat to lose its home.
>For other behavioral issues: again, see your vet.
>Also get advice from animal welfare groups. We love to help animals and their owners stay together.
>Get lots of opinions and recommendations. Be open-minded and willing to try to solve the problem. Most of the time, these problems can be resolved with a little effort on the owner’s part.
>“We have allergies in the family…”Be willing to try different things before placing your animal in a shelter or another home. Today, so many products exist to keep you and your pet together – from topical products that can be brushed through your pet’s fur, to medication that can be put in your pet’s water.
>Check with friends and relatives. People you know are more likely to take good care of your pet and keep you posted on its welfare.
>Check with shelters and rescue groups. Check their policies regarding euthanasia before turning your animal over to them – and then, please make a donation to whatever group or individual is helping you. It’s very expensive providing continuing care for an animal while trying to find it a good home.
>Charge a fee for the animal if you’re running an ad in the paper, ask a lot of questions and get references from veterinarians and landlords. (Anyone who’s unwilling to answer your questions shouldn’t be allowed to adopt your animal.)
>Never adopt “free to a good home.” Always keep the adopter’s name, address and phone number on file, and stay in touch.
The most important thing to remember is, pet adoption should be for the lifetime of the animal. Sometimes there are good reasons why you can’t keep that promise – but usually, this heartache can be avoided.
Before you even adopt, think ahead and ask yourself: Will I ever want to move to a no-pets apartment? If I have a relationship or have children, will I no longer want a pet?
If you answer “yes” to these types of questions, you probably shouldn’t adopt. It’s a lot easier to have no pets at all than it is to place ones you no longer want.
Connie Kosbab, cat person and Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet adopter, has founded Connie Cares, Compassionate In-Home Pet Care.
Depending on the client’s – and the animal’s – needs, she provides daytime and specially arranged overnight pet sitting or visits. She’s experienced with animals, including dogs, cats, fish, birds and rabbits, and can accommodate special diets and give medication. And, she plans to donate 10 percent of her earnings to Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet – another good reason for supporting this special new business. To contact Connie, please call 419/381-7017 or send an e-mail to conniecares1@yahoo.com.
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| Copyright © 2004, 2005 by Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet | ||