We have two positions available. One is in the kennel working with the dogs and one in the cat rooms. Both are part-time positions, possibly leading to full-time. Please e-mail or call if you have an interest or pass it along to anyone you know who may be interested to work with animals. The specifics are at the end of this post. We are looking for team members. Our team is improving everyday.
We have gone through some recent changes in staff. The staffing of an animal shelter is historically an ongoing, evolving process. I always tell the young staff members that I do not expect them to stay here for an extremely long period of time. Two to three years is the average. I do expect the staff to learn as much as they can by working with the animals and our customers. I hope they develop skills to apply to other careers they will have in their lifetime. The animals have so much to teach us and I hope we can contribute to the staff's lives and futures just as contribute to the lives of the dogs, cats and adopters. For example, I hope that teenagers who are beginning their first job not only learn how to do the manual labor necessary to care for the dogs and cats, but they develop better communication skills by interacting with their co-workers and our customers. Most importantly, I expect our staff to love, respect and care for the animals to the best of their ability.
We don't always work under the best circumstances or with the most cooperative of residents. Similar to health care professionals or law enforcement (sort of)......ours just have four legs. We get bite cases who are not always as predictable as they could be. Medical cases with mange, parvo, trauma, heartworms and much more. Behavior is one of the most common problems. People buy or adopt puppies and spoil them instead of teaching them manners and socializing them with other dogs, cats and people. Then when the teenage dog is out of control, we get them. Unsocialized cats or cats traumatized from being left behind and thrown outside when they have always been an indoor cat are plentiful. Such a sad situation for so many cats who don't deserve the neglect they suffer. So many people think they are disposable.
We develop skills to interact with the people who come in to adopt a dog or cat from us. We deveop skills to interact with the people who come in to surrender their animals. That is always the most difficult, emotionally. You are either totally angry because the person gives the impression they don't even care about their pet and they can just turn around and walk out, or they care so much that they are crying and so upset. The circumstances of life have made it impossible for them to keep their pet Either way, I am usually crying long after the people leave. But, we always remember the animals are our priority and we must do what is in their best interest. At least I know they are safe and taken care of when they are with us. That I am grateful for.
We wish you a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!!
Here are the particulars of the positions we currently have available:
Part Time - Weekends and possibly fill-in during the week. Experience working with cats and/or dogs is helpful but will train the right person. Grooming experience a plus but not necessary.
Duties include: Cleaning dog kennels and/or cat cages, litter boxes, food and water dishes, mopping floors, doing laundry and preparing for customers to meet the animals in a clean environment. Ability to learn to recognize symptoms of illness and report to vet tech. Ability to communicate in order to assist customers to choose the right pet for their lifstyle. Ability to work as a team member. This work is rewarding, but it is not simple. There are protocals to follow to insure the health, welfare and safety of the animals we are caring for, as well as the staff . Must be dependable, punctual and willing to follow very basic dress code. Please send brief letter of introduction, resume and contact information. Appointments will be scheduled by telephone.
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas to Everyone From the dogs, cats and staff at Almost Home Animal Shelter.
Christmas is the time of year when visions of empty kennels and cat cages are dancing in our heads. Our Christmas wish is for each and every dog and cat to have a home of their own for Christmas. Every year our kennel and cat room is quiet by Christmas Day. Not empty, but a greatly decreased number of dogs and cats. Not this year. This year we are still full. We have had many adoptions, but new dogs and cats are coming in just as quickly as they go out.
The staff does not get Christmas Eve or Christmas day off because the animals still need to be taken care of. Everyone that works at the shelter comes in to get the job done and we try and leave by 1:00 so at least there is part of a holiday for everyone. This year will be a longer day because we have so many animals. We knew the animals were effected by the economy the last several years, but people were still adopting. This year is very different. People aren't calling to surrender their animals, they are just leaving them behind or dumping them in a neighborhood. Dogs and cats are truly the silent victims or a bad economy.
If you are thinking about adopting a new best friend, cat or dog, there is still time to bring them home before Christmas. Please, please stop in soon.
Need last minute Christmas Gifts for pet loving friends or family? We have dog and cat boutique items (brand new) at the shelter. We have dog and cat collars and leashes, bowls, santa hats and antlers, dog picture frames and statues, cat scratching posts and trees, mugs, ornaments and much more. Many breed specific items. Every purchase helps support the animals at Almost Home.
Merry Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year to All!!! Tweet This
Christmas is the time of year when visions of empty kennels and cat cages are dancing in our heads. Our Christmas wish is for each and every dog and cat to have a home of their own for Christmas. Every year our kennel and cat room is quiet by Christmas Day. Not empty, but a greatly decreased number of dogs and cats. Not this year. This year we are still full. We have had many adoptions, but new dogs and cats are coming in just as quickly as they go out.
The staff does not get Christmas Eve or Christmas day off because the animals still need to be taken care of. Everyone that works at the shelter comes in to get the job done and we try and leave by 1:00 so at least there is part of a holiday for everyone. This year will be a longer day because we have so many animals. We knew the animals were effected by the economy the last several years, but people were still adopting. This year is very different. People aren't calling to surrender their animals, they are just leaving them behind or dumping them in a neighborhood. Dogs and cats are truly the silent victims or a bad economy.
If you are thinking about adopting a new best friend, cat or dog, there is still time to bring them home before Christmas. Please, please stop in soon.
Need last minute Christmas Gifts for pet loving friends or family? We have dog and cat boutique items (brand new) at the shelter. We have dog and cat collars and leashes, bowls, santa hats and antlers, dog picture frames and statues, cat scratching posts and trees, mugs, ornaments and much more. Many breed specific items. Every purchase helps support the animals at Almost Home.
Merry Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year to All!!! Tweet This
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Holiday Fundraising Events:
Gift Wraping at Books A Million in the Cherry Hill Mall
Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12
2 pm to 6 pm
Tuesday and Thursday, December 14 and 16
6 pm to 10 pm
If you would like to volunteer for an hour or two, you are always welcome.
******************************************************************************* Tweet This
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Always Asking for Help
It seems we are always asking for help in some way. Occasionally help is needed for an animal who is sick or injured with large medical bills from surgery or life-threatening illness. When we ask, magically one or many people step up and are generous enough to come to our rescue. The staff and volunteers work diligently to collect the paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach and other items that we use to care for our residents on a daily basis, as well as donations from the public. Everyone's contribution, no matter how big or small is needed and appreciated.
Almost Home will soon be 5 years old. We began through the generosity of many people and the mayor's and commissioners of local municipalities whose animals we care for. I hear people say policitician's don't care about the animals and never do anything for them. I have seen a different picture. When the animals needed a new shelter, the mayor's, commissioner's and county freeholders all came together to see there was a solution for the animals. My promise to them was that I would keep things going for as long as the dogs and cats need us. And of course, they still depend on us. With the economy taking a turn for the worse the dogs and cats have become the silent victims of foreclosures and evictions caused by people losing their jobs. Our intake numbers increase yearly. We will continue to care for them and find forever homes for as long as there are abandoned, homeless and abused animals.
Last year we saw many more injured, hit by car, broken legs and dislocated hips. This year we have seen more dogs who need groooming. People who like the "hypo-allergetic" breeds such as shih tzus, lhasa apso, poodle, yorkie, schnauzer and mixes of these breeds have not been able to afford to take their dogs to the groomer and we have received many dogs who are matted, dirty, have sticks, twigs and wire entangled in their mats and dread locks. When the dogs are allowed to get like this, the mats get tighter and tighter until they begin pulling on the skin. The skin becomes red, irritated and eventually infected if not taken care of. When the hind quarters get like this, all the urine and feces becomes stuck in the coat. Not very pleasant for the dog or the groomer. Almost every dog who requires grooming that came to the shelter this year was in that condition. Many times when the dogs are dirty and matted like that, they become angry and will try and bite because when they move even a little bit the hair pulls on their skin and hurts them. The transformation of personality once they are groomed and bathed is amazing. A whole new happy, friendly, jumpy little dog comes alive. Those are some of the most rewarding experiences. You worry about them when they come in like this and think, who is ever going to adopt this nasty, traumatized dog who is trying to bite everyone. When they leave the shelter with their new family and they are happy,smiling and clean it is the best feeling in the world.
Dogs with Demedex mange have increased too.
I don't even know what to say about cats anymore. Cats come into the shelter and stay for a very long time. We have great cats. They are beautiful and friendly. They are socialized with other cats and would love to be sitting in a sunny window in someone's home. Everyday we receive dozens of calls from people wanting to surrender their cats. There is never enough cage space to take them all. Not even close. And people never have just one cat, they have two or twelve! If they have a cat that is more than a few years old, my heart just breaks. People don't even look at the wonderful adult cats if there is one kitten in the room. A kitten at six months old is looked at as an adult when there is an eight week old kitten in the room. It is just sad. My heart breaks for them.
Okay, I have gotten side tracked from my original reason for writing today. I could talk about the dogs and cats all day. They are wonderful and bring so much to my life everyday. Since losing Melinda, I don't know if I would have been able to go on myself without them. Anyway, we once again need everyone's help. This time in a big way, bigger than ever before!!! I know everyone has been affected by the economy, but we are asking you to dig deep for the animals this year. We have been going through washer and dryers every 5-6 months. Standard washers just don't cut it in an animal shelter. We run the washer and dryer from 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week and until 8 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Besides food, water and socializatyion, clean towels and blankets is one of the most important things in a shelter environment. Currently, we have no washer. We are waiting for parts to come in to fix the washer that is 5 months old. Luckily still under warranty, but the belt, motor and a couple other parts have to be replaced. Basically all the parts that make the machine work. We can't keep going like this. We need to find a way to invest in an Industrial Dexter Washer. The cost of the washer is $3500 plus $600-700 more for installation. Some different plumbing is needed to handle this washer.
Dirty Blankets and Towels
So here is what I need to ask everyone. If you can donate anything towards the washer, we would greatly appreciate it. If you can put together a fundraiser at your school or where you work, we would greatly apprciate it. We have the ideas and even supplies for you to use. "Pack it for the Pups/ Carry it for the Cats" is one program where you hand out a brown paper bag asking your co-workers to bring their lunch from home for a week and donate the money they would have spent on buying lunch to the shelter. The brown paper bag has information in it about the shelter, so they understand how they are helping. You just collect the cash and checks from your co-workers at the end of the week. This would make a great office holiday activity.
If you have any other fundraising ideas or would like to help us with the activities we will be planning, we sure would like your help. Please call me (856) 663-3058, email (almosthomeshelter@comcast.net) or message on Facebook (Almost Home Animal Shelter or Nancy Welsh). We are hoping to plan a "Beef and Beer" Fundraiser for the beginning of the year. I hope with a live band. Will be a great time and do a great service for the dogs and cats. We need the washer as soon as possible. Eventually we will need a similar size dryer, but we can start with the washer.
Also, if you are in the mood to do wash, feel free to swing by the shelter and pick up a bag or two of wash. If you can wash and dry and fold at home and bring it back to us, that would be absolutely wonderful. It is piling up. The staff is taking a bag or two home every night, but it is more than we can handle. I thank you so much for reading my ramblings and hope you will find it in your heart to help so we can continue to care for the dogs and cats who need us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Tweet This
Almost Home will soon be 5 years old. We began through the generosity of many people and the mayor's and commissioners of local municipalities whose animals we care for. I hear people say policitician's don't care about the animals and never do anything for them. I have seen a different picture. When the animals needed a new shelter, the mayor's, commissioner's and county freeholders all came together to see there was a solution for the animals. My promise to them was that I would keep things going for as long as the dogs and cats need us. And of course, they still depend on us. With the economy taking a turn for the worse the dogs and cats have become the silent victims of foreclosures and evictions caused by people losing their jobs. Our intake numbers increase yearly. We will continue to care for them and find forever homes for as long as there are abandoned, homeless and abused animals.
Last year we saw many more injured, hit by car, broken legs and dislocated hips. This year we have seen more dogs who need groooming. People who like the "hypo-allergetic" breeds such as shih tzus, lhasa apso, poodle, yorkie, schnauzer and mixes of these breeds have not been able to afford to take their dogs to the groomer and we have received many dogs who are matted, dirty, have sticks, twigs and wire entangled in their mats and dread locks. When the dogs are allowed to get like this, the mats get tighter and tighter until they begin pulling on the skin. The skin becomes red, irritated and eventually infected if not taken care of. When the hind quarters get like this, all the urine and feces becomes stuck in the coat. Not very pleasant for the dog or the groomer. Almost every dog who requires grooming that came to the shelter this year was in that condition. Many times when the dogs are dirty and matted like that, they become angry and will try and bite because when they move even a little bit the hair pulls on their skin and hurts them. The transformation of personality once they are groomed and bathed is amazing. A whole new happy, friendly, jumpy little dog comes alive. Those are some of the most rewarding experiences. You worry about them when they come in like this and think, who is ever going to adopt this nasty, traumatized dog who is trying to bite everyone. When they leave the shelter with their new family and they are happy,smiling and clean it is the best feeling in the world.
Dogs with Demedex mange have increased too.
I don't even know what to say about cats anymore. Cats come into the shelter and stay for a very long time. We have great cats. They are beautiful and friendly. They are socialized with other cats and would love to be sitting in a sunny window in someone's home. Everyday we receive dozens of calls from people wanting to surrender their cats. There is never enough cage space to take them all. Not even close. And people never have just one cat, they have two or twelve! If they have a cat that is more than a few years old, my heart just breaks. People don't even look at the wonderful adult cats if there is one kitten in the room. A kitten at six months old is looked at as an adult when there is an eight week old kitten in the room. It is just sad. My heart breaks for them.
Okay, I have gotten side tracked from my original reason for writing today. I could talk about the dogs and cats all day. They are wonderful and bring so much to my life everyday. Since losing Melinda, I don't know if I would have been able to go on myself without them. Anyway, we once again need everyone's help. This time in a big way, bigger than ever before!!! I know everyone has been affected by the economy, but we are asking you to dig deep for the animals this year. We have been going through washer and dryers every 5-6 months. Standard washers just don't cut it in an animal shelter. We run the washer and dryer from 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week and until 8 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Besides food, water and socializatyion, clean towels and blankets is one of the most important things in a shelter environment. Currently, we have no washer. We are waiting for parts to come in to fix the washer that is 5 months old. Luckily still under warranty, but the belt, motor and a couple other parts have to be replaced. Basically all the parts that make the machine work. We can't keep going like this. We need to find a way to invest in an Industrial Dexter Washer. The cost of the washer is $3500 plus $600-700 more for installation. Some different plumbing is needed to handle this washer.
So here is what I need to ask everyone. If you can donate anything towards the washer, we would greatly appreciate it. If you can put together a fundraiser at your school or where you work, we would greatly apprciate it. We have the ideas and even supplies for you to use. "Pack it for the Pups/ Carry it for the Cats" is one program where you hand out a brown paper bag asking your co-workers to bring their lunch from home for a week and donate the money they would have spent on buying lunch to the shelter. The brown paper bag has information in it about the shelter, so they understand how they are helping. You just collect the cash and checks from your co-workers at the end of the week. This would make a great office holiday activity.
If you have any other fundraising ideas or would like to help us with the activities we will be planning, we sure would like your help. Please call me (856) 663-3058, email (almosthomeshelter@comcast.net) or message on Facebook (Almost Home Animal Shelter or Nancy Welsh). We are hoping to plan a "Beef and Beer" Fundraiser for the beginning of the year. I hope with a live band. Will be a great time and do a great service for the dogs and cats. We need the washer as soon as possible. Eventually we will need a similar size dryer, but we can start with the washer.
Also, if you are in the mood to do wash, feel free to swing by the shelter and pick up a bag or two of wash. If you can wash and dry and fold at home and bring it back to us, that would be absolutely wonderful. It is piling up. The staff is taking a bag or two home every night, but it is more than we can handle. I thank you so much for reading my ramblings and hope you will find it in your heart to help so we can continue to care for the dogs and cats who need us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Tweet This
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Progress Made This Week
Six adoptions this week. Henny, one of our longest residents has gone to his new home. The reports we are receiving have been nothing but fabulous. Henny is curious and exploring his new surroundings. The front glass storm door has taken a couple hits of Henny's head, but his owners think he gets it now! Henny has been a perfect gentleman. Even when I took him to the clinic for neuter surgery last week, people in the waiting room stopped me and asked if he was still up for adoption. Wow, why was Henny here so long if he is such a good boy? Most likely because his breed is pitbull.
Pierre, the Bichon Frise who was featured in the Ladybug Halloween costume last month, has also gone to his new home. While at the shelter, Pierre hung out in the office with me, FB and Nickel our resident cats, and Munchkin a pomeranian. Munchkin is a 10-12-year-old pomeranian who is very spunky for his age. The very kind woman who has adopted Pierre will be coming in next week to take Munchking home too. Pierre and Munchkin have become great friends during their time here at Almost Home. I'm sure they will be wonderful in their new home together.
Munchkin
A few months ago three Cocker Spaniels were found as strays. All were within a few blocks of each other.
They also all had the same crazy haircut, which was not very attractive. The youngest of these cockers is a little female named Sterling. Sterling is going home on Monday. Sterling has been spayed and Best Friends in West Berlin, NJ gave her a beautiful new haircut and bath. She really looks like a purebred cocker spaniel now. I'm sure she will be a wonderful new addition to her new family.
Our big, very handsome boy, "Ross" a grey tabby, also went home with his new family this week. "Ross" will have two little girls beds to chose from for napping. "Ross" was abandoned if front of Almost Home. He is a perfect gentleman and I'm sure his new family will fall in love with him quickly.
I started this blog talking about Henny and what a good dog he is. The only reason Henny was here so long is because he had the words "Pitbull" next to his name. Genna is another one of our long term residents and Genna is another great dog. Genna actually has been put to work by Steve, our Dog Trainer. Steve has been working with Genna on a regular basis. She is very smart and learns quickly. Genna is always ready to learn something new. Genna has actually been helping Steve to train other dogs who aren't so dog freindly. Genna walks right next to them, confident and freindly, showing them they don't have to be afraid. While Genna loves working with Steve, she would be much happier if she could have a home of her own. We are looking for a special home for Genna. Genna is not the kind of dog who is going to be happy just laying around the house or left out in the backyard. Genna will get bored. Genna would like to live with an active family who will take her for walks, hikes and runs. With some work, Genna would make a great pet therapy dog. Genna would like to live with people who will allow her to be an vital, active part of their pack. Please stop in and meet Genna or pass this information to anyone you know who might be interested in giving Genna a home.
Of course, if Genna is not the dog for you, please take a look at our other dogs on Petfinder.com. We have all sizes, shapes, colors and temperaments. We have couch potatoes, lap dogs and class clowns too. Tweet This
Henny
Pierre, the Bichon Frise who was featured in the Ladybug Halloween costume last month, has also gone to his new home. While at the shelter, Pierre hung out in the office with me, FB and Nickel our resident cats, and Munchkin a pomeranian. Munchkin is a 10-12-year-old pomeranian who is very spunky for his age. The very kind woman who has adopted Pierre will be coming in next week to take Munchking home too. Pierre and Munchkin have become great friends during their time here at Almost Home. I'm sure they will be wonderful in their new home together.
Munchkin
A few months ago three Cocker Spaniels were found as strays. All were within a few blocks of each other.
They also all had the same crazy haircut, which was not very attractive. The youngest of these cockers is a little female named Sterling. Sterling is going home on Monday. Sterling has been spayed and Best Friends in West Berlin, NJ gave her a beautiful new haircut and bath. She really looks like a purebred cocker spaniel now. I'm sure she will be a wonderful new addition to her new family.
Our big, very handsome boy, "Ross" a grey tabby, also went home with his new family this week. "Ross" will have two little girls beds to chose from for napping. "Ross" was abandoned if front of Almost Home. He is a perfect gentleman and I'm sure his new family will fall in love with him quickly.
I started this blog talking about Henny and what a good dog he is. The only reason Henny was here so long is because he had the words "Pitbull" next to his name. Genna is another one of our long term residents and Genna is another great dog. Genna actually has been put to work by Steve, our Dog Trainer. Steve has been working with Genna on a regular basis. She is very smart and learns quickly. Genna is always ready to learn something new. Genna has actually been helping Steve to train other dogs who aren't so dog freindly. Genna walks right next to them, confident and freindly, showing them they don't have to be afraid. While Genna loves working with Steve, she would be much happier if she could have a home of her own. We are looking for a special home for Genna. Genna is not the kind of dog who is going to be happy just laying around the house or left out in the backyard. Genna will get bored. Genna would like to live with an active family who will take her for walks, hikes and runs. With some work, Genna would make a great pet therapy dog. Genna would like to live with people who will allow her to be an vital, active part of their pack. Please stop in and meet Genna or pass this information to anyone you know who might be interested in giving Genna a home.
Of course, if Genna is not the dog for you, please take a look at our other dogs on Petfinder.com. We have all sizes, shapes, colors and temperaments. We have couch potatoes, lap dogs and class clowns too. Tweet This
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Where have all the adopters gone?
With the warm weather comes the highest months of intake for every animal shelter. Unfortunately, just as our population reaches its peak, people start going on vacation and adoption opportunities decrease through the month of August. Then comes September and everyone is getting the kids back to school and into a routine once again. Sports and other extracurricular activies keep everyone busy. The dogs and cats are waiting for their special person or family.We hoped people would start coming back to the shelter and some have, but not enough. The shelter is full to capacity with both dogs and cats. And we have really great pets. The kittens are getting big. The dogs want a nice yard to play in the beautiful fall weather, or take a walk in the park with their new owner. (Did I mention our dogs are walked 2-3 times a day and they all walk fabulously on a leash?) So, don't wait till the Holidays if you're thinking about adopting. Now is the perfect time of year: great weather, beautiful color with the leaves turning - great for walking the dog and picture taking. The cats will love hanging out in a sunny window (there are no windows for them at the shelter) watching the leaves fall. Or just stop by to take a dog for a walk on entertain a cat with a toy.
PLEASE, PLEASE STOP IN AND VISIT. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ADOPTING A DOG OR CAT, NO IS THE PERFECT TIME. PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS TOO. THE ANIMALS ARE WATING FOR YOU.
We even have a "Pet Halloween Boutique". We have Halloween costumes for both dogs and cats. The costumes have the retail price right on them, from $17 to $27, and we are selling them for $5. We have Halloween toys, leashes, bandannas and even regular everyday items (not Hallween) such as bowls, shampoos and carriers. We have several multilevel cat condos that are brand new. Very attractive carpeted scratching posts and corragated scratching boxes. Something for everyone.
Pierre (a 4-year-old Bichon Frise, wating for someone to love him) modeling the ladybug costume:
Pierre was caught in a cat trap. He was covered with fleas and hairless from the his middle back to his tail from a flea alergy. He was so dirty that he was grey in color instead of white. He has had plenty of food to eat, a bath and topical flea control and looks fabulous now. Pierre has become the office dog, but he really wants to be in a home of his own. Please stop in and meet Pierre or tell your friends who might be looking for a very nice, well-mannered little dog.
Our Nickel just loves her new Halloween collar:
Nickel was found by a family in their shed when they were getting shovels out for an approaching snow storm. She was almost gone. She was thin, could barely breath, couldn't even lift her head. I brought her back to the shelter, put her on a heating pad, gave her some warmed fluids and started to lift her head and meow. I made her a nice warm slurry of A/D and KMR and put little bits at a time in her mouth. In a short time she was eataing it right out of the dish and sitting up. Nickel damaged her upper lip and teeth by trying to ches her way out of the shed. She truly wanted to live. Amazing what a little nutrition can do. Nickel hangs out in the office too. We would miss her if she went home, but we know she would have a great life with a home and family of her own. She is a cuddly girl. Who loves to be hugged and kissed. Please stop in and meet Nickel.
There are lots more to visit with. Tweet This
PLEASE, PLEASE STOP IN AND VISIT. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ADOPTING A DOG OR CAT, NO IS THE PERFECT TIME. PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS TOO. THE ANIMALS ARE WATING FOR YOU.
We even have a "Pet Halloween Boutique". We have Halloween costumes for both dogs and cats. The costumes have the retail price right on them, from $17 to $27, and we are selling them for $5. We have Halloween toys, leashes, bandannas and even regular everyday items (not Hallween) such as bowls, shampoos and carriers. We have several multilevel cat condos that are brand new. Very attractive carpeted scratching posts and corragated scratching boxes. Something for everyone.
Pierre (a 4-year-old Bichon Frise, wating for someone to love him) modeling the ladybug costume:
Pierre was caught in a cat trap. He was covered with fleas and hairless from the his middle back to his tail from a flea alergy. He was so dirty that he was grey in color instead of white. He has had plenty of food to eat, a bath and topical flea control and looks fabulous now. Pierre has become the office dog, but he really wants to be in a home of his own. Please stop in and meet Pierre or tell your friends who might be looking for a very nice, well-mannered little dog.
Our Nickel just loves her new Halloween collar:
There are lots more to visit with. Tweet This
Saturday, September 25, 2010
New Beginnings
I'm not the most creative writer, but for those of you who know me personally, I like to share my thoughts and views especially about the shelter and our animals. I decided to give blogging a try. I hope to provide more exposure for the dogs and cats who find themselves living at our shelter. I also hope to help people understand exactly what it is we do and why we do things just a bit differently from other shelters. I might just whine and complain a bit when times are tuff, but will work to keep this positive and informative. I hope that people will share their thoughts with me also.
Almost Home History We began the shelter in February of 2006 after another local animal shelter closed its doors in January. The local towns were left with no one to do their animal control or a place for the animals to go. At that time I would have been able to do the animal control, a safe place to take the dogs and cats was still needed. I got together with representatives from the towns and Camden County to finding a location to open an animal shelter. The Township of Pennsauken was very kind in stepping up to take the lead in saying they liked having an animal shelter in their town and would find a location for a new shelter.
A warehouse with office space was found and cages were purchased. I asked (begged) for donations of office furniture and supplies, dog and cat food, towels and the intitial equipment we needed to get started. We got the basics and people were very generous with food, leashes, food bowls and other miscellaneous items. There was no budget for this. No money for beginning supplies, food, litter, leashes, collars, medical supplies or office supplies. The list goes on. Things were donated or I bought them with my own money (sshh! Don't tell Ian, although I suspect he had an idea but didn't complain). We were scheduled to begin taking in animals on March 1,2006. The dogs and cats had their own thoughts about that.
On February 7, as soon as the phone line was turned on we received a phone call about two little dogs abandoned in a yard. How did they even know we existed? So Thelma and Louise became our first residents. Good thing they were best friends because one kennel is all that was put together. The days became very long and tiring, but I worked hard and eventually asked my friend Donna to come in and help answer the phones and put the office together. As more cages got put together, more dogs came in and then the cats. Now it was time to hire people to take care of the animals besides myself because it was difficult to clean the kennel and cat room, do animal control for six towns and take care of the business side too. Oh yea, your supposed to have money in order to start a business and hire employees. If anyone ever asks you to start an animal shelter, remember it is a 24/7 job. I did begin to take a day off after about 18 months or so. After two and a half years I added a second. Maybe someday it will be two consecutive days.
Well, this is just a bit of background on how our shelter began. More next time.
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Almost Home History We began the shelter in February of 2006 after another local animal shelter closed its doors in January. The local towns were left with no one to do their animal control or a place for the animals to go. At that time I would have been able to do the animal control, a safe place to take the dogs and cats was still needed. I got together with representatives from the towns and Camden County to finding a location to open an animal shelter. The Township of Pennsauken was very kind in stepping up to take the lead in saying they liked having an animal shelter in their town and would find a location for a new shelter.
A warehouse with office space was found and cages were purchased. I asked (begged) for donations of office furniture and supplies, dog and cat food, towels and the intitial equipment we needed to get started. We got the basics and people were very generous with food, leashes, food bowls and other miscellaneous items. There was no budget for this. No money for beginning supplies, food, litter, leashes, collars, medical supplies or office supplies. The list goes on. Things were donated or I bought them with my own money (sshh! Don't tell Ian, although I suspect he had an idea but didn't complain). We were scheduled to begin taking in animals on March 1,2006. The dogs and cats had their own thoughts about that.
On February 7, as soon as the phone line was turned on we received a phone call about two little dogs abandoned in a yard. How did they even know we existed? So Thelma and Louise became our first residents. Good thing they were best friends because one kennel is all that was put together. The days became very long and tiring, but I worked hard and eventually asked my friend Donna to come in and help answer the phones and put the office together. As more cages got put together, more dogs came in and then the cats. Now it was time to hire people to take care of the animals besides myself because it was difficult to clean the kennel and cat room, do animal control for six towns and take care of the business side too. Oh yea, your supposed to have money in order to start a business and hire employees. If anyone ever asks you to start an animal shelter, remember it is a 24/7 job. I did begin to take a day off after about 18 months or so. After two and a half years I added a second. Maybe someday it will be two consecutive days.
Well, this is just a bit of background on how our shelter began. More next time.
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