Update on Ziggy

Here is the story about Ziggy, one of our Happy Tails stories of 2010.  Ziggy and his new owner, Frank stopped in for a visit yesterday.  I took a couple pictures of them both and have added them at the end.    Ziggy is absolutely beautiful.  His coat is so handsome.  He looks so happy and ust adores Frank.  Frank is looking for a friend to play with Ziggy.  So maybe one of our current residents will be going home with them soon. 

In August, Ziggy became a part of our office staff.  Ziggy stole my heart the moment he came in the front door on a control stick.  Ziggy was also so matted and dirty, he thought someone was hurting him every time he moved so he was snapping at anything or anyone who got close to him.  We wanted to make him comfortable as soon as we could, so four of us worked on him, to hold him still so he couldn't bite anyone and a couple people cutting and shaving different areas to get the job done quickly.  Ziggy had whole pieces of poop stuck in his hind fur.  He smelled just lovely!!! Once we got him shaved and comfortable, he turned into such a nice little man...eventually.  Although, he became so accustomed to being hurt when he was touched, he would scream every time we tried to pet him or pick him up.  It was just a matter of being patient and knowing that he was being hurt even though he was screaming.  The more we touched him and picked him up, he began to become desensitized and soon learned being hugged and up on someone's lap was wonderful and felt good! His open wounds, urine burns on his skin and eye infections cleared up, Ziggy was a little gentleman.   

Ziggy was very afraid of meeting new people, especially men.  But, a man that worked at the business next door greeted him every morning when I took him outside.  Ziggy began looking for Frank every day and they became great friends.  Frank talked his girlfriend into stopping in to meet Ziggy with their dog.  They all became friends rather quickly.  Two days later, Ziggy went home with Frank and is now a very loved member of the family. 

Tweet This

Looking Over Our Success Stories In 2010

We had many success stories here at Almost Home in 2010.  Some of them are unforgettable. When I am having a bad day, I think about these animals.  That enables me to keep going.  If I wasn't here doing this job, who would take care of them.  These are the dogs that would be euthanized if we weren't around when they need us.  Here are a few of the dog stories (next time cats):   

Droobie is a beautiful, male pomeranian, approximately 2 years old.   A woman and her daughter came in one evening with Droobie wrapped in a sheet.  He was seizuring violently.  The woman put him down on the floor and Droobie ran and hid in the corner.  He was seizuring, but very aware of his surroundings.  I put him in a small crate so he couldn't hurt himself while thrashing around and headed off to Rothman Animal Hospital where he was given medication to slow down or stop a seizure.   It had almost no effect.  The doctor waited an appropriate amount of time and gave him another dose.  Still nothing.  She repeated this a couple more times with basically the same result.  I went to CVS and purchased a home drug test kit (the ones parents purchase to test their teenagers).  Droobie tested for cocaine.  Droobie had either been given cocaine or possibly swiped somebody's stash that was left on the coffee table. So, Droobie was set-up with an IV of fluids for the night and we just hoped for the best. In the morning, Droobie was still trembling, but not seizuring like he was the night before.  We brought him back to the shelter and continued to treat him with fluids for several more hours.  He continued to improve.  It took several days for Droobie to return to normal.  Just as soon as he got his balance back and was returning to normal, a very nice couple who had adopted a beuatiful little chihuahua mix from a few months before stopped in looking for a frined for their dog.  They became best friends almost instantly and went home together the next day.

 In July of last year we received a call about a small dog running in the street that needed help.  When Steve arived he found a black, white, extremely dirty and very matted little shih tzu.  Buddy's coat was so long and matted that it was difficult to tell what kind of dog it was.  Buddy would try and bite if he turned to the right or left.  Just bite at the air because the matts were so tight and pulled on his skin and he thought someone was pinching or pulling at him.  It was his own hair. Mild sedation was required in order to completely and safely groom Buddy. Buddy had eye infections in both eyes, as well as irritation on his skin from the matts being so tight and pulling on his skin.  Once they were better, he was ready for a home.  Buddy was adopted shortly after his grooming.

In August, Ziggy became a part of our office staff.  Ziggy stole my heart the moment he came in the front door on a control stick.  Ziggy was also so matted and dirty, he thought someone was hurting him every time he moved so he was snapping at anything or anyone who got close to him.  We wanted to make him comfortable as soon as we could, so four of us worked on him, to hold him still so he couldn't bite anyone and a couple people cutting and shaving different areas to get the job done quickly.  Ziggy had whole pieces of poop stuck in his hind fur.  He smelled just lovely!!! Once we got him shaved and comfortable, he turned into such a nice little man...eventually.  Although, he became so accustomed to being hurt when he was touched, he would scream every time we tried to pet him or pick him up.  It was just a matter of being patient and knowing that he was being hurt even though he was screaming.  The more we touched him and picked him up, he began to become desensitized and soon learned being hugged and up on someone's lap was wonderful and felt good! His open wounds, urine burns on his skin and eye infections cleared up, Ziggy was a little gentleman.   

Ziggy was very afraid of meeting new people, especially men.  But, a man that worked at the business next door greeted him every morning when I took him outside.  Ziggy began looking for Frank every day and they became great friends.  Frank talked his girlfriend into stopping in to meet Ziggy with their dog.  They all became friends rather quickly.  Two days later, Ziggy went home with Frank and is now a very loved member of the family. 

Carlos was hit by a car on Route 130 in June.  When I picked him up I wasn't sure he was going to make it.  the very kind and efficient staff at Rothman Animal Hospital went right to work on him.  Carlos did lose the one eye, but the other the other eye returned to normal.  Carlos' medical bill was about $800 and that is with us providing the anticbiotics and some other things he needed. Carlos was adopted by a client at Rothman Animal Hospital who's chihuahua mix had just passed away.  Carlos is doing very well in his new home.  

These are just a few of our "boo-boo" babies in 2010.

In April of 2010, we received several calls about a chocolate lab running around in a neighborhood.  Every time we went out there, the dog was nowhere to be found.  Finally, one late Friday night I got the call that the dog was in someone's house.  When I arrived "Madison" greeted me at the door, like she was the dog of the house.  The woman who had her said she was great.  She let her in the house and she kept her for several hours, thinking  the owner might come by looking for her.  The owner has unfortunately never called for her.  We believe Madison was just dropped in the neighborhood by her owner who no longer wanted her or couldn't care for her. 

Madison is approximately 3 years old, friendly, loving and playful.  She walks extremely well on a leash and learns very quickly.  Madison is also housebroken.  Madison prefers to be the only pet in the house.  She does not like cats and is very dominant with other dogs.  She is one of the most affectionate dogs in the shelter 

Unfortunately, Madison is heartworm positive.  She needs an expensive treatment to rid her of the heartworms.  We can provide the treatment, but she needs to have a home (or foster home) so she can get the treatment.  Here's why:  The first treatment is an injection of Immiticide.  This can have several side effects,  especially if the dog is allowed to be active.  Madison will need one month of cage rest.  No running around even in the yard.  She will have to be on a leash to go out to the bathroom and then right back in the crate.  (Or, she can be on a leash with you, as long as she is calm.) The reason for this is that if she becomes active and excited, her blood pressure goes up and this may cause too many heartworms to dislodge and die at one time, which could be catastrophic for Madison. 

Then, thirty days after the first treatment she gets a second treatment, then 24 hours after that she gets a final injection of Immiticide and then 30 more days of rest.  Once that 30 days is over, Madison will be a normal, well dog again.  We have done this treatment many times and it generally goes very well.  Every one of our cases has been a great success.  If you, or someone you know, is looking for a great dog and they don't have any other dogs or cats, Madison could be the perfect one.  They must be willing to help her through the treatment.  Please let us know if you are interested. 

Once of my many goals for 2011 is fundraising to insure we can continue to take care of the dogs and cats who come to us in "not-so-perfect" condition.  Many times these are the most loving and appreciative pets we have the privilege to care for.  They bring so much to our lives. Even when they are hurt, abused, neglected and sick they love us unconditionally.  Even if you can't foster or adopt Madison or any other dog or cat, we could use everybody's help to plan and implement as many fundraising activities as we can.  I have lots of ideas but I need help to complete them.  Get in touch with me if you can help too!  The shelter phone number is (856) 663-3058 and our e mail  is almosthomeshelter@comcast.net. 

Thanks for reading this blog and helping our animals. 

  Tweet This

Good Weekend at Petsmart Despite the Snow!

Despite the few inches of snow on Saturday morning, people still came out to purchase food and supplies for their pets at Petsmart.  Jessica, our little chihuahua/terrier mix has an application for adoption.  Shelly, Ruddy and Roxanne were very well-behaved and greeted everyone.  We are very proud of them. They showed off the manners they have learned while they have been with us.  People donated both food and money, both of which are always needed.   Petsmart has invited us to come in with dogs any Saturday and Sunday we would like.  We have Febrauay 11, 12 and 13th scheduled for the National Adoption Weekend, but we can do more between now and then if we have more volunteers.  If you can spend an hour or more at Petsmart with a dog, or even at the table talking to people, we would greatly appreciate it (and so would the dogs).

Please call the shelter at (856) 663-3058 or email at almosthomeshelter@comcast.net if you would like more information.  Thanks! Tweet This

Upcoming Events and Volunteers Needed

Dog Adoption Event at Petsmart in Cherry Hill

Date:  January 8 and 9

Time:  11 am to 3 pm (we can stay later if we have enough volunteers)

We will bring as many dogs as we can to be seen by potential adopters.

Volunteers are needed to staff the table or bring a dog from the shelter to Petsmart

and help them meet and greet their potential new family.  Even if you can stop by for an hour or bring a dog from the shelter for an hour or two.  It would be greatly appreciated. 

Petsmart National Adoption Weekend

Date:  February 11, 12 and 13

Time: 11 am to 3 pm (we can stay later if we have enough volunteers)

Again, volunteers need to staff table, transport and handle dogs.

Tweet This

Help Wanted for New Year!! Team Members!

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.  Tweet This

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

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

     Stop by and say "Hello".  Bring your Christmas Gifts and we will wrap them for you!! Books A Million has a wonderful selection of new releases and classics, as well as calendars, journals  and other gift items.
If you would like to volunteer for an hour or two, you are always welcome. 
******************************************************************************* Tweet This