Spring 2004

PAWS FOR THOUGHT

Five different litters all at once                                     

Within two weeks we have been swamped with puppies! Not just one or two litters, but five different litters of puppies, totaling 37 puppies, all in good health.  Our first litter came from the Bulverde Area Humane Society. The mother dog and her puppies had to come to C.L.A.S.S. because the Bulverde Area Humane Society did not have the resources available  to take care of the puppies in the icy cold weather conditions. Kitty, the mother dog, gave birth to the six puppies we now have. One has already found a home, just five more to adopt. These particular puppies were born on New Years Eve- what a way to bring in the New Year!

The second litter was dumped at the Spring Branch Post Office; Animal Control brought them to C.L.A.S.S. because they knew that we would be able to save them. They were only 10 days old when they were found, all nine of them alone. There is no mother dog for these puppies; currently they must be bottle-fed. Their eyes and ears were not open enough for them to see or hear. Imagine being hungry, blind, deaf and cold all because someone just did not care, just wanted to throw you away. What did these little puppies do to deserve being treated this way? We care and that’s why some staff and volunteers have taken them home to help care for them temporarily. But they will still need permanent homes.

The third litter was found wandering around Comal Park by some good Samaritans. All nine of these puppies were lucky enough to be found with their mother. Her name is Cally.  She was not malnourished, which means that someone owned this animal family and they let Cally give birth and then decided to just throw them away. All of these puppies need love and attention. They also love to play with children. These puppies are basically cute fur-balls with legs and would be a great addition to any home.

Animal Control picked up a fourth litter from an owner because, the owner had to surrender the puppies. The nine puppies are about 8 weeks old. The owners were neglecting these poor puppies and since Animal Control knew where to take them to save them, they brought them to us. These puppies were not lucky enough to have their mother. How could anyone neglect these beautiful animals?          

Our fifth litter was found on the side of the road; yet again another good Samaritan saved more lives. These puppies are about 8 or 9 weeks old and there are only four in this litter; however they also do not have their mother either. We just want to find all 37 pups a home where they can be loved and appreciated. All puppies will have their first puppy shots are de-wormed and de-fleaed and their spay/neuter will be included in the adoption.                                                                                                          

 

It’s Not that I’m Blind

Meow, Meow. Hi, my name is Chirp. I’m now about 10 weeks old and I was born without eyes. I know that sounds horrible, but don’t feel sorry for me! I get around just fine as long as you don’t move the furniture around. I don’t like bumping my face into stuff all the time. I can even find my litter box. I was found at Bill Brown Elementary School when I was four weeks old. My rescuers called Comal County Animal Control, and Officer Melanie Die brought me to C.L.A.S.S.  where she knew I would   have a chance. As soon as the nice people at C.L.A.S.S. saw me, it was instant love. Even without eyes, C.L.A.S.S. knew I was still adoptable. Dr. Word took me home and bottle fed me for two weeks. I’m really sweet and would love to be a part of a family. Maybe YOUR family.

            Love,  Chirp

 

Problem of pet overpopulation

Is your pet spayed or neutered?

 The surplus of unwanted dogs and cats adds up to more than 4.6 million each year that are euthanized in animal shelters nation wide. Bexar and Comal Counties combined are number one state wide for the euthanasia of unwanted animals.

You can help stop the staggering problem of pet overpopulation and euthanasia by having your pets spayed or neutered and obtaining your pets from a shelter or rescue group.

 Are you guilty?

Two uncontrolled breeding cats, plus all their kittens’ kittens, if none are ever spayed or neutered, add up to:

1st year: 12

2nd year: 66

3rd year: 382

4th year: 2,201

5th year: 12,680

By the 10th year 80,399,780 cats.

 One female dog and one male dog in seven generations, with out the benefit of spay/neuter, add up to:

1st year: 4

2nd year: 12

3rd year: 36

5th year: 324

7th year: 4,372

 The needless deaths of thousands of animals can be prevented by spaying and neutering. Neuter or spay, it’s the only way!

 

This old cat

I’m getting on in years, my coat is turning gray. My eyes have lost their luster, my hearing’s just okay. I spend my whole day dreaming of conquests in my past, lying near a sunny window waiting for its warm repast.

I remember our first visit, I was coming to you free, hoping you would take me in and keep me company.

I wasn’t young or handsome, two years I’d roamed the streets. There were scars upon my face, I hobbled on my feet. I could sense your disappointment as I left my prison cage. Oh, I hoped you would accept me and look beyond my age.

 

You took me without pity, I accepted without shame. I’ve shared with you your laughter, you have wet my fur with tears. We’ve come to know each other throughout these many years.

Just one more hug this morning before you drive away, and know I’ll think about you throughout your busy day. The time we’ve left together is a treasured time at that.

My heart is yours forever. I promise...This old Cat.

 

Yes, C.L.A.S.S. Is Still No-Kill

Although C.L.A.S.S. has a new contract with Comal County Animal Control, our No-Kill policy will not be affected.

In early January, C.L.A.S.S. began accepting animals picked up by Animal Control. By doing this, more animals can be helped each year, according to the Board of Directors. C.L.A.S.S. will take in animals picked up by Animal Control as long as there is space to house them. After the required 72 hours, C.LA.S.S. will administer all necessary vaccinations, diagnose and treat any illness, spay or neuter the animal, then put the animal up for adoption.

Because of this contract, people who have lost a pet may come in long after the required 3 days are up and still reclaim their pet. The only animals that are euthanized are those so badly injured or ill that they cannot be saved, or those that present a danger to other animals and to people because of aggressive behavior.

Most of the animals at the shelter are pets, picked up while running at large on the streets. Since accepting the contract, over 80 animals have been brought to C.L.A.S.S. Some have been reclaimed by owners, many have been adopted to new owners, and some are still waiting for a new home.

C.L.A.S.S. will take lost/found animal reports and also put ads in the local papers to enable pets to be returned home. Anyone who is missing a pet should check with C.L.A.S.S. and Animal Control to see if their pet is at the shelter, been picked up or in the lost/found file.

 

Tribute to a Dog

The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey thru the heavens.”

                Senator George Vest, 1870