News from our Shelter Manager Some of Our Animals for Adoption
Transcription
News from our Shelter Manager Some of Our Animals for Adoption
Newsletter of FOSRAS (Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter) Fall 2012 Volume 20 PO Box 8073 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Hillsborough NJ Permit No. 100 Published by FOSRAS (Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter) PO Box 8073, Bridgewater NJ 08807 (908) 725-0308 www.fosras.com Volume 20 Fall 2012 News from our Shelter Manager Many owners don’t think twice about letting their dog out into the yard for a potty break or to play. Some people even let their cats out to “do their business” or “hunt” in the garden. While your pet may stay by your side while you garden or have a cocktail on the porch, there are times when “Skippy” or “Shelbie” will wander out of eyesight and into potential danger in your yard. Pet owners should always keep a watchful eye on their furry friends since yards and gardens could expose them to potentially dangerous and even fatal poisons. Each year veterinarians and the Pet Poison Helpline receive many calls involving pet ingestions of garden and yard products that have harmful ingredients and potentially lethal chemicals. Yard-related pet emergencies can include anything ranging from a dog eating mulch to an outdoor cat consuming various plants and flowers. Even the contents of “environmentally friendly” compost piles can be dangerous to your pet. The good news is that pet owners can keep their pets safe by knowing the dangers around the yard. Among them are: Mulch products: Ones made of cocoa beans are a particular threat and can cause serious digestive issues. Compost piles: They may make great fertilizer but can be terror on your pet’s stomach. Compost should be fenced off in order to keep your pets safe from moldy food that can cause illness and physical distress. Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 100 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Phone: 908-725-0308 www.sras.petfinder.org Niki Rudder A good time was had by all at our Bow Wow Luau! Couldn’t make it this time? Don’t worry—we’ll be doing it again next year! Corrina Colldeweih, ACO and Manager Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Some of Our Animals for Adoption Bear (Located down the road from the Bridgewater Commons Mall on Commons Way—in the rear of the Municipal Complex next to Kid’s Street Park) Easy access from Routes 287, 78, 22, 202/206 Hours of Operation Tues. & Thurs. noon – 4 PM Wed. noon – 6 PM Fri. noon – 7 PM Sat. noon – 5 PM CLOSED for adoptions on Sunday and Monday Pesticides: It is CRUCIAL that all labels are read prior to application. It is important to follow the directions on the label and to be aware of the effects of exposure and overapplication. More is not better in this case. Chemicals can become dangerous with improper handling and repeated exposure. The label will indicate when it is safe to re-enter the area after the product has been applied. Flowers and Plants: That which maybe beautiful and festive is never beautiful and festive to your pet’s stomach. Anything from lilies to poinsettias to the rotting decorative pumpkins and gourds that you forgot to take away after the fall holiday…all are poisonous to pets. The best way to protect your furry companion is to be with him 24/7. Since that isn’t realistic the only other option is to safeguard your yard. A wonderful resource is the Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680 or http:// www.petpoisonhelpline.com/. Visit their website for a detailed list of pet poisons as well as an owner guide to pet safety. If you suspect poisoning, call the Pet Poison Helpline and your regular veterinarian or after-hours emergency veterinary clinic. Always remember: our loving and devoted pets rely on us to make their lives safe and secure. Tori Petie & Tweetie Snowball Visit www.fosras.com to view and read about all of our adoptable animals Gabriella & Alexa PAGE 2 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 FOSRAS BOARD Kathy Healey (President) Colleen Lange (Vice President) Darryl Ingram (Treasurer) Gretchen Moroney (Secretary) Victoria Britton Pat Collelo Delia Hollerieth Dr. Lorraine Marks Robi Salierno ONGOING ACTIVITIES FOSRAS meeting — All are welcome. We meet the 3rd Wed. of each month at the Bridgewater Library at 7 PM. Visit www.fosras.com/meetings Volunteer orientation 1st Sat. of each month at 1 PM at the shelter PAST/FUTURE ACTIVITIES 2012 February Adopt a Sweetheart Day (Feb 11) March Somerville St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Mar 11) Food and Wine Tasting – Valdebenitos, Somerville (Mar 18) April ShopRite Collection Day, Branchburg (Apr 28) May Eco-Blast Fair, Bridgewater (May 5) Off-site Adoption Day – Somerset Veterinary Group, Bridgewater (May 12) Spring Cleaning Day (May 20) Memorial Day Parade, Somerville (May 28) Certified Pre-Owned Cat Clearance Special (May 28-Jul 31) June Somerville Street Fair (Jun 3) Bow Wow Luau (Jun 7) L’Oreal Volunteer Day (Jun 15) ShopRite Collection Day, Somerville (Jun 30) July Certified Pre-Owned Cat Adoption Day (Jul 28) August Hot Dogs and Cool Cats of Summer Adoption Day (Aug 25) September ShopRite Collection Day, Somerville (Sept 1) John T. Basilone Parade, Raritan (Sept 23) FOSRAS 10th Birthday Party (Sept 29) October Somerville Street Fair (Oct 7) Heart and Sole Shelter Walk (Oct 14) Howl-o-ween Adoption Day (Oct 27) November ShopRite Collection Day, Branchburg (Nov 19) Black Caturday Adoption Day (Nov 24) December Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping Fundraiser (Dates TBD) Home for the Holidays Adoption Day (Dec 22) PAGE 7 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 The Cupid Fund Paws for Applause to... The Cupid Fund is a special fund dedicated to helping our shelter animals in need of extraordinary medical treatment or surgery. Through your generous support of our Cupid Fund, we are able to provide such veterinary care prior to placing them into loving and caring homes. Here are some of the animals the Cupid Fund has helped over the past months: Snickers was treated by the vet for a severe upper respiratory infection. He was put on meds and has recovered nicely and is currently up for adoption. The carpentry and welding students from Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School who built and erected a detached storage building for the shelter, under the direction of instructors George Lee and Don Smith. Snickers Bear Bear is 7 to 10 years old. He was diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia and arthritis. Senior bloodwork was also done. He is currently being treated for Lyme Disease. He is also on meds for his arthritis and now has a spring in his step. He is available for adoption. Sheba was treated for a severe upper respiratory and a wound on her hip. She has been adopted and is living happily in her new home. Visit our available animals for adoption at www.fosras.com Paws To Honor We are pleased to announce our Paws To Honor plaques. These plaques may be purchased in honor or in memory of a special person or pet and will be prominently displayed on our “Paws To Honor” wall at the new Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. This thoughtful purchase will help the new shelter continue to provide a safe haven for animals in need. Please visit www.fosras.com for more details. FOSRAS is grateful for all those who have purchased plaques helping us raise thus far $10,790. Somerset Veterinary Group, for donating $20 to FOSRAS for every spay/neuter done over a two-day period to celebrate National Spay/Neuter Day. In addition, the group also hosted an off-site adoption day, donated the proceeds from their “My Pet Loves Somerset Vet” magnet sales, and donated a supply of Frontline to the shelter! The volunteers from the L’Oreal Corporation, who donated supplies and labor for a shelter spruce-up. The volunteers painted the kitten and adult adoption rooms, assembled a bench and two sheds, helped install paneling on the entire wall of the dog kennels, and weeded, mulched, and planted our front garden area. Camp Bow Wow of Bridgewater for their sponsorship of our upcoming Heart & Sole Shelter Walk, which will be held Sunday, Oct. 14th. Chimney Rock Inn for their sponsorship of the "Try It Agility Course" at our upcoming Heart & Sole Shelter Walk. FOSRAS & SRAS thank all those who contribute to the shelter, whether monetarily, supplying wish list items, responding to our e-list needs, fostering, and/or volunteering time! It makes a big difference, and it shows! Special Thanks to Animerge Belle Mead Animal Hospital Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital Red Bank Animal Hospital, Hillsborough Red Bank Animal Hospital, Tinton Falls Round Valley Animal Hospital Somerset Veterinary Group Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital Camp Bow Bow, Bridgewater Girl Scouts and Brownie Troops of NJ It’s FOSRAS’s 10th Birthday so we’re having a party... ...and you’re invited! Saturday, Sept. 29 12 noon - 4 pm When you adopt a shelter pet you save two lives—the one you adopt, and the one who takes its place. Save a life—adopt a shelter pet. and to all the local businesses who share their counter space for placement of our donation cans This newsletter's featured canister locations are: Stecks Deli II in Bedminster and Boro Liquors in Raritan Birthday cake @ 1pm! Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater Refreshments 50/50 Basket Raffle Giveaways Face Painting PAGE 6 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Heart & Sole Shelter Walk Sun., Oct. 14, 2012 from 10am-2pm Duke Island Park (Apple Grove Picnic Area) 189 Old York Rd, Bridgewater, NJ Top fundraiser will receive a $250 gift card! Every registrant will receive a free t-shirt Dogs are welcome to walk (but not required!) Register online at www.fosras.com Or mail your payment to: FOSRAS, Heart & Sole Walk PO Box 8073, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Can’t make it to the walk? Be a Virtual Walker! 10 Chimney Rock Road Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805 Phone: 732-805-0888 http://www.campbowwow.com/us/nj/bridgewater/ 10. Older cats are calmer. 9. Their personalities are well-developed and a good match is easier to make. 8. There’s no question as to how big they’ll get. 7. They are less likely to get into mischief around the house. 6. They need less attention than young kittens, but can still be quite playful. 5. They still make strong bonds with their new families. 4. Many don’t mind if they are left alone while you are at work or school. 3. Cats often live for 15 or even 20 years, so an 8-year-old cat is only middleaged and has many years of affection left to give. 2. These wonderful and loving kitties deserve a second chance. And the #1 reason to adopt an adult cat is...... Kittens aren’t kittens forever! Also, think about your pet's eating habits. Is he eating more or less lately? Is she starving all the time or turning up her nose at old favorites and leaving meals unfinished? Has he lost or gained weight recently? How about bowel habits? Are stools still normal, or have they become hard, or loose and runny? All of this information, along with a physical exam, will help your veterinarian determine which tests to run to figure out what's going on. Sometimes, increased thirst can be as simple as a heat wave with no air conditioning, or a change from canned food to dry food. Remember, watching your pet’s drinking habits closely, along with appetite and bathroom behavior, can help identify an illness early. Early treatment can help your beloved pet feel better and live longer. Tiger Mimosa Oliver You probably don't think too much about how much water your pet drinks. In fact, if you have a cat or three, you probably don't ever even see them at the water bowl - unless you have JUST cleaned and refilled it, that is. So what does it mean when you find yourself filling and refilling the bowl, or finding it empty and your pet looking at you with big soulful thirsty eyes more often than before? Usually, however, drinking more water is associated with serious illness and needs a thorough work-up and treatment plan. Some common conditions that can cause increased thirst, called polydipsia, in dogs and cats are Diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, liver disease and cancer. Interestingly enough, even extreme stress in the home can cause an increased thirst. Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat Peach by Dr. Jennifer C. Feeney Somerset Veterinary Group Next, think about what else might have changed recently along with the excessive water drinking. Often increased urination goes along with it - what goes in, must come out, after all - and owners tend to notice this more quickly than increased thirst. If your pet is urinating small amounts more frequently, is straining to urinate or squatting for extended periods while producing little urine, this could be a urinary tract infection and should be treated immediately. For male cats especially, this could be a sign of a lifethreatening urinary blockage which needs immediate veterinary attention. Day Camp Overnight Camp Showers Training Bridgewater More Water Please First, think back to when you first noticed the increased thirst. Has it been a few days, or weeks, or months? Don't feel badly if you realize it has been a long time, because many owners don't really notice this change right away. It will help yo ur veterinarian to know how long this has been happening. Sponsored by: NEW this year! Beginner Agility Obstacles & Instruction on site PAGE 3 It can mean any number of things, and it’s definitely something you want to get checked out by your veterinarian as soon as you notice it. A few of the conditions that trigger excessive thirst are ben ign and nothing to worry about, but most are serious and require treatment. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better. Refreshments will be available Dog participants will receive special Doggie Bags ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 Weezer Planned Giving Including Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS) in your estate planning allows you to make a profound and lasting impact on the future of our life-saving programs. It also ensures that your generous spirit will continue to help us rescue countless animals in need. When naming FOSRAS in your will, you may leave a specific dollar amount, a set percentage of your estate, or a particular property. You can also name FOSRAS as the beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy, bank account, mutual fund, charitable remainder trust, or charitable lead trust. Each of these options may help you reduce your estate taxes. Your attorney may wish to use the following language when making a bequest to FOSRAS: "I give, devise, and bequeath to Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, federal tax ID number 311-814-838/000, PO Box 8073, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 the sum of: $_____ (or describe the real or personal property or portion of the estate) to be used for its general purposes." VOLUME 20 ANIMAL TAILS Happy Tails Hello, my name is Audrey and I am currently employed as office manager, in charge of all, at Somerset Hughes and Co. I came here after being let go from my previous place of employment, SRAS, where it was said I couldn't get along with the other employees. They are cats (ugh) - what did they expect? My duties here include holding down papers, answering the door for deliveries, keeping laps warm, sending emails, decorating the carpet with fur and hairballs, answering the phone (which I largely ignore as it is never for me) and basically keeping the other employees in line. My bosses Gary and Kathy think they are in charge, but we all know their main purpose is keeping me happy with petting, cleaning the bathroom and making my meals. I've been employed here since June of 2002. I am sure I will be here for many years to come; after all, I'm the best, most beautiful and awesome boss around. PS I think every office should have a cat or dog in employ. Audrey Healey (ruler of all at Somerset Hughes, Warren) We are miniature schnauzer people and had been looking for a dog since our old buddy passed last fall. We have a little 11-yearold schnauzer girl who was lonely and were so excited to find Bella available at the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. She is gorgeous, full of schnauzer attitude, the best companion ever and a real daddy's girl. Wherever we are, there she is, keeping up a running commentary of schnauzer-talk. She has become the big sister to our little one who now acts like a puppy and follows Bella everywhere. Bella is the scourge of the squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs and birds who dare enter our yard; even flies had better watch out for her! She is sweet and funny and independent and affectionate and beautiful. Her manners are perfect and every day we learn something new about her: she catches baby carrots in mid-air! Thank you for sheltering our "furever" girl. Casey Collins, Basking Ridge PAGE 4 We adopted Emeri in June 2011. Aside from the usual puppy mishaps – chewing furniture, messing up her cage and escaping our yard – she’s really grown into a wellbehaved and beautiful dog. When we take her for walks, we’re frequently complimented on how good looking she is (it must run in the family). She listens to our 13-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter when they discipline her. She loves to go for walks and check out the neighborhood and is friends with everyone she meets. When she’s not out for a walk, she loves to sit at the front door and watch the birds in the neighbors’ yards. We’ve even taught her some tricks like how to catch a Frisbee in her teeth and balance a te n n is b a ll o n h e r nose. Recently, Emeri joined us for a 3-hour car ride to visit our family in Rhode Island. She’s not usually in the car when we drive long distances, but she handled it like a champ. She was also very well-behaved with her “dog cousins” once we got there. We’re very happy that Emeri came into our lives and hearts. Alan and Bridget Zambarano, Boonton My name is Pierre Maurice and I used to live at SRAS. They took really good care of me until my mom brought me home (she volunteers there). She named me after her grandfather and I’m very proud of that! I have a big sister named Graycee (but mom calls her Goosie). She used to live at SRAS, too! Everyone says I'm a crazy cat, but mom loves me just as I am (even when I’m naughty). I act like I’m still a kitten (but mom says I’m almost 2!) She posts videos of my antics on YouTube and I even have a Facebook page. I have over 200 friends who like to see pictures of all the fun/naughty things I do. (They say they’re glad I don’t live with them!) I like to share all the wonderful things that FOSRAS does for the animals at the shelter. =^..^= When I’m not sleeping, I like to climb, hide, groom my mom, help her sew and cook, chase Goosie, knock things off the fridge, watch birds out the window and I love when mom trains me with the clicker. She says I’m really smart! I’m fearless, too! I’m not even scared of the vacuum, blow dryer or thunderstorms! In fact, I let mom blow dry and vacuum me! I love my life and I’m very happy, but I think my mom is even happier! Pierre Maurice, Bedminster PAGE 5 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Alumni Gypsy (aka Amaretta) Merrigan Adopted Dec 2011 Griffin (aka Angelo) Yula Adopted Dec 2011 Rosie Rosetti Adopted May 2005 Oliver (aka Apollo) Pizzo Adopted Mar 2010 Star Gibson Adopted Nov 2011 Milo Natale Adopted Mar 2012 Taco (aka Mocha) Brooks Adopted May 2012 Shadow and Terri Funari Adopted 1998 and 2000 Celia Cardon Adopted Nov 2009 Roxy (aka Moxie) Hollywood Adopted Jan 2009 Fiona Belle (aka Daisy Mae) Scaltro Adopted Dec 2010 Sierra (aka Sara) Chase Adopted Jul 2005 Stella Healey Adopted Aug 2009 PAGE 5 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Alumni Gypsy (aka Amaretta) Merrigan Adopted Dec 2011 Griffin (aka Angelo) Yula Adopted Dec 2011 Rosie Rosetti Adopted May 2005 Oliver (aka Apollo) Pizzo Adopted Mar 2010 Star Gibson Adopted Nov 2011 Milo Natale Adopted Mar 2012 Taco (aka Mocha) Brooks Adopted May 2012 Shadow and Terri Funari Adopted 1998 and 2000 Celia Cardon Adopted Nov 2009 Roxy (aka Moxie) Hollywood Adopted Jan 2009 Fiona Belle (aka Daisy Mae) Scaltro Adopted Dec 2010 Sierra (aka Sara) Chase Adopted Jul 2005 Stella Healey Adopted Aug 2009 PAGE 6 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Heart & Sole Shelter Walk Sun., Oct. 14, 2012 from 10am-2pm Duke Island Park (Apple Grove Picnic Area) 189 Old York Rd, Bridgewater, NJ Top fundraiser will receive a $250 gift card! Every registrant will receive a free t-shirt Dogs are welcome to walk (but not required!) Refreshments will be available Dog participants will receive special Doggie Bags Sponsored by: Day Camp Overnight Camp Showers Training NEW this year! Beginner Agility Obstacles & Instruction on site Register online at www.fosras.com Or mail your payment to: FOSRAS, Heart & Sole Walk PO Box 8073, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Can’t make it to the walk? Be a Virtual Walker! Bridgewater 10 Chimney Rock Road Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805 Phone: 732-805-0888 http://www.campbowwow.com/us/nj/bridgewater/ Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat Peach 10. Older cats are calmer. 9. Their personalities are well-developed and a good match is easier to make. 8. There’s no question as to how big they’ll get. 7. They are less likely to get into mischief around the house. 6. They need less attention than young kittens, but can still be quite playful. 5. They still make strong bonds with their new families. 4. Many don’t mind if they are left alone while you are at work or school. 3. Cats often live for 15 or even 20 years, so an 8-year-old cat is only middleaged and has many years of affection left to give. 2. These wonderful and loving kitties deserve a second chance. And the #1 reason to adopt an adult cat is...... Kittens aren’t kittens forever! Tiger Mimosa Oliver Weezer PAGE 7 ANIMAL TAILS VOLUME 20 Paws for Applause to... The carpentry and welding students from Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School who built and erected a detached storage building for the shelter, under the direction of instructors George Lee and Don Smith. Somerset Veterinary Group, for donating $20 to FOSRAS for every spay/neuter done over a two-day period to celebrate National Spay/Neuter Day. In addition, the group also hosted an off-site adoption day, donated the proceeds from their “My Pet Loves Somerset Vet” magnet sales, and donated a supply of Frontline to the shelter! The volunteers from the L’Oreal Corporation, who donated supplies and labor for a shelter spruce-up. The volunteers painted the kitten and adult adoption rooms, assembled a bench and two sheds, helped install paneling on the entire wall of the dog kennels, and weeded, mulched, and planted our front garden area. Camp Bow Wow of Bridgewater for their sponsorship of our upcoming Heart & Sole Shelter Walk, which will be held Sunday, Oct. 14th. Chimney Rock Inn for their sponsorship of the "Try It Agility Course" at our upcoming Heart & Sole Shelter Walk. FOSRAS & SRAS thank all those who contribute to the shelter, whether monetarily, supplying wish list items, responding to our e-list needs, fostering, and/or volunteering time! It makes a big difference, and it shows! Special Thanks to Animerge Belle Mead Animal Hospital Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital Red Bank Animal Hospital, Hillsborough Red Bank Animal Hospital, Tinton Falls Round Valley Animal Hospital Somerset Veterinary Group Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital Camp Bow Bow, Bridgewater Girl Scouts and Brownie Troops of NJ and to all the local businesses who share their counter space for placement of our donation cans This newsletter's featured canister locations are: Stecks Deli II in Bedminster and Boro Liquors in Raritan It’s FOSRAS’s 10th Birthday so we’re having a party... ...and you’re invited! Saturday, Sept. 29 12 noon - 4 pm Birthday cake @ 1pm! Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater Refreshments 50/50 Basket Raffle Giveaways Face Painting Newsletter of FOSRAS (Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter) Fall 2012 Volume 20 PO Box 8073 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 US Postage Paid Hillsborough NJ Permit No. 100 Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 100 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Phone: 908-725-0308 www.sras.petfinder.org Niki Rudder (Located down the road from the Bridgewater Commons Mall on Commons Way—in the rear of the Municipal Complex next to Kid’s Street Park) Easy access from Routes 287, 78, 22, 202/206 A good time was had by all at our Bow Wow Luau! Couldn’t make it this time? Don’t worry—we’ll be doing it again next year! Nonprofit Org Hours of Operation Tues. & Thurs. noon – 4 PM Wed. noon – 6 PM Fri. noon – 7 PM Sat. noon – 5 PM CLOSED for adoptions on Sunday and Monday