Quincy & Daisy

Earlier this month, Quincy, a Pit Bull/Shepherd mix and her three-week-old puppy, Daisy, were brought to the Cedar Bend Humane Society. They had been rescued by the ASPCA from a hoarding situation in Alabama. Daisy is the only one of Quincy’s puppies to survive the conditions they were in.

Here at the shelter, Quincy was instantly loving and affectionate to everyone she met. A testament to an animal’s ability to truly understand that they have been rescued, which makes Quincy’s story that much more heartbreaking: she tested positive for heartworms, a deadly, parasitic disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Quincy will begin the lengthy treatment for her heartworms as soon as Daisy is fully weaned from nursing. Daisy will begin her own heartworm prevention regimen as soon as she is 8 weeks old.

Treatment for heartworms can be hard on an animal’s body, which is why we are so grateful to the Kauten family for agreeing to foster both dogs while Quincy undergoes treatment. “My husband and I love animals,” says Sydney Kauten, “and fostering feels like a great way to help animals [outside of] the shelter.”

Heartworms are difficult and costly to cure. Once infected, larvae grow into adult heartworms and lodge themselves into the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Then they begin to reproduce. The safest way to treat heartworms includes an extensive pre-treatment workup, including X-rays, blood work, and all the tests needed to establish how serious the infection is. Then, injections are given to eliminate the living heartworms. With all the prep work, costs can exceed $1,000.

In addition to seeking loving families, like the Kautens, to join our foster program, monetary donations to off-set the costs of treating these animals is always needed and appreciated. Quincy is the fourth dog in 6 months to come to CBHS in need of heartworm treatment.  The costs are substantial and add up quickly, but with donations from supporters like you, we can give dogs like Quincy and Daisy the fighting chance they deserve. Please, if you are willing or able in any way, help us help these animals.

UPDATE:  As of August 12, we are happy to announce that the ASCPA granted CBHS the funding needed to cover the costs of Quincy’s and Daisy’s heartworm treatment! Thank you, friends of ASCPA, for all that you did for these dogs, and continue to do for voiceless, abused animals.

In Memory of Joey

Joey’s is a story that is hard to forget.  It was the afternoon of Sunday, July 12, and Waterloo Animal Control received a call that kitten cries could be heard from an open storm drain in Cedar Falls.  Animal Control officers carried out a swift rescue, retrieving baby Joey (as he came to be named) from the drain.

But Joey’s battle had just begun.

Joey was dehydrated, malnourished, and suffered from an upper respiratory infection.  He was treated here at the Cedar Bend Humane society, and was sent to a foster home with medication to continue his recovery.

However, despite the best efforts from our medical technicians, and the constant love and attention from his foster mom, Baylee, Joey developed what we believe to be pneumonia.  We are deeply saddened to report that little Joey passed away yesterday morning. Joey may have lost his battle, but thanks to his foster mom, he died comfortably in a loving home, not in the streets, scared, or alone.

Joey’s story is the same story for so many kittens who arrive at CBHS every single day in need of extensive medical care.  It is only thanks to generous donations, as well as our devoted foster families, that we are able to give these babies a fighting chance.  If you are in any way able to help us help these kittens, please consider joining our foster program, or making a donation in memory of little Joey. With your help, we can turn Joey’s sad ending, into a happy one for countless kittens in need.

Rest well, little Joey.

FURever Home Friday: Becca

The star of this week’s “FURever Home Friday” is Becca.  Becca is a 5-year-old Rottweiler, who loves to be bathed, brushed, and all-around pampered!

Becca is available for adoption at the Cedar Bend Humane Society.  She gets along well with other animals, and loves meeting new people.

To view Becca’s adoption profile, click here.  To fill out an adoption application, click here.

Reduced Adoption Fees for Senior Cats

The adoption fees for all of our senior cats has been reduced to just $50 (regularly  $80).  Any cat 7 years old, or older is eligible for the reduced price.  Each cat is current on vaccinations, started on flea/tick prevention, spayed/neutered, microchipped, FELUK tested.  Plus, many are already de-clawed.  To view their individual adoption profiles, click here.

The Cedar Bend Adoption Center is open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 10-5, Thursday & Friday, 10-7.

 

FURever Home Friday: Sophie

The star of this week’s FURever Home Friday is Sophie!  Sophie is a one-year-old pit bull who suffered a broken leg after being hit by a car.  She underwent a life-saving amputation surgery, and has made a full recovery.  Now she’s ready to go home with her new family!

Check out Sophie’s adoption profile here, and fill out an application for her here.

Way to go, Sophie!

Pick of the Litter: Lenny

Each month we’ll feature a different adoptable pet, chosen as a favorite by a CBHS staff member or volunteer.

This month’s “Pick of the Litter” has been chosen by CBHS Adoption Counselor, Rhiannon Gors.  Rhiannon chose Lenny, a 4-year-old pit bull.

“I picked Lenny because he is honestly one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met.  Pit bulls have such a bad rep, but I know that if anyone spent just 30 seconds with Lenny, they would see how wonderful pit bulls can be.  Lenny is such a happy dog.  Nothing bothers him. Whoever adopts him will be the luckiest family in the world!”

Lenny’s adoption profile can be viewed on our website, here.  Or better yet, stop in to our Adoption Center and meet Lenny for yourself today!  We’re open every day except for Monday.  To fill out an adoption application, click here.

Furry Figures: June 2015

Here are the Cedar Bend Humane Society’s Furry Figures for June 2015.

(Click or tap image to enlarge.)

FURever Home Friday: Fiona

Meet Fiona!  Fiona is a 3 year old pit bull mix who is looking for a her FURever home.  But first, she’d like a foster family to help her undergo treatment for demodex mange.  Demodex mange is a treatable, NON-contagious skin disorder.  It makes Fiona’s skin itchy, and causes some of her fur to fall out.  Despite how uncomfortable Fiona must feel sometimes, she is always sweet, loving, and affectionate to everyone she meets.

We ask that Fiona’s foster family bring her in once a week for treatment and baths.  CBHS will cover the costs of all of Fiona’s treatment while she’s living with her foster family.  Once she is fully treated, she may be adopted by her foster family.

To learn more about fostering with the Cedar Bend Humane Society, click here.  To learn more about Fiona, visit our petfinder site here.

Keeping Pets Safe and Happy on the Fourth of July

Remember to keep your pets safe this holiday!

Loud noises and flashing lights cause pets a great deal of anxiety, resulting in pets behaving differently than they typically would.  Frightened pets break leashes, jump fences, run away and even bite.

• PLEASE KEEP YOUR PET SAFE FROM THE NOISE IN A QUIET, SHELTERED, AND ESCAPE-PROOF AREA OF YOUR HOME. 

• DO NOT TAKE YOUR PET TO INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES.

• BE SURE YOUR PET HAS AN I.D. TAG. THIS WILL ENSURE THEIR SAFE RETURN HOME, SHOULD THEY GET LOOSE.

• NEVER USE FIREWORKS AROUND YOUR PET.

• NEVER LEAVE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS UNATTENDED WHERE PETS CAN REACH THEM.

• ALWAYS KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTER FLUID AWAY FROM YOUR PETS.

• DO NOT PUT GLOW JEWELRY ON YOUR PETS, OR ALLOW THEM TO PLAY WITH IT.

A Fuzzy, Festive Fourth of July

It’s a Star Spangled Celebration at the Cedar Bend Humane Society! And we’ve got a firecracker of a deal for YOU! Today, Friday and Sunday ALL cat and kitten adoption fees are just $15.  Kittens too small to have been spayed or neutered yet include a $50 refundable deposit.

You didn’t think we were going to leave out our patriotic pooches, did you?  In addition to our cat/kitten promotion, dog adoption fees are $15 OFF with the donation of a cat food or litter item.  Any brand of litter will do, but we’re specifically looking for Purina One, Iams and Science Diet kitten food.

View the individual profiles of all our adoptable pets here, or stop in and visit them for your self!  Our adoption center is open today and tomorrow 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., CLOSED Saturday in recognition of Independence Day, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Make this the fuzziest Fourth of July ever, and help save the life of a homeless pet in need.