Dixie Goes Home!

It was a cold, February morning, 2 days after Valentine’s Day. A black dog had been found on the side of the road.  She couldn’t walk, and it appeared that she had been hit by a car.  The frostbite on her stomach indicated that she had been lying in the ditch, in subzero temperatures, for days.

We could tell almost immediately that this girl, who we named Dixie, was a fighter.  We put out a plea to gather donations that would cover a life-saving surgery for Dixie.  In less than 24 hours the donation goal had been met, and exceeded.

Over the next few months, Dixie was monitored by veterinarians, and recovered in a foster home.  By summer, she was ready to be placed up for adoption.  She was beloved by so many of our staff and volunteers, that it became a united mission to find Dixie a home.  We shared Dixie’s story with the public.  We took photos, videos, dressed her up, took her to events, did everything we could to show the world what a great dog Dixie was. Everyone was rooting for Dixie, our little 4-legged survivor.  One generous donor even sponsored Dixie’s adoption fee, hoping that would help her get adopted faster.

Because of the way in which Dixie came to our shelter, we didn’t know anything about her background.  All we knew was that she didn’t always play nice with other animals, and she became very protective of anyone she claimed as “hers.”  This meant she needed to find a home where she would be the only pet, and where there wouldn’t be a lot of in-and-out company–not the easiest to find, it turns out!

So, the months slowly passed, and we waited patiently alongside our, “Mama Dixie,” as she was affectionately nicknamed, for the perfect family to come along.  We held onto hope that someone was out there, looking for a dog just like Dixie.

Then one day…

A woman named Sherry visited our adoption center.  She met Dixie, and it was love at first sight.  Because we knew Dixie could be somewhat temperamental, we allowed Sherry to foster Dixie in her home for 2 weeks, just to make sure it was a good fit.  Sure enough, it was.

On February 19, Sherry brought Dixie back to Cedar Bend to adopt her.  We couldn’t believe our eyes:  Dixie was a new dog!  She was happier than we had ever seen her before.  We all took turns hugging “Mama Dixie.” She wagged her tail and gave lots of kisses, all while staying close to her new mom, Sherry, with whom she had clearly formed a bond.

After a few tears, we all waved goodbye as Dixie waddled out the door.  Finally, our girl was headed home.

Congratulations to Dixie and Sherry, and thank you to everyone who helped Dixie find her way home.  Your donations and support truly are life-saving.

 

 

Cold Weather Care for Your Pet

When the temperature falls below freezing, your pets need extra care.  The following list provides you with some things to keep in mind during the cold winter season.

Frostbite
Even with a coat of fur, your pets can still feel the cold, and can even get frostbite! Cats and small dogs should be kept indoors during freezing weather. Your pets will still need exercise, and walks are important, but shorten your walks this time of year.  If your pet has a short coat, they may appreciate a warm sweater, jacket, or even a hat!

 

Rock Salt and De-icers
Ice melting products will irritate a pet’s paws. Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s paws when they come into the house to prevent them from accidentally ingesting dangerous chemicals when they lick their paws. Before going onto sidewalks that may have these products on them, you may want to rub baby oil on the pads of the paws and sprinkle baby powder on them. This will help protect your pet’s paws from becoming sore.  Click here to shop for pet-friendly de-icing products.

Diet
Your pet’s metabolism will change during the cold winter months and demands different eating patterns. If your pet enjoys spending time outdoors, it will need more calories to help it produce body heat to keep itself warm. If your pet spends more time indoors during the winter, it may need fewer calories because of its more relaxed lifestyle.

Beware of cats under your car!
During cold weather, cats may seek warm shelter under your car. They like to crawl up by the engine where it is warm. Before starting your car, make sure there are not any cats under your engine by lifting the hood of your car, honking your horn, or slapping the hood hard enough to frighten a cat out. If you start the car with a cat under the engine, it could get caught in the fan and become seriously injured.

Away from drafts
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.  Or you could always invite your pet into your bed–they make great bed warmers!

 

 

2015 Furry Figures

Throughout the year, we’ve been announcing our monthly “Furry Figures” for adoptions, lost animals returned to their owner, sick & injured animals treated, spays & neuters, and rescue exchanges.  Below are our total figures for 2015.  We are incredibly pleased with these numbers, and know they were only achieved thanks to your continued, loyal support.  Thank you!

 

Volunteer V.I.P. – Kathy

Each month, the Cedar Bend Humane Society will feature a “Volunteer V.I.P.” who has gone above and beyond to devote their time and effort to making CBHS great.

This month, we’re featuring CBHS Volunteer, Kathy Gors.  She has been a volunteer for the past 5 and 1/2 years and has logged over 1500 hours of service.  Here is her story.

Kathy and Jasmine

 

What attracted you to our volunteer program?

My daughter wanted to volunteer, and because of her age at the time, I had to accompany her.  I wasn’t crazy about the idea at first–now I’m hooked!

What kinds of things do you do as a CBHS volunteer?

Clean kennels, change blankets, fill water bowls, bathe and brush pets, do laundry, and most importantly, walk dogs and try to give them a little love.

What is your favorite part of volunteering?

Walking dogs. I get a good feeling when I go home knowing I was the highlight of their day. It’s good exercise for me and the dogs.

Do you have a favorite animal at CBHS?

I have a few right now.  Some are here and some have been adopted.  My favorites that have been adopted are Dixie and Jasmine.  My favorites still in the shelter are Olivia, Charlie, Billie, Jake and Shiloh.

What surprised you most about volunteering at CBHS?

How crucial volunteers are to the animals’ happiness and well-being.  I’ve also found that Pit Bulls are sometimes the best dogs here!

What advice would you offer anyone looking to volunteer at CBHS?

Watch out for the strong pullers!!

Do you have a favorite moment or story from a time you were volunteering?

When my daughter and I first started volunteering, the new Adoption Center was still being built.  So we were over in the old building, now called the Intake Building.  My daughter spotted a yellow lab that looked so sad.  She asked if she could walk him. He looked so calm until we opened the door to his kennel.  He CHARGED out, wrapping his leash around both of us, almost knocking us down before breaking free and heading for the door.  Luckily, a man standing near the door caught him for us.  That was our initiation into dog walking at CBHS!   What did we learn from this?  Looks can be deceiving!  Overall, my favorite moments are always when I see an animal that I have grown to care about go home.

Pick of the Litter: Olivia

Each month we feature an adoptable pet chosen as a favorite by a CBHS staff member or volunteer.  This month’s “Pick of the Litter” is Olivia, chosen by CBHS Adoption Counselor, Layla Hagen.

“Olivia is my ‘Pick of the Litter’ because I have loved watching her open up here at the shelter. I chose the name Olivia for her.  When she first came in as a stray, she was so shy and scared. She opened up to me more and more each time I took her out of her kennel.  Now she recognizes me and immediately gives me kisses and lays down for a belly rub.  She definitely has my heart!”

Olivia is available for adoption at the Cedar Bend Humane Society.  You can visit her in our “puppy room” where she likes to greet, and offer kisses to passersby.  Olivia’s adoption profile can be viewed here.  Come give this special girl a second chance and change her life forever!