2012 Top Ten

2012 was a great year for us here at the HSEC blog. We love doing our part to spread the word about the remarkable pets and people at HSEC. So let's take a look back at the posts that helped to make this year so special - our top ten posts from 2012! We'll also give you a sneak peak into what you can expect in 2013.

Whether you're waiting for the ball to drop or recuperating from an excess of celebration, we hope you enjoy looking back with us, and perhaps catching up on a post or two that passed you by.

10. Microchipping: Bring Your Buddy Home

Curious about microchipping, the process that can return a lost pet via a tiny permanent implant? Check out this post for all of the details. Microchipping increases the chance that your lost pet will be safely returned. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, and is commonly performed at events about town by groups like Spay Today.

In 2013... look for a series of posts about what to do if your buddy goes missing.

9. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: Fiction vs. Fact

Read this post to get the facts about Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a commonly stigmatized disease that attacks an infected cat's immune system. The condition is not a death sentence, nor is it as communicable as some have suggested. Cats with FIV can and do live long and healthy lives.

In 2013... look for a post about seizure disorders in cats and dogs. If you would like us to discuss a particular condition, suggest one in the comments!

8. How to Greet a Strange Dog

Every dog is different, but they all speak a common language - one that many people are prone to misinterpret. This post contains vital information for interacting with strange dogs in public. Excellent information for children in particular!

In 2013... look for more posts about animal communication. What are your cats thinking when they look at you, anyway?

7. Annie: Little Cat, BIG Personality!

Annie sporting kitty caps on her claws

Annie is an HSEC superstar - a young cat with Congenital Upper Eyelid Agenesis, a birth defect that left her without upper eyelids. Despite this, Annie is as playful and friendly as any kitty can be. Since the original August post, Annie has undergone successful eye surgery, funded with the money YOU raised! She is no longer in danger of going blind from her condition. Annie is still available for adoption.

In 2013... look for more posts featuring HSEC residents, current and former. In January we'll kick off with weekly success stories to get the year started right!

6. Pack Up Your Paws Part I and Part II

This two-part series explore the ins and outs of taking your pets on vacation. From considering whether it is a good idea to bring the animals along, to travel safety, to what to do once you get there, these posts cover it all. If you're already dreaming of that perfect summer vacation, start planning now!

In 2013... look for a post about local dog-friendly locations and events, so you and your buddy can stay-cation with style!

5. I Found A Stray - Now What?

We've all seen strays on the side of the road and felt moved to help them. But what do you do when you find a stray? What are the procedures for surrendering the animal to an organization that will care for them? How should you try to contact the owner? This post answers these common questions, plus more. A great basic informational source.

In 2013... look for posts about the inner workings of HSEC and how the organization functions.

4. Pet People Are Healthy People

It's not just an old wives' tale. Pet owners really do live happier, healthier lives. Get the scientific info in this post, and take a look at the New Leash on Life program, which pairs dogs from animal welfare organizations with prison inmates.

In 2013... look for posts about another way that dogs can keep you healthy - as running buddies! We'll help you and your furry couch potato get in shape for the upcoming Canine Crawl 5k on March 17th.

3. Giving Pets as Gifts

This recent post has already jumped up the charts to become one of the most popular of 2012. Maybe you've already promised someone a puppy for Christmas, or you're thinking ahead to all those birthdays and special events in the upcoming year. Read this post, and learn how to gift animals the right way.

In 2013... look for posts about making the decision to adopt at all stages of life, from college to retirement.

2. Feral Cats - Wild Animals, Not Stray Pets

Those kitties hanging out around the dumpster might not be lost pets. It's likely that they're ferals, cats who have not been raised around humans and are not friendly. Ferals are a controversial subject and can cause real problems in a community. This post outlines suggestions for handing this issue and takes a look at local groups that assist this unique animal population.

In 2013... look for more posts featuring our local partners in the animal welfare community.

1. Flea and Tick Season 2012

Far and away, our most viewed post in 2012 was this entry about the last flea and tick season, which was made even more virulent by the preceding mild winter. Since we're in the midst of another gentle winter, it's a good time to review this information. It's not that cold outside - in a climate like ours, pets need flea and tick prevention all year round.

In 2013... look for more seasonally relevant information, including an upcoming post about winter safety.





We hope your year was as good as ours! Thank you for all of your support over the last twelve months, and we hope we've earned it again for the next twelve. In return, look for us to keep connecting you to the latest from HSEC... in 2013 and beyond!

Donate Today!

As 2012 comes to an end, we have a lot to celebrate – lives saved, happy endings, sick and injured animals nursed back to health.  But looking ahead to 2013, there’s so much more to do.  Sadly, the number of homeless animals who needs our help far exceeds our resources.  The problem extends across our community, and that’s why we’re reaching out to you to ask for your support to touch the lives of animals in need.

We are an organization with a modest budget, operating on a shoestring to keep our efforts going.  Even a small contribution can make a big difference! 

• For about $50 per month, or less than $2 per day, you can support the purchase of antibiotics or deworming medication.
• Rabies vaccines cost us over $25 per month, less than $1 each day.
• Spay and neuter surgery, preventing the tragedy of more unwanted animals, is an expense of $260 each month, or less than $9 per day for cats; dog surgeries are nearly $400 per month or $13 daily.
• Supplies to keep our facility clean and stop the spread of disease come at a cost of $90 per month, or $3 per day.
• Life-saving formula for kittens and puppies too small for solid food is an expense of $25 per month, or less than $1 each day.

While these numbers may seem small, these and other costs add up, and only represent a few items on our annual budget.  But if you can support a month, a week, or even a single day of expenses in caring for our homeless animals, it will make a difference. 

We’re hoping that we can count on your support to help us help pets who have nowhere else to turn.  Even a small donation can help us save a life.   Let’s make 2013 a successful year – donate, adopt, or volunteer.  Tail-wags of appreciation are sure to come your way!

Donate today!

Adoption Update

Ready for your Christmas cheer?

SNOWFLAKE, one of the twelve strays of Christmas, has been adopted! She is home for the holidays!

Snowflake

Congratulations to Snowflake and her family! Other "strays" Clara, Hot Cocoa, and Candy Cane are still available for adoption.

Happy Christmas from all of us at HSEC. May your days be merry and bright!

The Twelve Strays of Christmas

Our Share the Love event last weekend featured the Twelve Strays of Christmas, twelve lovely and lovable dogs from Pitt County Animal Shelter. We're so pleased to tell you that eight of those "strays" have been adopted, and the remainder were transferred to HSEC where they will wait for their forever homes.

Let's meet them!

Candy Cane

Candy Cane is a young pit bull terrier mix with a sweet and shy personality. She loves beggin' strips, but not as much as she loves affection and attention from her people. Candy Cane will need a little time to warm up to new people, but once you open your heart to you, she'll return the favor! Although she does get along with other dogs, some patience will be needed to integrate her with a current dog. For that reason, we would recommend - but not require - that Candy Cane goes to a home where she is the only dog.

Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa is a six month old chocolate lab mix with a six month old's share of energy - and maybe a little more than his share! This enthusiastic, playful dog will need training and daily exercise. He would be perfect for an active owner with previous dog experience.

Snowflake

Snowflake is a young pit bull terrier mix who loves nothing more than to plop down for some quiet quality time with her people. And we think you'll agree she has the sweetest face! She is shy at first, but as soon as she gets used to you, she'll be climbing in your lap (literally). A true companion. Snowflake gets along with other calm medium to large dogs.

Clara

Clara is a pit bull terrier, about one year old, with a beautiful brindle coat. Looking for someone to share your adventures? Clara's the one for you! She is very energetic and loves activity. Clara gets along with other dogs.



All the "strays" are microchipped and have an adoption fee of $100. All dogs with the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina are evaluated for temperament, spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, dewormed, on heartworm and flea prevention and tested for heartworms if one year or older. Their adoption comes with a bag of Hill's Science Diet and one month free trial of pet health insurance from ShelterCare. All dogs four months or older must leave with a collar with their rabies tag as a form of identification. You can either bring your own collar or purchase a collar (priced $2-$10) from HSEC.

Wordless Wednesday - Clooney

Reach Out!

It's the time of year when we reach out to those around us. So we'd like to reach out to you! We love to hear from our friends in the community. Here's how you can find us.

Our website has all of the information about our mission and our facility all in one handy place! Stop here for information about adoptable animals, surrender services, FAQs, volunteering, and much much more!

For a peek into our day-to-day operations, check us out on Facebook. You'll see select images and hear about adoptions, as well as updates about your favorite HSEC residents and alums. We also repost select funny or interesting or touching updates from others as they come our way. 'Like' us and share to help us spread the word!

If you're looking for a list of our adoption animals, head on over to our Petfinder page. Each of our adoptable residents is included alongside a picture and important information about the animal's needs or preferences. A great way to figure out which animals you'd like to see before you head out to the facility!

To learn about and sign up for the latest volunteer opportunities, the volunteer website is the place to be. *If you're a new volunteer or haven't registered for the website yet, please read this post before proceeding.*

If what you prefer is information expressed in 140 characters or less, follow us on Twitter! Connect to adoptable animals, facility and event information, and much more. Join the conversation and retweet to help us boost our signal.

For those who love a fuzzy face, hop on over to our Imgur page. There you'll see photo albums displaying the talented work of the photographers who volunteer their time to help us show off the best side of our residents. More than 900 pictures are up on our site!

For another way to collect those pictures and spread the word, follow us on Pinterest! Our pins link back to great information about our animals both past and present. Collect them all!

If you're reading this, you've already discovered our blog. Here you can get indepth information about all aspects of HSEC's mission as well as educational material about pet behavior, health, and wellbeing. We'd love it if you became a member. We're so glad to have you here!

Want to reach out more directly?
For blog-related issues, email humanesocietyofec@gmail.com
For information about volunteering, email hsecvolunteer@gmail.com
And for all other matters, please contact hsecgeneral@gmail.com

Tips for a Happy (and Safe!) Holiday Season

It’s a busy time of year, but it’s important to make sure that your home is safe and happy for your pets. You can lighten your load by visiting the HSEC gift wrapping station outside Belk's in Greenville Mall. And employ our helpful tips to keep your four-legged friends safe this holiday season.

• Hang breakable ornaments high on your Christmas tree where animals can’t reach, and set up the tree so that your animal can’t knock it over. Only water the tree with plain water - no preservatives or chemicals. It’s common for pets to drink out of the watering bowl, so cover it if you can!
• Don’t put wrapped boxes of food under the tree - those noses are very sensitive.
• Avoid tinsel and clean up ribbons after unwrapping gifts. Both can cause serious problems if ingested.
• Keep light cords out of reach so they can’t be chewed on.
• Always supervise animals around lit candles.
• Don’t give out too many treats and make sure your pets won’t get into bones, trimmed fat, skin, discarded giblets, or those tasty little strings you used to tie up the turkey.
• Be careful to keep poisonous plants and decorations out of reach. Mistletoe, lillies, and some ivies are poisonous. Poinsettias, amaryllis, and hibiscus can cause severe digestive problems. Potpourri can cause skin and oral damage and can also be poisonous.
• Take standard party precautions. Cats in particular - even the friendliest - won’t want to be in the middle of all that noise. Keep shy animals isolated in a quiet, calm room with water and some toys to occupy them. If your pet is a true party animal, make sure that partygoers are treating them with kindness and common sense. No handfuls of greasy treats, no chocolate, and especially no drugs or alcohol.

HSEC Holiday Wish List

If our homeless pets could write letters to Santa, we’re sure their first wishes would be for a warm, loving home for the holidays – and forever.  But even if you can’t adopt, you can make their season brighter.

We’ve made it easy for you to add your furry friends to your Christmas list by taking a few minutes to do a bit of cybershopping:  we’ve posted our wish list on Amazon. Our shipping address is already entered to make the gift-giving process as smooth as eggnog. 

Our list has something for everyone, with wishes starting below $10!  Our canine pals will love you for the kongs that can be filled with treats, and cats and dogs alike will love the treat balls, which help overcome the boredom of life in a shelter.  Cat scratchers are a popular item among our feline friends, and for the practical gift-giver, our list includes garbage and freezer bags, always needed at our facility. We also are always happy to receive bleach, paper towels, and other basic cleaning supplies.

A wonderful one-size-fits-all present is an Amazon gift certificate.  This will allow us to purchase a variety of items for our animals, as well as for the office that keeps our year-round workshop running. We have so many needs and our resources are limited, so every gift helps! For that animal-loving person that has everything, how about a donation in their name to HSEC?

We know from experience, and Santa has confirmed, that your generosity will make your Christmas merrier and guarantee you a spot on the nice list.  There’s no doubt that your human ho ho hos in the spirit of giving will be returned by an enthusiastic holiday chorus of meows and bow wows of thanks!

News You Can Use

As we head into the busy holiday season, don't forget about HSEC events!

Christmas Gift Wrapping

December 8th through 24th, noon-9pm (or noon-6 depending on mall hours), Greenville Mall, outside the entrance of the women's Belk Department Store.

Our traditional holiday fundraiser! Santa is sending us a crew of his most talented gift-wrapping elves (who strangely look a lot like our volunteers) and stationing them at the Greenville Mall. Pricing is dependent on package size.

Rather than releasing your inner Grinch by taking home a mountain of gifts, hauling out the wrapping paper, and trying to find that roll of tape, let us do the work for you!  Not only will you be tremendously relieved that your wrapping is done, but knowing that your gift-wrapping donation will benefit our homeless animals is guaranteed to bring you extra Christmas cheer.

We still need volunteers - you can sign up to become one of Santa's helpers at the volunteer website. 

Blog Committee Meeting

Thursday, December 13th, 7:00 pm at the Tipsy Teapot, 409 South Evans St. in Greenville.

Want to be part of the magic? Come out to our next blog meeting and see if this volunteer opportunity is right for you. We're always looking for writers, photographers, and tech support. An excellent way to volunteer for those with a busy schedule.  

Share the Love - a Pitt Partnership event in association with Greenville Subaru!

Saturday December 15th 11-4 at Greenville Subaru, 3999 S. Memorial Drive in Winterville (beside Rucker John's).

Come meet the 12 strays of Christmas - 12 wonderful dogs featured for adoption at the reduced fee of $50 (cash only). Microchipping services are also available as well as information about low cost spay/neuter.

Also featuring the No Choke Challenge. We strongly recommend to not use painful collars as a training tool. From 11-1, bring in your dog and their choke, prong, or shock collar and receive a FREE no-pull harness (while supplies last).

Introducing the Canine Crawl website!

The 13th annual Canine Crawl isn't until March 17th, but we're already getting excited for it. This year we're happy to roll out a fancy new website just for the event - right HERE! Update your bookmarks!

This year we will have online registration for the walk and participants will be able to register in teams. The event will also include a 5k, so if you're looking for a good incentive for those New Year's Resolutions, you can get ready to lace up your running shoes.

Become a HSEC Holiday Angel

You can be an angel this holiday season by providing a foster Home For the Holidays for one of our HSEC residents. We also have volunteer opportunities available on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. You can give our staff a chance to spend the holiday with their families, and spread some holiday cheer among the animals at our facility.

And Even More Volunteer Opportunities...

We've had a great response from our new volunteer website. Let's keep that momentum going! In addition to special events, our adoptable animals also need volunteers to come in daily to assist with their care.

Keep checking in and signing up. If you've never used the website before (or you need a refresher), check out this post.

Wordless Wednesday - Linus

Giving Pets as Gifts

Dogs and cats are cute - puppies and kittens are even cuter. And they’re pretty much a rainbow explosion of adorability when they’re sitting underneath a Christmas tree wearing a big red bow.

But you know what’s not so cute? The increased numbers of animals that are turned into shelters after the holidays are over. Because a pet is about more than a photo op, it’s a 10-20 year commitment of your time, energy, love, and money.

So what if you want to get someone a pet for Christmas? Well, it might be the perfect gift - as long as you follow these important guidelines.

Do not surprise someone with a pet - especially an adult!

Even if you are sure that your loved one wants to get a pet, it should be up to the pet owner to decide if they are ready to take on the responsibility. Additionally, the bond between a pet and an owner is a special thing. Choosing a pet is very personal, and it’s important that the prospective adopter actually be present when the animal is chosen.

It’s best to give a pet a few weeks before or at least a week after the holidays.

Holidays are stressful enough for the people and pets already in a home. New decorations, family members hanging around, parties, noise - all of these things can freak out even the most well-adjusted cat or dog. Bringing a new animal into a home is also stressful. Don’t make it hard on yourself or your new furry friend by combining stressors.

Ok, so you’ve thought it through and you’ve decided that it would be appropriate to give someone a pet as a gift. Here’s how to do it.

Give the recipient a large wrapped box full of pet supplies and a coupon for the animal of their choice. It’s ok to offer to go with them to pick out the pet, but don’t push. It might take a couple of visits for the adopter to find their perfect fit.

If you absolutely must give a pet during the holidays, remember:

• Plan on spending quiet time at home so bonding with the new owner can occur and the pet will learn that home is a safe environment.
• Clean up all the present wrappings before introducing the new pet.  The new pet should be the last present received.
• No parties at your home and limit the time you are away from home.
• Make your house pet safe.

Cats: Fact vs. Fiction

At the Humane Society, we love both dogs and cats, and want them all to find loving homes.  But sometimes we find that people who have never shared their lives with felines have a few misconceptions!

Myth: Cats are always aloof and independent.  They don’t really have personalities like dogs.

Cats come in all colors, big and small, with short, medium and long hair, and their personalities vary just as much.  While some cats are stand-offish, just as many are lap-loving snuggle bugs.  Some will follow their humans from room to room, greet them at the door at the end of the day, and even play fetch.  Our adoption counselors will work with you to match the cat’s personality to yours, providing just the right companion.

Myth: If you have a dog at home, you can’t adopt a cat since they’ll never get along.

We’ve heard the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs”, but in most cases this just isn’t true.  Cats and dogs have been known to become BFFs, cuddling up together, and even grooming one another.  If you’re thinking about adding a cat to your family, check out your dog’s behavior around cats (on a leash, for safety).  If the dog is neutral, curious, or friendly, you’ve got a great chance of a harmonious future - with proper introductions.

Myth: Cats belong outdoors and don’t make good house pets.

Cats are much safer and happier indoors, away from the hazards of the great outdoors.  Indoor cats make great companions, and won’t grace you with prizes like dead birds and fleas.  Cats are delighted to curl up by a sunny window and watch the world go by, cozy in a house with a favorite human or two.

Ok, but I’ve always been a dog person – I know I just wouldn’t be happy with a cat.

Many cat people started out as dog-lovers, and over time learned about cats, often by accident.  In fact, cats can be just as loving, and can be a great low-maintenance alternative to dogs.  People with long hours or occasional travel find that not having to rush home to walk a dog works better with their lifestyles.  An older cat, or perhaps a pair to amuse one another, can be just fine on their own.

Wordless Wednesday - Jonah

Jonah shares a moment with HSEC Director of Outreach Katie Benson

Adoptable Animals - Sushi

Sushi is a delicacy, and that describes this deliciously beautiful three year old perfectly.  With show-stopping good looks, this fellow shouldn’t have a care in the world.  But sadly, we think Sushi is depressed and lonely.

Transferred to us from the Pitt County shelter, Sushi is a seal point Himalayan mix, with beautiful chocolate markings and silky soft beige fur.  He arrived with a friend who has since been adopted, and Sushi has spent too much time laying in his cage, looking sad.  He was given a clean bill of health, and we think he is just very unhappy living in a shelter environment.

This gorgeous guy is up for some petting, and in need of a quiet environment where he can move at his own pace to build up trust and become comfortable.  He needs some extra TLC, and enough loving to feel wanted without being overwhelmed.

With some time and the adoration he deserves, we think Sushi can be a wonderful pet.  Come and visit Sushi at our Tupper Road facility, and see if you don’t fall in love with this beauty of a cat!

Black Friday

It’s Black Friday, the day when yesterday’s gratitude for what we have turns to a desire to grab many things we don’t. In our frenzies, we hope you don’t forget what’s important, and think about adopting, not shopping, if there’s a person on your list who would like a pet for Christmas.

Many of those looking for pets overlook the option of adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue, favoring a certain breed or preferring a puppy or kitten.  We often have purebreds, and find that many mixed breeds are healthier and happier. We also have puppies and kittens that pass through our doors, but older animals can be even better pets;  they’re more likely to be settled down, and their personalities show, helping you to choose just the right fit.

At the risk of seeming a bit grinchy, we just don’t think surprising a loved one with a pet is a good idea, for the pet or the recipient. We firmly believe that the key to a lifetime of love is a mutual bond right from the beginning, and we wouldn’t dare to take away that important step in finding just the right pet.  We’d encourage you to bring your loved one to our facility to meet and choose a new companion, or just present the person with a gift certificate under the tree, making their own choice when the holiday hubbub has died down.

This holiday season, help us make both homeless pets and pet-seeking humans happy.  If you are looking for a new best friend, or know someone who is, please remember:  Don’t shop – adopt!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, many of us are counting our blessings.  Perhaps they include a roof over our heads, good food, a loving family, and good friends.  And those of us who are really fortunate will count a furry friend (or two, or three…) among the very good things in our lives.

If we were cat and dog whisperers, we’ll bet those pets would have a thing or two to say about gratitude, especially from those who have been rescued from bad situations and homelessness, some with a stay in an animal shelter before settling into your home.  Yes, snuggling in to a warm, loving home with winter approaching is something for us and our pets to be especially thankful for. 

At this time of year, we at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina give thanks for you – our volunteers, donors, adopters and goodwill ambassadors.  Without your support, our work to match our wonderful animals with equally wonderful humans would be impossible.

As we look ahead, we’d like to ask you to help us increase the number of dogs and cats who can give thanks for the warmth and security of a forever home.  Share our posts with your Facebook friends, and recruit them to like us and get our news feeds.  If you have the time and the means, volunteer or donate – or both!  And if you’re thinking of bringing some holiday cheer to your life and that of a homeless pet, adopt!

But most of all, thanks for being a friend to our cause!

Puppy Love Pt 2: Bringing Puppy Home

Welcome to Part II of our series on adopting puppies. In Part I we took a look at the decision to adopt a puppy and the pros and cons of choosing a young animal over an adult. Today we'll discuss adopting the puppy, puppy-proofing your home, and what to expect over the first few days.

One of our sweet HSEC litters available for adoption!

It shouldn't come as a surprise that HSEC recommends adopting a puppy from an animal welfare organization or city shelter, especially if you are adopting a family companion, not choosing a breed for a specific purpose (hunting, herding, competition, or show). Many pet stores have ties to puppy mills, but even if they are above board, adopting from a store causes demand for the intentional breeding of puppies. (If you choose a breeder, the ASPCA recommends a small scale operation that does not sell to pet stores.) There are already many wonderful and loving puppies available at animal welfare organizations.

Before you head over to the facility, purchase the major supplies your puppy will need:

• Water and food bowls
• Collar and leash
• Puppy food - not adult dog food. Like all babies, puppies have nutritional needs different to those of adults.
• Number of a local vet

Other supplies will vary by circumstance and include:

• Outdoor shelter (if your pet will be spending time outdoors other than walks and playtime, this is a MUST)
• Carrier (for a small dog)
• Crate and/or bed
• Pee pads
• Treats
• Toys
• Grooming items like brush, nail clippers, etc. 
• Puppy proofing supplies (see below)

If you don't have toys when you bring the puppy home, they will find something to play with. Don't let them chew or play on things that are off limits even once, or they will continue this behavior. Having acceptable toys at the ready is the best plan.

Also before picking up the puppy, make sure your home is ready! Puppy proofing your home is not entirely dissimilar to baby proofing. Not only are you looking to keep the puppy safe and out of trouble, the goal is to make it possible for the puppy to be able to be in your home without constant supervision.

For each room, ask yourself the following questions: What's dangerous? What's breakable? What's off-limits? Then act accordingly.

• Place household cleaners and other toxic items out of the puppy's reach. Consider temporarily removing obstacles like swinging doors that could shut on a neck or tail.
• Remove breakables or set them up high. Put chewables (like shoes) in closets with doors that shut firmly. Pick up small objects like toys that could be swallowed.
• Ensure that the puppy won't be able to pull items down on itself (for example, pulling a tablecloth down with everything that's on it). 
• Think about things like low windows and wide holes in decks or between stairs. Electric cords and dangling cords from blinds are other potential hazards.
• Remove access to garbage cans or diaper pails.
• Create a safe space where the puppy can play without concern. A baby gate is a great way to separate a room without shutting the puppy behind a door. 
• We recommend that the garage and the bathrooms should be totally off-limits, at least when the puppy is young.

As the puppy gets older, smarter, and calmer, you will be able to relax most of these measures. For a full list of potential puppy proofing ideas, check out this site.

Finally it's time for the exciting moment when the puppy comes home for the first time. Remember that this can be scary and stressful for your new baby, so be patient and don't overwhelm them with too much all at once. Walk them around the house and give them lots of love and attention. Plan for them to sleep near you on the first few nights.

In all the excitement, don't forget to take care of important details for the puppy's health and safety. Call your vet as soon as the puppy is home and make an appointment for a check up. And purchase a dog tag that has your information on it, just in case the puppy is separated from you.

Over the first couple of days, you will get to know your puppy's personality and they will become more comfortable in your home. Problems like whining at night and nervous behavior should subside during this point. Now it's time to think about potty training, obedience training, and proper socialization.

And finally, enjoy this time and the new addition to your family.

Wordless Wednesday - Puppies!!

*this litter will be available for adoption soon!*

 

 

Puppy Love Pt I: Pros and Cons

HSEC puppies!

Puppies. The word conjures big eyes, wiggly tails, soft ears, and, of course, fuzziness. Puppies are an adorable package of enthusiastic love, which is one reason why they tend to get adopted more readily than older dogs.

But is a puppy the best pet for you? This week we'll take a look at adopting puppies. Part I will feature the pros and cons of choosing a puppy over an adult dog. Part II will describe how to get your home ready for a new puppy and the responsibilities of puppy ownership. It's a whole week of puppy cuteness, so let's get started!

Puppies can be great pets, but they aren't right for every household. Adopting a puppy is a big decision, so be sure to consider carefully before making this choice.

In order to become happy, well behaved adults, it's important for puppies to be socialized correctly, and it is easier to cultivate good habits in a puppy than it is to attempt to undo an adult's poor socialization. In some cases, adult dogs may already have some bad habits that can be difficult to break. But keep this in mind: your new puppy has to be socialized correctly - by you! That's a significant commitment, and improper socialization can result in a dog that is fearful or unpredictable. Many adult dogs waiting for homes have already been properly socialized and will be able to fit seamlessly into the environment of your home.

Another reason to adopt a puppy is that a young animal is more trainable than an older one. However, just like socialization, you are the one who must train your puppy. Many adults are already housebroken and some will have obedience training as well.

It may be true that a puppy can be raised to fit a particular lifestyle, but it's also true that an existing lifestyle may not have room for a puppy. Puppies are cute! But they will chew things. They will have potty accidents. They will make messes. That's not to say that adult dogs don't do all those things. But adults will already have some good habits and most likely will be over the worst of the destructive and energetic phases that make life with a puppy so unpredictable.

Chutney checks things out

And the puppy's behavior isn't the only unpredictable thing about it. With a puppy of unknown heritage, it's impossible to predict adult size, weight, or temperament. And that can be really important in knowing how a dog will fit in with your family. It's exciting to see a puppy grow and mature. But if you want a dog to fill a particular niche - high energy, low energy, big, small, etc - an adult is your best bet.

Then finally, there are two more really good reasons to choose an adult over a puppy. Adult dogs are less likely to be adopted. And they will love you just as much.

Does that mean that an adult dog is always the best choice? Not at all. For experienced dog owners, raising a puppy can be a rewarding and joyful experience. Keep in mind that just like any adoption, a puppy is for life.

Is a puppy right for you? In Part II, we'll discuss making your house ready for a puppy and what to do once the puppy is home!

Wordless Wednesday - Snickers

Cat Scratch Fever

by Beau Dove

My friend just got the cutest little kitten and I have to admit that I have never been more scared of something that small in my life. The little rascal pounces, scratches, and bites! What may be considered playful behavior in to others, seems more like malicious acts of terror towards me. Despite the fear that is invoked, I have been very welcoming and understanding of this little curious companion. 

Since this is a house cat, I have come to terms with a certain amount of pent up energy it strives to release on house visitors. Sometimes the little cutie will even hop into my lap and purr for a pet and some much needed attention. That is, until “OUCH” the claws come out and pierce right though my pant legs! As much as I want to be mad at the cat, I can’t hold her responsible. These animals need to stretch out their claws and keep them sharp. A lot of house cat owners only look at the claws as a nuisance and will have the cat declawed. Yes, this will keep them from scratching everything in sight (visitors, couches, walls, pillows, shoes, etc.) but I believe that the easy way out can lead to a huge disadvantage for the cat’s well-being.

Here are a few alternative ways to keep your ferocious feline from tearing apart your furniture and your skin.

Designated scratch areas
Having a designated scratch area will help with the cure the need for claw sharpening in an appropriate manner. Most cat owners have some sort of scratch post or scratch box set up for their feline friends. After doing some research, no one scratch object stands out above the rest… the only trick is making sure the cat understands that they the scratch tool is their sole area allotted for using those sharp claws. Spread scratching posts throughout the house to make sure that there is one whenever the need strikes.

Discouragment
There are a few tricks you can use to discourage scratching on your favorite items. Try double-sided tape or aluminum foil. Both of these are not nice for the cat's claws. Cats also dislike citrus smells, so a bit of scent can help keep your house cat out of a particular area. There are even products like softpaws that fit over the claw like a cap and are intended to stop scratching from happening. Keep claws clipped short so that destruction is kept to a minimum.

Use your authority
Personally, I find it much easier to discipline a dog versus their cat counterparts. Despite this feeling, you must still set the rules for a house cat… especially when your furniture is in jeopardy. My friend with the kitten mentioned above uses a squirt bottle to teach her about the boundaries. Now the cat has a much better idea of what is for scratching and what is off limits. If you are without a squirt bottle or just believe that squirting their cute faces is a wrongful act, then a sharp and distinct tone like “NO!” seems to suit.

Block off the fragile
I see child gates in dog owner’s houses all the time. Obviously, this will not work for high jumping cats but closing them off while you are out of the house by using doors. Non cat owners do not know of the destruction that an unsupervised house cat can create during the owner’s absence. Simply guarding a house cat from the temptation can be your best bet at keeping furniture in tip top shape!

Bottom line, cats need to scratch, and it's unrealistic to expect them to stop this activity. So provide them with a scratching alternative, discourage them from attacking your precious possessions, discipline them if they do, and finally, eliminate the potential for destruction by removing the cat's access to your favorite things.

Foster Tails - Precious and Mystic

Living in a cage is not a long-term solution for homeless pets, and we’re grateful to be able to call on a group of dedicated foster volunteers who open their hearts and homes to provide TLC and a cage break to animals in need.

Three year-old Precious is a kitty who’s currently enjoying life in a foster home.  This solid black beauty came to us when her human became too ill to care for her, and she spent much of her time lying in her cage.  Friendly and delighted to be petted, Precious soaks up love like a sponge, and will be an ideal pet for someone looking for affection and devotion.

“Precious is really enjoying all the new space,” reports her foster mom.  She’s been exploring the house, and was happy to join her temporary human in bed.  A bit chubby, Precious is running up and down stairs and chasing her little toy balls, becoming a bit more svelte in the process.  She loves being brushed, and is all spiffed up and ready to go to her forever home, where she can be the Precious kitty once more. 

Described by her foster mom as “pretty close to perfect”, Mystic is a sleek black retriever mix with just a touch of white on her chest.  She’s a dog of many talents:  a laid-back gal who enjoys being near her humans, as well as a playful pup who loves to walk and play fetch.   Mystic is also a bright girl who’s housebroken and knows sit, lay, stay, and come.   She’s not a barker, and can even catch treats in the air!

Mystic has forgiven the circumstances that brought her to us, and loves people and dogs.  She has blossomed in a home, and is hoping to find one of her own very soon.  She’s willing to bring a lifetime of love and fun in return.  Her foster mom sums it up perfectly:  “All in all, she will make someone or some family very happy.”

We would love to see Precious and Mystic move directly from their foster homes to their forever homes.  To visit with them, contact us at 252-413-7247 or hsecgeneral@gmail.com and we’ll arrange a visit at the foster home or in our Tupper Road facility.  Please share their story to help them find the love they deserve!

I Found A Stray... Now What?

You found a stray by the side of the road. It's cute, and hungry, and homeless.

Now what?

Step One: Accepting Responsibility

Before taking action, keep this in mind: do not pick up a stray cat or dog unless you are willing to take on full responsibility for that animal. You should be prepared to provide food, shelter, and veterinary care for the animal if needed.

HSEC does not accept strays for two reasons. Lost pets are best returned to their owners through a central agency or location, which in our community is the animal shelter. Also, North Carolina law mandates that strays must be held for at least 72 hours, to give their owners time to locate them, and HSEC does not have the space or resources to provide these stray periods. (70% of our intake does come from PCAS, so we do get strays in a roundabout way.)

The Pitt County Animal Shelter (which is not a no-kill organization) will accept strays, but they may not have immediate available space. Facilities have limited space and sometimes all kennels are already full with strays waiting out that 72 hour hold. This occurs at Pitt County Animal Shelter about one day a week on average.

That means the little guy may have to crash with you for a while. And if he needs veterinary attention, you will be expected to pay for it (except scanning for a microchip, which is free). If you are not willing to take care of the animal, then the best thing you can do is call animal control (in Pitt County, 252-902-1725) and leave the animal where it is.  It may simply be lost and trying to find its way home. Please, don't involve yourself unless you are going to take full responsibility for the animal.

Step Two: Retrieve the Animal Safely

Evaluate the situation and determine if you can safely retrieve the animal. If they appear aggressive or unfriendly, are acting strangely, or are in an unsafe environment (the middle of the highway, the top of a tree), you may be unable to collect the animal in a way that is safe for you and for them. Animal Control is an excellent option if you are concerned about your ability to safely take control of the stray.

Step Three: Spread the Word

Sometimes people wait weeks or even months to contact HSEC after finding a stray. All strays should be treated as lost pets! Those who have had a missing pet will tell you that it is a terrible experience. Act quickly and do your best to find the owner. Don't assume the owner is negligent or uncaring. Even the best loved pets can sneak through an open door or slip out of a leash.

• Make the first call to the local Animal Control to see if anyone has reported an animal missing matching the description of your found animal, and leave a description with them so they can contact you.  
• Contact local vets, especially those near the location where the pet was recovered. They may even recognize the animal.
• Put up signs, concentrating on the area where the animal was found. (This is particularly important for cats. Dogs may roam widely, but lost cats won't generally move out of the area where they became lost). This site has good suggestions for how to make signs easily visible. Make sure you include your contact information on the sign. Consider making a large sign to put in your own yard that can be seen by owners if they are driving around looking for their pet.
• Contact your local newspaper. For Greenville, that's the Daily Reflector. Lost and found animals are listed in the Sunday paper. 
• Take advantage of social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Craigslist are great places to spread the word. People love to help, so ask them to share. Maybe someone on your friends list knows the owner!

Don't assume the owner will find you, actively work as well to find them. Have the lost pet scanned for a microchip. This can be done at any vet or shelter for free and can instantly connect the critter to its home. Look for lost posters that match your new little friend, and check out the local paper as well as Craigslist and other local lost/found posting areas.

When you describe the pet, include details like where it was found and whether it was found with a collar or tags. If the animal is mixed breed, be careful in your description. If your flier describes the dog as a lab, but the owner considers the dog to be a hound, they may not call. We've seen it happen! Use coat length, coat color, eye color, ears (floppy, pointed), tail (fluffy, missing, docked, curly), and unique markings. Take the time to get a few good photos and include these in your posters and in social media outreach.

Step Four: If No One Comes Forward...

If you can't find the owner, it is time to make a final decision about the pet's future. Perhaps your family is in a position to welcome a new addition. You may choose also to leave the stray at the Animal Shelter.

Or you may wish to wait until a space becomes available at HSEC. It is important to understand that there is no process for HSEC to accept strays. You will be acting as the animal's owner and must abide by all requirements of the surrender process. There is no guarantee that we will accept the animal. In order to begin the process of surrendering to HSEC, fill out and submit an owner surrender form (available through our website). All surrendered animals must have up-to-date vaccination records, including a rabies certificate. Prior to admission, the pet will be evaluated for health and temperament. The surrender fee is $50.

Finally, you may choose to take on the task of rehoming the animal yourself. This may be a less stressful experience for the pet than going through any animal welfare organization.


If you choose to take on the responsibility of a stray, we thank you for helping an animal in need!

Other good resources on this topic include The Humane Society of the United States and Missing Pet Partnership

Happy Halloween!

Originally posted on 10/30/2011.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Howl-O-Ween event and helped to make it such a success!

Keeping your animals safe during Halloween requires just a bit of extra forethought. But by following these thirteen easy and common-sense suggestions, you can make sure that Halloween is fun and stress-free for every member of your family.

1. Many children can be frightened by overly friendly dogs, and the door opening and closing provides a great opportunity for curious pets to slip outside. Unless they are extremely well behaved, don’t allow your pets to come to the door with you. Instead, keep your dogs and cats in a quiet, secure room with food, water, litter, toys, and a comfortable place to relax.

2. If the sound of the doorbell is frightening or stimulating to your dog, consider taping a sign over your doorbell asking trick-or-treaters to knock instead.


3. Urban legends suggest that cats - and black cats specifically - are in danger of being targeted by violence during late October. In reality, the risk of increased danger has been exaggerated. However, it certainly won’t harm your indoor/outdoor cats to be kept inside around Halloween. Most cats won’t be thrilled to be outside amidst the chaos of trick-or-treating anyway.


4. Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, due to the presence of Theobromine and, to a lesser extent, caffeine. Both compounds are stimulants that can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death. Keep candy bowls out of your animals’ reach and make sure your kids’ goody bags are also untouchable. Some components of sugar-free candies are toxic as well. If your pet has ingested something and you’re in doubt about whether or not it’s safe, call your vet.


5. Decorative corn and pumpkins can also cause stomach upset if consumed, and these decorations should be kept in areas where your pets can’t access them.


6. Animals should be supervised around decorations. Ensure that your pets aren’t nibbling on wires or other trimmings. Do not leave animals alone with lit candles.


7. Having a party? It’s always a good idea to keep your pets out of the action in the same quiet room described above.


8. This is an obvious one, but do not feed pets alcohol or other intoxicants.

9. Pet costumes are adorable! But before you take your dog out on the town, try on the costume and make sure that it’s comfortable for your pet. And if your animal really doesn’t want to wear it, don’t force them. 


10. While your pet is wearing a costume, keep an eye on them to make sure that they are safe - that they aren’t eating the costume, that they can see properly, and that they remain comfortable. If in doubt, take it off.


11. Some dogs will love to come trick-or-treating, while some will not enjoy the fuss and commotion. If your dog accompanies you, they should be properly leashed and should act like good citizens - no barking or jumping on kids.


12. It’s a good idea to have reflective patches on your children’s costumes so that cars can see them. Similarly, put reflective patches on your dog’s harness, collar, or leash if they come trick-or-treating with you.


13. Whether they are staying inside or coming along, dogs and cats should all wear proper identification with your contact information, just in case they wander off. Take this opportunity to look into ID microchips as well. This is a tiny electronic ID inserted under the pet’s skin. They are relatively cheap, painless, and can can help reunite you with your pet if they become lost. Ask your vet for more info about ID microchips.




And don’t forget to have fun! Happy Halloween from HSEC!

Pitt Partners

"What does it matter if your shelter is no-kill if your community is still euthanizing?"

That was the question asked of HSEC's executive director, Callie Richardson, at a conference last year. At HSEC, we pride ourselves on our commitment to operating as a no-kill shelter, where residents are euthanized only in rare cases of extreme aggression or extreme illness or injury.

But as a whole, Eastern North Carolina has a very high euthanasia rate, and Pitt County is no exception. HSEC is not above or beyond this problem just because we are a no-kill shelter. We can work to lower euthanasia rates, but we can't do it alone.

Luckily, we don't have to. In December 2011 HSEC joined the Pitt County Animal Shelter and Spay Today to formally create the Pitt Partners, an inter-agency collaboration dedicated to reducing the euthanasia rate in our community.

This decision was spurred by what initially seemed like a lost opportunity. In 2011 the three groups applied jointly for an ASPCA grant that targets funds to lower county euthanasia rates. The grant's goal is to see a 72% live release rate - right now, our county figure is below 50%. Live release includes adoption, return to owner, and transfer to a no-kill rescue.

We came very close to receiving the grant money, but finished as the first runner up. The experience of applying for the grant forged a partnership between the three groups that none wanted to give up. In 2012, Pitt Partners began to meet monthly. By working together, we will work to combat the single biggest killer of cats and dogs: overpopulation.

Pitt Partners is committed to effective spay and neuter campaigns and other operations to stop overpopulation in Pitt County. As part of this initiative, HSEC has changed its intake policy so that 70% of our intake comes from local shelters, especially Pitt County Animal Shelter. 30% of our intake is surrender by the owner. Instead of assisting several nearby counties, we have changed our focus so that Pitt County is at the top of our priority list.

Sometimes different animal welfare groups within a community can feel like they are competing against each other. But we all have one goal, and the animals are far better served if we work together.

Our first fundraiser is the Howl-O-Ween fall festival this Sunday at Alice F. Keene park from 2-5pm. We have inside activities planned in case of bad weather, so please stop by and help us work towards our goal...

Until they all have a home.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - A Cat's Life

Pretty calico Sadie (AKA Butterscotch) lies in the sun. Her new brother Mr Oreo is the handsome black and white cat. Sadie was adopted in March by the Carter family, who drove all the way from Charlotte to get her! She took a little while to adjust, but now, as you can see, she's a part of the family. Read about her hoarding tendencies on the family's blog here.

HOWL-O-WEEN!

Gather all your wee ghosties and goblins! HOWL-O-WEEN is coming!

When: Sunday, October 28th, 2-5 PM
Where: Alice F. Keene Park, 4561 County Home Rd, Greenville

What: a fall carnival and fundraiser benefiting HSEC and the Pitt County Animal Shelter. Our first joint fundraiser! Get up to the minute information on our Facebook event page.

The pet costume contest is our featured event, taking place at 3:00. We will pick a winner from the categories Best Couple (animal/human or animal/animal), Most Creative, Scariest, and Funniest. Registration for the contest begins at 2:00 and is 5$ per entry. Each winner receives a prize, so get those costumes ready to go!

Looking for a deal? Check out our pet supplies yard sale (new and gently used items). Then swing by the silent auction, where you can bid on services like a 30 minute massage certificate from Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness, 2 nights boarding at the "Five Paw" Hoffman Haus Pet Resort and 4 football tickets to the ECU/Houston game, among others!

We'll have plenty of activities for kids as well, including color-your-own trick or treat bags, and paint-your-own photo frames. Put those frames to good use with a visit to the photobooth by Funpoochfoto. Spaces for the booth are limited, so if you want to reserve a spot, be sure to register online ahead of time. Check out photographer Ana Maria Hernandez-Barrios' Howl-o-Ween Pinterest page for costume and picture inspiration.

Vendors and businesses in attendance will include Faithful Friends Veterinary Hospital, New Levels Dog Training, Tenth Street Animal Hospital, Critter Creations by Betty, East Carolina Veterinary Service, Banfield Pet Hospital, Loreta's Frozen Yogurt (with free doggie fro-yo samples!!), and MORE!

If you're hungry after all that fun, stop by our bake sale. Interested in donating items to the bake sale? Contact hsecgeneral@gmail.com

We want to help keep your pets safe. Spay Today will provide a microchipping service for $25 dollars. If your pet is ever lost, this chip can help bring them home. Check out our post on microchipping for more information.

And of course, we'll have plenty of adorable, adoptable pets at the adoption stand. Dogs from HSEC and Great Dane Rescue Alliance will be there hoping to meet their forever family. If you're looking for a new addition to your home, you might just fall in love. For every HSEC adoption, we will transfer one animal from Pitt County Animal Shelter.

Are you excited yet? We are! We can't wait to see you there!

Wordless Wednesday - Caption Me!

Help us caption this picture! Leave us a message telling us what you think this little cutie is saying.

Foster Tails - Diane and Blue

Animals at the Humane Society are well cared for, with lots of TLC from the staff and volunteers.  But it’s still not home.  Some of our temporary guests just don’t do well at the facility, and that’s where our group of compassionate foster parents come in.  These volunteers open their homes to cats and dogs in need of a little extra attention, and we’d love to see these deserving animals go from their foster homes to their forever homes. Here are the stories of two of our waiting pets.

Diane
Diane is a four year old black and white cat who was brought to us by an owner who had “too many cats”.  She was often too nervous to come out of her box at the Humane Society, but blossomed in her foster home.  Her foster mom reports, “She's completely settled at the apartment now and I feel like she's my shadow whenever I'm here because as soon as I get home she runs to the door to greet me and she's always following me from room to room.”

Diane loves her toys, especially a stuffed mouse that she throws into the air and chases.  She’s become quite the talker, and loves sitting by the window, watching the world go by while she is safe indoors.  She sleeps with her foster mom, and rubs against her legs with her purr motor running. 
In her cage, Diane was such a scaredy-cat that she was easy to overlook, but now that she’s in a home, she’s a loving, playful kitty who loves to be loved.  She has told us that she does not want to go back to a cage, but really wants a home of her own. 

Blue
Blue, a pit bull mix, has had a rough life, but is a survivor who’s ready to experience a lifetime of love.  In May, a car drove up to the Humane Society, pushed Blue out, and sped off.   Clearly in a lot of pain, Blue was immediately taken to the vet, where he was found to have several broken bones – one was the humerus, the long bone that connects the shoulder to the forearm – and the other was his tail, which had to be amputated.

After spending eight weeks in a splint, and many costly vet visits later, Blue has healed.  He was fortunate to find a foster mom who’s an athletic trainer and worked on his rehabilitation.  He loves to run and go for long walks.  Despite his cruel treatment, he’s a people dog, and would do great with any age humans.  He loves to cuddle, and is happy to join his foster mom on the couch or in her bed.  He’s made friends easily at the dog park, and would do well with a doggy sibling.

Blue’s hobbies include playing catch, tennis balls, ice cubes, sunbathing, and chasing bugs.  His foster mom reports, “He is perfectly crate trained, all I have to do is tell him to go to his home and he'll go lay down in his crate.”  

We’re hoping the next step in Blue’s journey is home, where he can continue to run and play as he so deserves.  He’d love to meet you, either at his foster home or at the HSEC facility!

What's Next for the Blog?

Thanks for everyone who entered our first giveaway! With the help of a random number generator, we've selected a winner.

And appropriately enough, the number that came up was number 1! Congratulations to Lynette Weaver, the first commenter to correctly identify our muddy resident as Tom. Lynette, you can stop by our facility to claim your prize. How exciting!

It's Tom!

Tom is a young male with a gorgeous brindled coat, who loves chasing balls (and maybe also digging a hole from time to time). Come visit Tom during our public hours, Friday-Sunday 2-5.

We're proud of what we've accomplished so far on the blog, but we have no intentions to rest on our laurels. We want to hear from you - what do you like about the blog? What do you want to see more of? Complete our poll, and maybe even leave us a suggestion in the comments. We want this space to be one of your primary sources of HSEC news, and a solid resource for information about animal welfare, health, and happiness.

What are your favorite kinds of blog posts? 

Happy Birthday To Us!

Hold onto your hats, folks! The HSEC blog is turning ONE! October 11th is the one-year anniversary of our very first post.

Since that day, we've put up more than 100 posts and received more than 26,000 hits! And we're just getting started. In the next year, you can look forward to more content that keeps you informed about HSEC and addresses common questions and problems relating to pet care.

We couldn't have done this without you. So for our birthday party, we're going to be giving the gifts.

We're excited to announce our first HSEC blog giveaway! Our lucky winner will receive this prize pack full of HSEC goodies:

Here's how you can win! Take a good long look at this photo of a current HSEC resident...

Post a comment with the resident's name - you can compare and contrast with the pictures on our Petfinder page.

The contest will be open until 12:00 noon on Friday, October 12. Now closed! We will use a random number generator to choose a comment, and if your comment has the correct name, you win!

The fine print:

• One entry per person, please. 
• You must come to the HSEC facility in Greenville to pick up your prize - sorry, out-of-towners!
• HSEC staff are not eligible to win.

The giveaway is now closed.
Thanks for entering!