PDF Mama Mia! Do We Have Mamas! Rescuing Pets from Kill Shelters

Mama Mia! Do We Have Mamas!

Summer 2013, Vol. 14, Issue 1

Rescuing Pets from Kill Shelters

Every Sunday and Wednesday, Heartland Humane Society receives an e-mail list of adorable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs who are at risk of being euthanized if they are not adopted or rescued by their release date. This list comes from a shelter that has a high kill rate. Heartland, along with several other dedicated rescues, has been able to save many of these animals this year. However we are to the point where we cannot take any more unless we find homes for the ones that are currently in our care.

Ashlynne is one such kitty. She came from a shelter in April and obviously was someone's pet at some point. She is very sweet and loves attention from people, but she can be a bit bossy with other cats so she would do best in a home where she can be the only kitty.

Nellie, a darling Whippet mix dog was also rescued by Heartland after her owners surrendered her. She is very loving and gives gentle kisses, but she can be a bit shy in new situations until she warms up.

Micah is another example. We rescued him, along with several kitty

friends, just days before they were to be put down. He is an awesome kitty and loves everyone that he meets, including other cats.

It is very frustrating and emotionally draining to know that there are animals out there you cannot save, especially when you visit a kill shelter and see their faces. Their images are imprinted on our minds for a very long time. It's difficult to not become burned out sometimes, but we keep trudging on because saving even one animal's life makes all the difference in the world to that one animal. And nothing is more rewarding than seeing the gratitude and happiness on the faces of the pets that we have helped.

That is exactly why spaying and neutering your pets is so important! Millions of innocent cats and dogs die needlessly every year because their owners failed them.

Equally as important is adopting your next pet from a shelter or rescue group rather than buying them from a breeder or pet store. There are so many wonderful pets out there, many of which are purebred,

(Continued on page 5)

Nellie

Ashlynne

Micah

Every rescue group has the same challenges with adult fosters. Everyone wants to adopt cute puppies and kittens, while we struggle to find permanent placement for older dogs and cats. We take in pregnant critters and unwanted/abandoned adults, patiently waiting for the right prospective adopter to come along. And we wait, and wait, and wait!

We have had adult dogs and cats waiting for several

years for the love of a family to make them whole.

Many of these critters are outgoing and friendly. Some have the curse of being black, and many are shy and just need a little time and patience to adjust. Others simply need a special food or simple accommodation to be the perfect pet, while quite a few of these critters just want to be an only pet.

Padme: Two years and still waiting!

Kitten and puppy season is upon us and we are filling up with pregnant mamas, knowing full well their offspring will be adopted almost as soon as they are weaned--but we will be challenged to find homes for the mamas! Foster homes need to be patient, but sometimes the frustration gets to us! Please consider not just adopting the puppy or kitten but their mamas as well!

--Cheri L., HHS volunteer

View Heartland's available dogs and cats at Thank you, Eric, for our award winning website!

 Heartland Humane Society Page 2

A Message From the President

I am so happy to share news of a success story that took years to happen. Degan was one of our longest fosters. This big black lab/pit mix waited years for a home of her own. Due to her size, color and breed, she was overlooked time and time again while other dogs were adopted. Well, Degan finally got her chance and is now in her own home! Nothing could quite describe our feelings when we received an email showing pictures of Degan happily lying on the couch and playing with toys in the yard with her new family. Her new family tells how happy she is and how much she enjoys giving kisses. Seeing Degan so happy after such a long wait in foster care is the best payback we could ever ask for.

Rescue is a bittersweet job. There are times when you become so angry and disappointed in mankind as you look into the scared eyes of an animal and know how some people treat them. Then you forget that anger as the animals quickly forgive mankind for the abuses and neglect they may have suffered and gaze at you with love and gratefulness for rescuing them. Nothing can compare with the happiness we feel when we get to let them go to a loving and happy home.

Lori Hawkins, President,

Heartland Humane Society of Missouri

Heartland Humane Society of Missouri

P.O. Box 113, O'Fallon MO 63366

(636) 922-0569

Officers Exec. Director: Julie Bauman

President: Lori Hawkins Vice President: Gina Gingerich

Treasurer: Cheri Lynch

Staff Volunteers: Barb Bolesta Newsletter: Joyce Cummings E-newsletter: Julie Bauman Website : Eric Goldstein Luv-A-Pet Coordinator: Cheri Lynch

Consulting Veterinarians The Pet Doctor,

O 'Fallon, Missouri--636/561-9122

Bridgeton Animal Hospital, Bridgeton, Missouri--314/291-7220

McCauley Animal Clinics New Melle, Mo.--636/398-5566 and Weldon Springs, Mo.--636/300-0200

Animal Medical Center Wentzville, Mo.--636/332-4411

O'Fallon, Mo. PetSmart (636/281-3114) Dogs and cats are available for adoption on

Saturdays--11:00 am to 4:00 pm Sundays--11:00 am to 2:00 pm Dogs/Puppies: $175.00 Includes new friend/family member, spay/neuter, heartworm check and preventative, rabies vaccination (if 4 months or older), DHPP vaccination, Bordetella vaccination, de-worming, Frontline Topspot flea and tick preventative, collar, Heartland tag, pet health record, microchip, and free bag of Science Diet food.

Cats/Kittens: Kittens, 6 months and under--$125. Declawed cats under 5 years old-- $125. Cats, 7 months to 5 years--$110. Cats over 5 years--$80. Cat/ kitten adoptions include new friend/family member, spay/neuter, leukemia/FIV test, de-worming, rabies vaccination (if 4 months or older), FVRCP and FeLV vaccinations, Frontline flea/tick treatment, safety collar, Heartland tag, pet health record, microchip, and free bag of Science Diet food.

Visit Heartland's cats and kittens seven days a week at the Luv-A-Pet Adoption Center in PetSmart (O'Fallon, Missouri)

Heartland Humane Society has made it a policy to maintain a private mailing list that will not be sold to anyone. While we are always in need of funds, the privacy of our friends is also important.

Mission Statement Heartland Humane Society of Missouri is a 501(c)3 non-profit group of dedicated foster homes that gives abandoned, abused, and unwanted animals another chance for a loving, permanent home through our adoption program. We reduce pet overpopulation in our community through collaboration with veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, supportive individuals, and organizations by providing affordable spay/neuter procedures and humane education. Heartland Humane Society of Missouri is funded by adoption fees, donations, fundraising events, grants and tributes.

It's Bake Sale Time!

What's better than a tasty baked treat? Getting your sweet tooth fix AND helping animals in need! Heartland is once again holding summer bake sales at Schnucks stores to help raise funds for our foster critters. We have cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, bread and even homemade dog biscuits. We also welcome volunteers to bake for our sales. If interested, contact 636-922-0569. But hurry! We only have one summer bake sale left:

Saturday, August 3: Wentzville Schnucks, Wentzville, MO.

Heartland Humane Society Page 3

Heartland's biggest fundraiser of the year is coming this fall--Trivia Night 2013 will highlight our fall activities and fun! Watch for date, location and other details in our e-newsletter, "Heartland Chronicles," or visit our website at hhsrescueorg. Then join us for a great trivia game, silent auction, raffles and good fun as we raise medical funds for our rescued dogs and cats.

"Whiskers and Wine" Event

Calling all wine enthusiasts! Heartland Humane Society will be teaming up with Rendezvous Caf? & Wine Bar () in OFallon for a wine and hor d'oeuvres tasting event on Thursday, October 24, at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $25 per person and include a tasting of 5 wine selections and light appetizers. A silent auction and 50/50 raffle will also be available. A portion of the sales from this event will go toward helping our adoptable cats and dogs. Please contact Julie at 314/497-1329 or e-mail juliebauman727@ for more information or to reserve your seats today!

Meet Jasper--Special Needs Maine Coon Mix Jasper is a beautiful 6-year-old black and white Maine Coon mix. He was dumped at a kill shelter as a very sick kitty, and his former owner did not let anyone know he was a diabetic cat and needed daily insulin shots! Maine Coons are larger kitties, and Jasper only weighed five pounds when his foster mommy rescued him. She worked hard at getting him healthy again and in the process figured out he needed medical treatment. As you can see from his picture, Jasper is a healthy, happy kitty now! He takes his Lantus shots twice a day, and only gives mom grief if she takes too long. He weighs around 13 lbs., which is where he should be. Jasper loves to be brushed and sits in your lap. He gives lovely kitty hugs and purrs to let you know how much he cares. His foster mom has no idea what terrible things he's been through in life, but he has a serious fright of dogs. So he cannot be adopted to a home with dogs. Jasper does well with other kitties, especially the girls and docile males. Please consider giving Jasper a forever home!

 Heartland Humane Society Page 4

Special Needs Dogs and Cats

.

Dellie: Gray torbie, brown

markings. Dellie is missing

left rear foot but she has

developed a callus and

gets around fine. Loves

brushing, nuzzling and

cuddling. Best as only cat

in a quiet home. 2 yrs.

Shawn: Shepherd mix, 6 yrs., 60 lbs. Very wellmannered while walking on a leash. A happy dog with a big smile. Doesn't show well at PetSmart, so is advertised on our website and has waited a long time for his home!

Rosie: 4 yrs., 34 lbs. Loves people and loves riding in the car! Rosie is house trained. However, she is terrified of storms so will need an understanding family who will occasionally let her hide in the closet.

Charlie: 5 yrs., 8 lbs. Was heartworm positive, but has been treated and cured and is anxious to meet his new family! Likes dogs, ignores cat. Loves toys, treats and cuddling. Chihuahua mix.

Schey: Schey came from a hoarding situation and is fearful and skittish, but when his foster mom touches him, he melts like butter. Loves brushing. Needs a calm, quiet and patient home. A male owner is a plus.

Zoey: 12 years old but young at heart! Zoey is a gorgeous, vivacious and high-strung princess. No other animals or kids, as she wants the spotlight. Loves brushing and petting. Starving for your attention! Maine Coon mix.

Neeko: Aussie/Corgi mix, 5 yrs., 20 lbs. Neeko is shy when he meets you but warms up as he gains trust. He has become a sweet, friendly dog in his foster home. Loves toys, treats.

Minnie: 5 yr. old female boxer, 45 lbs. Minnie has a dry eye that just needs over-the-counter drops. Other than that, she is in perfect health. Pretty black and white coat. Loves her toys and is house trained.

Jack: Shih Tzu, 5 yrs., very friendly, happy little dog. Owner going into hospital and wife couldn't care for him. Jack knows basic obedience training, currently enrolled in agility classes. Great companion.

Jamie Lee: This kitty is from Farmington, MO and was surrendered because her owner was entering a skilled nursing facility. Jamie Lee will hiss and scream at seeing other critters so there was no way extended family could acclimate her into their homes with other pets! Jamie Lee does not act aggressive--just makes a lot of noise! She is 5 years old, front declawed and had her teeth cleaned by our vet. Did I mention she is deaf? 80% of pure white kitties with blue eyes are completely deaf. Jamie Lee appears to be a Persian mix and is soft as silk She is quite affectionate and loves brushing, back scratching, canned food and a comfy bed, but her days of rowdy play are gone. She is very quiet, calm and an excellent companion. Jamie Lee is eager to find a new best friend!

 Heartland Humane Society Page 5

FIV is Not a Death Sentence -- The Myths About FIV

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a lentivirus which moves very slowly and eventually weakens a cat's immune system. It is thought to be transmitted from cat to cat through deep bite wounds, rather than by casual contact. FIV cannot be passed to humans or other animals. Cats with FIV can live long, healthy lives. Many live well into their teens. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners guidelines, euthanasia should not be based on whether or not a cat tests positive. Consult your veterinarian for more information if you plan to own an FIV cat.

Myth: If my cat tests FIV+, that means he/she has the FIV virus. Fact: False positives are very common in FIV tests. It is recommended that results be confirmed using a second type of FIV test. Keep in mind that cats who have been vaccinated for FIV will forever test positive. An FIV+ mother will have kittens that test positive for the first few months of life, but very few of these kittens will still test positive after they reach six months of age.

Myth: FIV+ cats cannot be good pets as they will be sick and have an early death. Fact: FIV tests determine presence of the virus, not presence of disease. FIV+ cats can live long, healthy lives. In some studies, many FIV- cats died from various sources while FIV+ cats lived longer. Many caring individuals adopt and successfully maintain FIV+ felines.

Myth: FIV cannot be cured. Fact: As yet, there is no cure for FIV. However, there is a new treatment called "TCyte" that works to improve the immune system in cats dealing with FIV and Feline Leukemia. Other research is in progress.

Emma: Emma was rescued from a high kill shelter when she was pregnant. She gave birth to 5 beautiful Manx-mix babies, soon to be available for adoption. Emma enjoys cuddling and will jump on your back if you let her. Very friendly, sweet and beautiful. Loves attention from people. Emma tested positive for the FIV virus.

Hank: Hank is a laid-back, 3- or 4-year-old orange tabby. His "personality plus" makes him an awesome companion. This gentle giant is a cuddle bug who gives head nuzzles to show how much he loves you. Hank should have many fine years ahead of him. Does fine with other pets and loves kids, too! Well behaved with excellent house manners. Hank has tested positive for FIV.

Alan: Alan is a 5-year-old orange tabby, very sweet and friendly. He was rescued off the streets of St. Louis in the Soulard neighborhood. Alan lived with several other cats in an abandoned house that was scheduled to be demolished, so efforts were made to trap the cats and place them with rescue groups. The house was on Alan Street, and that is how Alan got his name. Alan is FIV positive.

Wendy: Wendy is three years old, brown tabby on white, long-haired female, Norwegian Forest mix. She came to us from a kill shelter in St. Charles. She and her kitten were going to be put down, even though the kitten was only two weeks old. Then Heartland came to her rescue. Norwegian Forest cats are comfortable around humans and like to explore. Wendy is beautiful and playful. She tested positive for FIV.

Hank

Alan

Emma

Wendy

(Continued from Cover Page)

who need good homes and a chance at life.

It is also that time of year dreaded by all rescue groups--KITTEN SEASON! This year has been the worst by far in the

8-plus years that I have been doing rescue. The pleas for help are endless, especially from animal control shelters

where intake is a constant and cages are overflowing with stray and unwanted kittens and other pets. Sadly, many of

the pets at these shelters perish simply because there aren't enough cages or fosters to help them all.

Our fosters assist with as many local shelters as possible to alleviate overcrowding, but try as we might, we can't

save them all. Every Saturday, our devoted fosters load up their vehicles with cats and dogs and take them to adoption

venues in hopes that this day will be their lucky day. Sometimes our efforts pay off and we find the perfect home(s) for

our precious fur babies; but many times, we leave feeling discouraged and frustrated. Regardless, the need for rescues/

fosters does not stop despite slow adoptions.

-- Julie B., HHS Volunteer

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