Gulf Coast Humane Society
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Pet Talk

Volunteering for Those Faces

4/13/2015

1 Comment

 
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By

Alan Marshall Jr.


This week, April 12-18, is National Volunteer Week, so I was asked by staff why I volunteer at GCHS.  A simple question right back at you; Have You Seen Those Faces?!?!  The faces of hundreds of discarded pets behind the gates and windows at the shelter - dogs, cats, rabbits, Guinea pigs, and recently, even a very large pig named Wilbur.   

Yes, those beautiful, sometimes haunting, whiskered faces that deserve so much more from life.  The bright, wide eyed look of a weeks-old puppy or kitten, excitedly greeting this strange person in front of them, no suspicion, just eager to be accepted to live amongst us.  The sad eyes of a senior animal who, until recently, had spent his whole life with a single human or family.  But his world has been turned upside down, and now he lives at the shelter, yearning to find a new “forever” human.  The smile (yes, I truly believe dogs can smile!) of a one eyed dog, beaten so badly in her past life her other eye could not be saved.  But here, she smiles at me as I open her gate, looking forward to belly rubs, ball fetching, or just sitting in a lap that isn't quite big enough to hold her.  A fragile, disheveled little mutt, picked up off the street a hundred miles from here, and now all alone in a large run.  Large dark eyes a mile deep, trembling and cowering slightly, but all the while tail wagging as I reach for her to give her comfort.  For my simple effort, which is truly no effort at all, I receive quick little kisses on the nose from a darting tongue.  The stories are endless, but those faces are all right there.

 After being in law enforcement for almost thirty years, I thought I had seen the absolute worst, and occasionally, the best, of humans.  But in my time here at GCHS, I have seen the results of a different, very dark side of humanity.  One-time pets abandoned, abused, neglected and even maliciously tortured by the ones supposedly responsible for their care and protection.  Animals left on the side of the road, bloody, starving, waiting for death to ease their pain, animals set on fire, doused with acid, left tethered out in the elements without the least bit of attention so long their collars have become embedded in the skin of their necks, raw and oozing, or attacked so savagely at the hands of a human they have lost limbs, ears, eyes, and/or other body parts.  Acts so inhumane I cannot civilly discuss here what I wish to be the fate of those responsible. 

 But I have also learned that these animals are amazingly resilient, and that is where the Gulf Coast Humane Society comes in.  When my wife, Teresa, and I decided we wanted to help animals in distress, we researched a few local shelters on the Web.  We visited GCHS first and almost immediately decided we needed to look no further.  We were impressed with how the staff and volunteers were so focused on the welfare of all the creatures under their care, with the daily ritual of cleaning, feeding, medicating, and socializing of so many animals, and the great efforts these people went through to raise money for this non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those society has failed.  The people who work at GCHS, the administrators, the doctors, the clinic and kennel techs (Luckey, you're THE MAN!), and the support staff all exude a love for these animals that is contagious to anyone who sees fit to spend a little time there.  With all that I have seen in this world, I know that these people, these extremely humane humans, are some of the best of society, deserving a special place in heaven when it is their turn to pass over the rainbow bridge.

 Due to the efforts of this team, I have witnessed animals come back from almost certain death to be virtually guaranteed to, one day, find their forever home. I have had dogs who had previously been physically abused or used as bait dogs by humans almost knock me down in their excitement to see me and be with me, if only for a short time each visit.  I have seen animals whose legs had to be amputated running, playing and enjoying life mere weeks after surgery.  These simple animals hold no grudges, no longer fear what some humans are capable of.  Some of them need help with social skills, but their recoveries and attitudes are nothing short of miraculous.  GCHS is a no-kill shelter, so it could be days, weeks, months, or even years, but eventually, that special day comes, their human walks in the door.  It's that face!  That expression!  That look!  Strangers, biped/quadruped, instantly become lifelong friends, buddies, pals.        

 So there you have it, I volunteer at GCHS for of a selfish reason...I get to see those fantastic, excited, pitiful, playful, scarred, smiling, furry faces every time I do.



1 Comment

Plan for your Pets

4/8/2015

0 Comments

 
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By Robin Griffiths, Development Director

Planning for your pet’s safety requires different measures depending on the type of emergency.  The plan may be from a brief absence from home to a permanent evacuation.  So planning ahead will help to ensure your pets comfort and protection. 

There are several steps you can take based on the ASPCA disaster preparedness to be ready for a hurricane emergency.  First and foremost do not leave your pets behind.  Remember that if it isn’t safe for you it isn’t safe for your pets. It is important to plan for a safe haven and remember that not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets.  Check on local shelter policies and contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.  Identify lodging outside of your immediate area that accepts pets and remember to think about friends and relatives in those same areas.   Don’t forget to plan ahead in case you are not at home by making arrangements with friends or relatives that are near your immediate area.  This emergency caretaker would have a key to your home and be familiar with your pet and where you keep your disaster supply kit. Have a specified location preplanned for them to meet you in the event of evacuation. 

While you are arranging your personal family emergency kit you also need to pack a kit for your pet.  Supplies would include pet food, a first-aid kit, feeding dishes, photocopies of their up to date medical records with current vaccinations and ID tags.   Also remember pet meds, extra collar, harness and extra leash.  Bottled water for your pet, blanket, toys, litter, disposable trays and scoop are also important.  When planning you need to think about your pet and what you need and use daily. Acquire appropriately sized pet carriers for each animal.  If your pet is not accustomed to traveling in a carrier you should do some trial runs.

You may evacuate or you may be home after the storm so consider getting your pet microchipped if you have not done so already.  If they become separated from you they can be identified and tracked back to you.  Bring your pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.  Pets can become frightened and disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.  Organize an identification file with recent photographs and all important information including a written description of your pet.

Birds should have a secure cage.  A blanket over the cage may help reduce the stress of traveling.  Also a spray bottle to moisten your bird’s feathers in warm weather will be needed.  Be sure to have plenty of liners for the cage and a perch for the bird to grasp.  Reptiles need secure housing.  Snakes need a sturdy bowl that is large enough to soak in and it may be good to bring along a heating pad or other warming device.  Lizards can be transported like birds.

Other small animals such as hamsters and mice can be transported in a secure carrier with bedding materials, food and food bowls.  Remember to have an extra water bottle and a week’s worth of bedding.

Remember to evacuate early.  Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order.  Some people who have waited were told to leave their pet behind. For more information and a detailed list of disaster preparedness go to www.aspca.org.  


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 Gulf Coast Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916      
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2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, FL 33901
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