SPAY-NEUTER-INJECT-PROTECT OF SAN ANTONIO
EVENTSWhole Earth Provision Adoption Event Adoption Event |
 WHOLE EARTH PROVISION |
|
 |
So What ‘s the Buzz?Hopes of achieving No-Kill in 2012 for San Antonio are beyond our reach. However, momentum is still strong and many partners are rallying together to make this ultimate goal attainable. Three key components are central to the City’s new strategic plan: increasing live release, controlling the stray animal population, and enhancing enforcement. PetCo stepped forward to award $1 million to Animal Care Services (ACS) to support its new adoption center at Brackenridge Park. The center will be located at the original ACS site adjacent to the zoo. Having a central location is critical to increase foot traffic in hopes of landing significant adoptions. The new adoption center will host 100 new kennel spaces, a spay/neuter center, a grand pavilion for mingling with potential new adoptees, and kiosks to complete adoption applications. No more standing in line and waiting for an attendant. Information can be uploaded faster and more efficiently, being stored in a database that is easily accessible. Groundbreaking for the site will take place during the summer of 2012 with plans for completion in the summer of 2013. And if that wasn’t enough, Best Friends Society from Utah awarded over $874,000 over a three-year period to ACS for a Trap/Neuter/Return Program for feral cats. When you think about it, that is a significant step in the right direction for ferals that were routinely euthanized just 5 years ago. In an effort to increase live release, the City has partnered with two high volume pet partners- San Antonio Pets Alive (SAPA) and the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) whose combined efforts will re-home 6000 additional dogs and cats in 2012. The City is allocating over $300,000 to subsidize this new partnership. Volunteers from both organizations have staff set up in the parking lot of ACS to intercept adoptable pets from owners before being released to animal control. The more puppies/kittens prevented from entering the doors of animal control, the more lives saved. This is especially important for the younger pet population given their immature immune systems and susceptibility to disease. At the end of the day, both organizations shuttle pets back to their own facilities to provide for their medical care and prepare them for adoption. Spay/neuter groups are hard at work all over the city offering low-cost and free sterilization services. SAHS, ADL, SNAP, SpaySA and ACS provide in-house services at their stationary sites while SNIPSA and SpaySA provide MASH style outreach in targeted neighborhoods. Providing grassroots door-to-door free sterilization is critical to reduce the stray population. Blockwalking allows SNIPSA volunteers to identify exactly where the need is and interface with pet owners about the importance of responsible pet ownership. And hosting the clinics within walking distance on a Saturday increases compliance by eliminating potential barriers. There are great efforts on the horizon. It is exciting to see so many different entities at work. Partnerships being built, funding available, support from City government, innovative minds, and simple momentum for a common cause. Let’s keep up the good work San Antonio and live to see a No-Kill city. |
|
|
Housebreaking PuppiesUnderstanding your puppy: There are many different methods in which you can housebreak your puppy. Whichever way you choose, it is important to understand the mind of your little companion. The trick is to make them understand what it is you want from them. Puppies do not think the way humans do. When you are unhappy with your dog, it assumes that whatever it is doing at the exact moment is responsible for your disapproval. For example: If your puppy relieves himself on your floor and you get upset five minutes after he has committed the act, the puppy will think that the mess on the floor is “bad.” He will not relate to the fact that it was the act of relieving himself on your floor that you disapprove of. He will eliminate, see the mess and get worried, anticipating his owner’s unhappiness. This is the reason so many dogs will relieve themselves in inappropriate places and look really guilty about it, yet they continue to do it. Some owners start to think that their puppy is being sneaky when in reality it does not fully understand what it is doing wrong. To the puppy, "the mess" and "the act" are unrelated. The trick is to catch your puppy in the act and help him understand. You do not need to hit him or rub his nose in the urine. The tone of your voice is enough to make your puppy understand you are unhappy. A firm "No! You are not allowed to go in the house. No! No!" is all that is needed. Immediately take your puppy outside to the appropriate place. Wait for him to eliminate and praise him. See more information...
|
|
CAMILLA IS OUR DOG OF THE WEEKCamilla
|
|
 |
|
SNIPITS FROM ADOPTERSNiles(Axl Rose) Good Afternoon Shannon! As you can imagine, I've been even busier with two babies now! I was going to send you an update this week to let you know how everything has been and I think it is early and the newness is still a factor. So far, so good! Niles is precious. I cannot believe how well behaved he is. He puts Fraser to shame! LOL My little white fluff ball does not know the meaning of the word "no" or "come here" and Niles knows them very well. I certainly hope Fraser learns a thing or two. I am not a disciplinarian and it has long been said that I am wrapped around Fraser's little paw. Oh well ..... there are worse things in life. Fraser keeps checking Niles out and is a bit of a nuisance but Niles takes it in stride. The only time they have been at odds is when I am holding Niles or if he is up next to me and Fraser tries to get close. Niles snarls at Fraser and unfortunately Fraser stays away for awhile. I scold Niles a little for this and make an extra effort with Fraser and there are many times both dogs are right next to each other sleeping. It will take time and it is nothing I am concerned about. I knew this would happen. I spent the whole weekend with them getting used to each other and Monday morning was the first time I left them together in the office at home while I went to work. I never let Fraser have the run of the house when no one is home as it is pretty large and I feel he will get into trouble. My office is large and there is a nice couch, chair and even access to the guest bath as more place to roam. They have a large window that goes to the ground so they can look out. I have a radio playing as well. I've put a large down comforter and pillows on the couch so they are comfortable and of course a big bowl of water. All in all, he is a wonderful addition to my family. I love him to pieces and he is the most friendly and loving little dog ever. Fraser is the same way so I know they will be friends. I was asking Sarah about his past and was curious as to how he came to you. I'd love to know his history. I think he had to of come from a home at one time as he is very well behaved. I cannot believe anyone would give him up but their loss is certainly my gain. Thanks you for checking in and for the opportunity to have such a precious little being in my home. Have a wonderful day Shannon! Lindi |
|
|
SNIPSA Kicks off the Year with a Big Fix Bang
|
 |  |  |
