SPCA, Inc. » rachelbulman

Loving, Forever Homes Needed Today

rachelbulman — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:57:53 +0000

Name: Jake
Gender: Male
Age: 4 years, 6 months
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair Mix
Orphaned Since: June 7
Jake is a very handsome black and white kitty. Our volunteers and staff think that he is the perfect definition of “regal”. He’s always elegant in his handsome “tuxedo”, ready for the party or the next big date. He’s very sweet and ready to go home today.

Name: Blossom
Gender: Female
Age: 3 years, 7 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Labrador Retriever Mix
Orphaned Since: May 31
Blossom is sweet, friendly and affectionate. She loves to play and will warm your heart in an instant. She’s not a big fan of cats but will surely be the biggest fan of you and your family. Plus, she’s housetrained! See what blooms in your life with Blossom by your side!

Visit us at the SPCA
Adoption Center open Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5850 Brannen Rd S in Lakeland
Call 646-7722
www.lovemyspca.com
All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinations are up to date through our full-service medical center which is also open to the public.

Miami Dog Found Road Tripping in Lakeland

rachelbulman — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:33:33 +0000

I’m sure we all see strays every day – stray cats, an occasional stray dog, a wandering possum – either way (especially in the dog and cat cases) the right thing to do would be to pick them up. That is if you can catch them!

A Good Samaritan of sorts was driving on Old Hwy 33 in Lakeland earlier this month and spotted a wandering Pug. Pugs are typically heavy panters and don’t do well out in the hot Florida sun without some sustenance and hydration. So, this passerby picked up the lucky pug and took him to our Incoming Animals area. A microchip scan revealed much-needed info – an address, phone number and owner name. We called them.

The owners were SO HAPPY! Suse, the pug, had been missing for 3 weeks. After all of the excitement calmed down, the owner asked, “Where are you located?” Shelly, one of our Adoption Center staff, gave the usual info about being off of South Florida Avenue near Sonny’s and the next question was a little surprising.

“Where in Miami is that?”

Suse was one happy pug when she was reunited to her “dad”.

Yes – you read that right! The owners (and the dog) were from Miami. Somehow Suse had hitchhiked her way all the way to Lakeland and a microchip was the lifesaver and source of reuniting this panting pug with her forever family.

What can we learn from this heartwarming story?

1. Microchip your pets! This could be the only way that a reunion is possible if you become separated somehow.

2. Make sure your information is updated with your microchipping company. Often, we forget that they need to be updated each time we move, too.

3. If you see a stray, pick it up. You could be the good Samaritan in your own heartwarming story of a much- needed reunion.

See the Bay News 9 story and video here: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2010/july/120449/Missing-Miami-pug-turns-up-in-Lakeland-weeks-later

The Dog Days of Summer Are Upon Us!

rachelbulman — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:24:46 +0000

From the desk of our Medical Director Dr. Boyd Harrell, DVM:

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE UPON US!

BY BOYD HARRELL, DVM

The seasonal bright sun and warm days mean backyard barbecues, trips to the park and family vacations. Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors. But along with the fun, the season presents situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can avoid potential disaster.

Top 5 Don’ts That Will Keep Your Pet Safer This Summer

1. Don’t let them get stressed.
Rapidly changing summer schedules, more people bustling about, unfamiliar faces, additional travel, fireworks and thunderstorms can all cause our pets a great deal of anxiety. Try to keep a routine as much as possible and provide a safe, quiet place for your pet to escape if they feel the need. And consider a safe and natural supplement to calm your pet.

2. Don’t let their temperature boil over.
Our pets’ fur-blanketed bodies can quickly overheat. Summer temperatures can dehydrate pets, making breathing difficult — especially for short-nosed, heavy coated or older pets. Make sure your pet always as adequate shade and plenty of fresh water. Overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn on the nose and ear tips so apply pet-safe SPF 15-40 sunscreen to those areas. And absolutely never leave your pet in the car — even a short time. The inside temperature can rise 30 to 50 degrees in just minutes.

3. Don’t be afraid to let them take a dip.
Home swimming pools of any size provide a refreshing way for pets to cool off — but don’t let them drink pool water because the chemicals can cause digestive upset. After the swim, rinse your pet’s coat with fresh water to avoid skin irritation. And be sure to secure your pet away from the pool when you are not there. Many pets drown every year because they jump or fall into the pool and can’t get back out by themselves.

4. Don’t give them access to dangerous toxins.
Deadly plants, paint, barbecue lighter fluid and leaking coolant are all silent hazards to our pets. And beware! Insecticides can lurk anyplace … in thegarden, stored in our garage, the backyard shed, etc. Most lawn chemicals are safe after they have been watered in and given a chance to dry completely. Just be sure you keep your pet away from freshly treated lawns and anyplace where toxins are present.

5. Don’t risk peril during playtime.
Pets sustain more injuries in the summer due to increased activities and distractions. Keep your pet on leash or in a securely enclosed exercise area. If you ride with a car window down be sure the opening is not large enough for your pet to jump out. And never let your dog ride in the back of a truck without a secure tether short enough to prevent jumping overboard. Be aware of these summer pet hazards and take preventative action. It will allow both you and your pet to have an enjoyable and safe summer. So what are you waiting for? Go out and have some summer fun.

Boyd Harrell, DVM

Dr. Harrell is a former multi-veterinary practice owner, an international speaker and a pet health advisor for Oxyfresh. He is formally trained in life, leadership, health and business coaching and holds advanced certifications in “The Model of Human Behavior,” which is the model of how people interact and what does and does not motivate them.

SPCA Featured Pets

rachelbulman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:04:06 +0000

Name: Chauncey
Gender: Female
Age: 5 years, 2 months
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Orphaned Since: June 16

This gorgeous lady has been waiting ever so patiently for the love of her life to sweep her off of her four feet. She’s friendly and affectionate and prefers a home with no dogs and lots of love. Stop in to meet this dashing beauty in person. Ask for Chauncey.

Name: Little Man
Gender: Male
Age: 3 years, 7 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Labrador Short Coat Chihuahua
Orphaned Since: May 28

Little Man may be little but he has a huge heart. He would really love to find some forever friends to keep him running and entertained. He’ll entertain you, too, and he’s ready for anything. Make a play date with Little Man today.

Loving, Forever Homes Needed Today

rachelbulman — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:19:55 +0000

Name: April Rose
Gender: Female
Age: 2 years, 3 months
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Orphaned Since: April 8

April Rose is one sweet kitty. With her tiger, well, tabby stripes she may look like a fierce lion but she’s really a purring lap kitty. She’s very sweet and always curious to meet new people. Drop in to meet April Rose today.

Name: Little Man
Gender: Male
Age: 3 years, 7 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Labrador Short Coat Chihuahua
Orphaned Since: May 28

SPCA Featured Pets

rachelbulman — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:46:50 +0000

Name: Midnight
Gender: Male
Age: 3 years 3 months
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Orphaned Since: March 2
Midnight came to the SPCA in March after being found on Combee Road in Lakeland. After a few weeks and several rounds of antibiotics, her left foreleg was still suffering from a severe bone infection near the elbow. SPCA veterinarians amputated the leg to give her improved mobility and now, she’s very swift on her feet. Come and meet this resilient kitty today!

Released today!

rachelbulman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:39:37 +0000

Chick-fil-A Night on July 13!

Mention the SPCA when dining at Chick-fil-A (4625 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland) on Tuesday, July 13 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and 20% of your bill will be donated to help the animals.

Flyers are available but no flyer is needed as long as you mention the SPCA.

For more information about upcoming events or how you can help the SPCA, contact SPCA staff at 863/646-7722 or info@lovemyspca.com.

TDI Testing on July 19 – Does your dog have what it takes?

Does your dog have what it takes to become a Certified Therapy Dog? Does Roscoe know basic commands and love to meet new people?

Bring your dog to Therapy Dog International testing on Monday, July 19 at 11 a.m. to see if they can pass the test. Dogs must be a minimum of one years of age to be tested. . A nominal fee is required. To register, owners must contact the SPCA staff at 863/646-7722 to pass the mandatory pre-screening.

Therapy dogs and their volunteers visit nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.

For more information about SPCA programs, contact SPCA staff at 863/646-7722 or info@lovemyspca.com.

Surprised By SPCA Medical Center

rachelbulman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:41:11 +0000

I love getting positive feedback about the SPCA. So much has happened here in the past two years that one can barely keep up with all the progress and constant innovation. This morning, I had a phone conversation with a gentleman that brought his dogs here to use our Medical Center.

He recounted the times when he came on campus years ago and even compared us to a puppy mill. (Yikes!) To say the least, he was hesitant about brining his furry friend to our Animal Medical Center, but boy was he surprised! He came into the Medical Center and was greeted by our courteous reception staff and seen right away.

Awesome photography by Alane Humrich, Volunteer Coordinator

He had the pleasure of meeting our Medical Center Manager, Jo, and our Hospital Director, Dr. Boyd Harrell. He said that he would highly recommend our Medical Center to other pet owners he knows because the staff was great, cost was reasonable and the care was wonderful. How awesome is that?

This begs my next question: when was the last time that you stepped foot on our Campus of Kindness? Let me know. I’d love to hear about how you think we’ve changed, too.

SPCA Featured Pets

rachelbulman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:31:17 +0000

Name: Midnight
Gender: Male
Age: 3 years 3 months
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Orphaned Since: March 2

Midnight came to the SPCA in March after being found on Combee Road in Lakeland. After a few weeks and several rounds of antibiotics, her left foreleg was still suffering from a severe bone infection near the elbow. SPCA veterinarians amputated the leg to give her improved mobility and now, she’s very swift on her feet. Come and meet this resilient kitty today!

Name: Harlem
Gender: Male
Age: 9 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Black Mouth Cur Mix
Orphaned Since: May 24

Harlem loves to relax, likes to play and will offer you smiles and love at the start of every day. He’s very sweet and ready to grow old with his perfect family. Could that be with you?

Featured Pets

rachelbulman — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:57:17 +0000

Name: Sweet Pea
Gender: Female
Age: 4 years
Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Orphaned Since: March 5

Sweet Pea is one sweet cat, just like her name. She’s a sucker for relaxing and long back rubs, and she’s a great cuddler, too. So, if you’re lap is a little lonely or night’s a little sleepless, Sweet Pea could be the remedy for you.

Name: Judy
Gender: Female
Age: 4 years, 1 month
Species: Dog
Breed: Bulldog Mix
Orphaned Since: May 19

Judy is one great dog! She loves to run and play and has learned how to sit on command. She loves to play fetch, too. Make a play date with Judy today!