Thursday, June 28, 2012

July 4 The Dogs


Fireworks and BBQ on July 4th are the pinnacle celebration of the summer (unless you have a summer birthday) and one of the busiest days for animal shelters.  Shelters across the country take in normal, calm loving dogs who instantaneously become furry Houdini and crazed canines when the lights and sounds from the fireworks begin.  I'm sure they can't understand the fascination humans have wiht explosions and loud nioses after stuffing ourselves full of grilled meat, corn, watermelon and potato salad.  Most likely they wonder why we are not napping or chewing on the bones.



Giving our dogs a happy july 4th is important if we want to have a safe and happy 4th and I discovered two parts to that happiness.














First, prepare yourself and your dog for the festivities.





Are you visiting a park or party and are dogs welcome at these places? Are our dogs nervous around fireworks or large crowds? If the answer is yes or maybe then consider leaving them at home. The combination could be enough to make a mildly anxious dog an overdone bundle of nerves.













Will there be shade, water and a cool place for them? It's going to be hot and while we get shorts they are in a fur coat.  If the answer to these questions isn't a resounding yes then a pet sitter or overnight boarding might be a better choice.






Second if you bring you dog to the festivities plan and prepare. Make sure that our dog's ID tag is up to date in case he runs off during the party. Give dogs time inside and outside, keeping their leash on them and supervised so they don't jump a fence or get loose while guests are coming in and out.







If your dog is inside, give them a chew toy and have music or TV on to keep them occupied.  There will be a lot of human food out so place bowls or dog treats around for our canine friends. People food such as grapes or onions can be toxic  and bones may splinter and injure them.  Exercise them before the party to avoid over stimulation and make it a pleasant experience for everyone.


Summer is here and the temperature is great for being outside, but while we humans can cool off in the pool, shade or AC, our furry friends can't always do the same.  It's up to us to look out for them.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Clyde the Quiet






Meet Clyde! The friendly and fun boy that was found as a stray in Onslow county, NC. After spending a bit of time in the shelter, Clyde's medical issues were brought to the attention of CCBTR by their volunteers.
Let's go for a swim.

It looks like C;lyde had a rough time in the past. He came to CCBTR heart-worm positive, irritated skin and a bad right eye. (He doesn't know abotuthe right eye part.)  He doesn't have sight in the eye but that doesn't slow him down at all.









Weighing in at 26 pounds Clyde is a gentle giant, we occasionally see resource guarding with food and toys no doubt due to his previous lifestyle. Clyde is a perfect match for a home with children or other quiet pets.
Clyde is crate and house trained and practices for the BT500 every chance he gets now that he is recovered from the heart worm treatment.
We hope that you can look past Clyde's eye injury as he does and see the lovely personality of this guy. He is waiting on that forever home where he can be the puppy he didn't get the chance to be.
Is your home the right one for this guy?
Contact CCBTR and find out.