A Great Christmas Present Idea

For many elderly people, their pet is their lifeline. A companion animal is just that - a companion and for many of our elderly friends and family members, their pets help stave off loneliness, reduce stress and prolong life. So that's why I wanted to pass along a unique idea for the elderly pet lover on your Christmas list.

I read today about a woman who gave her elderly grandmother a tremendous and useful gift for Christmas - she offered to take care of her veterinary bills for the coming year. Now her grandmother's dog is healthy, but still even healthy dogs need immunizations and a vet visit for small problems every now and again.

Her reason for giving her grandmother this unusual but caring gift - her grandmother had all the things she needed. So instead of getting her one more nightgown or knick knack she didn't really want or need, she gave her something that really mattered. Pets can be expensive - from food to grooming to vet care. So if you've got a pet lover on your list, a gift certificate for the pet store or his/her vet would make a great gift this holiday season.

Second Chance Shelter - DeLand

On July 25, 2009, the City of DeLand’s Second Chance animal shelter opened to high expectations.  One year later, 53 dogs were rescued and 29 were reunited with their owners thanks to Second Chance. Cats fared even better with 139 cats rescued.

Managed by the DeLand Police Department, Second Chance is designed to house abandoned or lost domestic animals in a safe and secure holding area for a three day period. The holding period allows pet owners an opportunity to reclaim their pets by contacting the police department’s Animal Control Officer.

Here are some of the great dogs looking for a "Second Chance" in DeLand. Please pass along to any of your animal-loving friends!

This male tan and white shepherd mix is still just a puppy. Who can resist those cute floppy ears?

This female is a brindle and white female pit bull. 

The volunteers at Second Chance say they've never heard this sweet black chow bark. The dog was left behind by its owners after an eviction. 

This German Shepherd is an older dog, we estimate about 5 years old or better. It's obvious this dog has had some training. 

Since Second Chance is not designed for on-site adoptions those who wish to adopt an animal schould contact one of the rescue groups listed on the City’s web site at www.deland.org 

Unusual Volunteer Effort Helps Heartworm Positive Dogs Get Adopted

It happens nearly every day. A family comes to the Halifax Humane Society to find a friend. They find a dog they like, spend time with him, and make the decision that this dog is the one for them. Then they realize the dog has been diagnosed with heart worms. They move on.

The volunteers at Halifax Humane Society knew that treating a dog for heart worms could be a little time consuming and had a cost associated with it. This kept a lot of people from adopting dogs, so dozens of dogs large and small with great pet potential were left behind because of heart worms. After careful consideration and much discussion with the staff at HHS, a group of volunteers decided to raise money to treat dogs for heart worms to give them a chance to find a home.

Since the fund was established, dozens of dogs have been treated and adopted. Currently there are a few dogs that have completed heart worm treatment but are still looking for a home.

Dogs like Nugget, below.

And Lola

And Bear

Heart worms are both preventable and treatable. If you'd like to support the heart worm fund at HHS, call Kevin at 386-274-4703 ext. 320. 

Medium Size Dog Big on Heart

Plain Brown Dog had a chance to spend some time recently with a boy who is really big on heart. Shane is a medium sized Sharpei mix. He may look like a big dog in his pictures, but in person you'll see Shane is very slight in build. PBD accompanied Shane to a recent Petsmart adoption event. It was the first time Shane had been to one of these events, and he was a little shy.

Shane is a quiet, friendly dog. He's very playful but gentle in his play. He can sit on command and comes when called. When spending time one-on-one with a volunteer, Shane is outgoing, happy and sweet. But Shane needs some help to come out of his shell around others. Shane can be timid in new situations.

Once you win his trust, Shane will have you smiling and laughing because he's such a funny and friendly dog. Once you're his friend, you'll be on the receiving end of a lot of sweet Shane kisses!

The Sasha Report

There's a special dog at HHS looking for a home. While all the dogs are special, I guess you could say this one has a special advocate. Sasha is a sweet girl who has really benefited from some extra love and support from one of the shelter's most active volunteers.

In the last few weeks with the volunteer's help, Sasha has become calmer, more engaging, and her behavior is now on par with a dog who's been in a loving home with lots of hands-on attention. She's been a regular at the Petsmart Saturday on-site adoption events which has gotten her a lot more exposure to potential families. She's now more than ready for a forever home.

Sasha is a little on the skinny side. But the staff and volunteers at HHS have been doing all they can to fatten her up a little. What would really help is having a secure, safe, stable home to spur her appetite.

Please help all of us here at PBD spread the word that sweet Sasha is ready to be a full time pet.

Hey Ladies!

This is a message for all you ladies out there.

Would you like to have a partner who listens to you no matter what you're talking about or how long you talk?

Would you like to have a partner who is always happy to see you?

Would you like to have a partner who gives you unconditional love? Who doesn't care what you weigh or whether or not you have make-up on?

How about a friend who's content to watch whatever you want to watch on TV each night and lets you have total control of the remote?

Then adopt a dog. When you adopt a dog you'll get a best friend for life.

Visit the HHS website today or stop by a shelter and make a real love connection!

Donor Steps Forward For Heartworm Help

A very generous donor has come forward to pay for the treatment of Golden Boy's heartworm. While he is in treatment, the Halifax Humane Society is looking for a kind soul who would be willing to foster this loving dog. Many dogs and cats at shelters need a foster home while they are going through treatment or are healing from injury or illness. The good thing about a foster home is that it gives the animal time to recover, but it also re-familiarizes the dog or cat with a home environment. This makes the transition to a permanent home easier for both the pet and the future pet owner.

If you'd be interested in fostering our great pal Golden Boy while he is treated for heartworms, contact the Halifax Humane Society. HHS would also be happy to talk to anyone about its foster program who might be interested in volunteering their home for a temporary time to help an animal in need.