The Shelter Shack

On January 14th the FDA issued a health alert regarding a possible salmonella contamination in the Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs. The product was distributed by by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “lot 9323 best buy 111911”. The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and internet sales. So far no illnesses have been reported, but you are strongly encouraged not to handle or feed this poduct to your pets. Merrick Pet Care has issued a voluntary withdrawl of this product.

The Shelter Shack wishes everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosporous New Year! Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions yet? Mine is to continue to try and save as many shelter aminals as I can.

I’m only one person, but one person can make a difference! The animal shelters are always full, and they try very hard to place every animal into a home. It is not an easy task, as there are more pets looking for homes than there are people willing to take them in.

We as individuals can help make a difference in the lives of these animals. If you are not in a position to adopt, consider volunteering. Just a small amount of your time can make a huge impact in the lives of the animals.

Take a look at the video below and see the impact that one individual can have. Just a word of caution, you might want to have some Kleenex handy. As this new year begins, I hope you will join me in becoming the one person that helps make a difference! Cheers!

Click to Play

Hi all, it’s me Charm. I just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and express my own personal thanks.

• I am thankful I am in a loving foster home and not spending my days in a noisy shelter.
• I am thankful for yummy food to eat, and that I don’t have to scavange for it.
• I am thankful for a warm doggie bed to sleep in and that I am not roaming the cold streets.
• I am thankful to have toys to play with and fellow dog mates to spend time with.
• Most of all, I am thankful to be alive and that I have someone caring for me with loving arms. For the first time in a long time I am hopeful that I will have a bright future.

What, dear readers, do you give thanks for?

I’d like to take a moment and introduce you to a foster dog that Mom brought home this week. His name is Charm, and he is a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd mix. He’s been in the shelter for at least a month, and Mom decided to foster him for a couple of reasons. One, the shelter desperately needed to make space, and two, he has diarrhea. A white dog in a cage with runny poo, does not make for a good combination. His fecal test came back negative, but he’s getting meds to treat for the parasites anyway. Sometimes you can get a false negative, so better safe than sorry. Mom thinks his problem could be stress induced or related to the food he’s been eating. Either way, now that he’s in our home, we’ll get him into tip-top shape in no time. I will now turn it over to Charm, and he can tell you all about himself.

Hi all! I’m so happy to be out of the shelter. I like everyone there, but it was a bit too noisy for me. I prefer quiet and calming environments. I get along great with other dogs, and Duke and Daisy have been very hospitable to me. I’ve seen Brandy at the top of the stairs but we haven’t had an official meet and greet yet, so I’m not sure if I’ll get along with cats just yet. I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

I do very well on a leash and know a lot of commands like sit, paw, down, off and stay. I can be a bit of a rebel, because even though I know these commands I don’t always want to follow them. One bad habit I have is jumping up on people. My Foster Mom is working with me on that one. If you live in the Northeast Ohio area, or are willing to come out this way, and are looking to add a dog to your family, please consider adopting me. I would love to find a permanent home. Oh and by the way, I’m a video star! Check out my Youtube video below. For more information, please contact my Foster Mom at info@thesheltershack.com

I agree with Daisy on her assessment about the dog that had 21 puppies. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out Daisy’s write-up on that story.

Puppies are definitely cute, but, well, they’re puppies. A lot of time and energy goes into training them, and they can cause a lot of mischief in their early years. I suppose if you have time on your hands and a lot of patience, then owning a puppy might be right for you. Having said that, I must speak out about the many dogs that fall into my category…the Senior dogs.

I must admit that I have a few aches and pains in my back legs these days, but I still get around really well. I love to play and go on long walks with my Mom. I’m fully house trained and know all of my basic commands. You know what? Most of the Senior dogs that are in shelters are a lot like me. They’re already trained and are ready willing and able to please you.

There is a common myth out there that says shelter dogs are in shelters because there is something wrong with them. That’s just not true. Most of the dogs in the shelters are there because of circumstances beyond the owner’s control, or the owner just grew tired of caring for the dog.

I tell you all of this because if you are looking to add a dog to your family I truly hope that I have convinced you to visit a shelter. Given that this is “Adopt a Senior Dog Month”, I also hope you will consider taking in a Senior dog. Remember we are all young at heart, and a Senior dog has a lot of love to give. Here is one Senior dog that is looking for a home. Check him out!