SPCA of Luzerne County

Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month is underway!

2012-02-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

February is national Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month and this year the SPCA of Luzerne County is partnering with our local Petcos(Wilkes Barre and Edwardsville) during their Rescue Rabbit Rally weekend to find homes for several of our amazing long eared friends. Rabbits make incredible house pets. They are very social and quite the little comedians! Most often in the past rabbits were traditionally kept outdoors in hutches. Not much of a life for a rabbit. Because rabbits are such social animals they not only thrive on but require daily social interaction with their pet parents. Rabbits left outdoors are susceptible to drastic elemental changes, wild and domestic animal threats and plain and simply - loneliness. The comfort climate zone for rabbits is 50 -60 degrees. In our local climate you can see how it would be less than fair to leave a rabbit outdoors. Our summer temperatures can reach the near 100 degree mark, and rabbits have no way to perspire. Even those kept indoors should always have a cool spot to lay on. During the summer months we suggest taking a liter bottle and filling it 3/4 with water then freezing the water. Each morning place a frozen water bottle in your rabbits cage or area so that they can lay against it to cool themselves if they get over heated. Obviously because our temperatures in the winter generally stay below freezing for days at a time, outside is very uncomfortable for our precious buns too. Both extremes are quite dangerous and many terrible things can happen to our beloved pets.
At the SPCA all rabbits are to be kept indoors as house pets, and our bunny expert volunteers Mike and Lynn are more than happy to advise all new bunny parents on the proper care and maintenance of their new best friend. If you have a rabbit and it is currently kept outdoors, we strongly urge you to make the switch for your bunny's sake. To make the transition easy you can visit the House Rabbit Society website for tips, tricks, and information on caring for a house bunny- http://www.rabbit.org/
This site is a great resource too if you are considering adopting a rabbit. Here at the SPCA of Luzerne County, Adoption is the Only Option so if you are thinking about adding a new long eared buddy to your family please come and visit us today. Perhaps one of these little guys will fit in to your home perfectly!

SNOWBALL
MANGO

MIKE
CASSIDY

Mark Your Calendars!!

2012-01-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

This year's Valentine's event is going to be fantastic! We are partnered this time with Amore Jewelry and gifts and have an extra special treat with a local artist who will be on hand to take your pets photos and turn them into timeless portraits...what a great gift for your sweetheart! And if you don't have a sweetheart this Valentine's Day...well, we can help you there too! We have many incredible move in ready pets who are waiting to be your Valentine! So come to the SPCA February 11th from noon to 3pm and join in the festivities!

SPCA, Petco and Ryan Leckey! What a Combo!!

2011-12-20T09:12:00.001-08:00

Check it out! Two of our awesome adoptable dogs with Mr Ryan Leckey this morning at Petco. Thank you to Petco and WNEP for letting us join in the fun....PS the Beagle may have a new family thanks to this show!

Cody needs a family!

2011-12-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

Cody has been with us since early summer and he said more than anything this holiday season he hopes to find his new furever family! Won't you make Cody's wish come true? He is energetic, fun loving and a great all around buddy! Come meet Cody today! http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Terrier-13654885

Turtles and the Law

2011-12-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Today Jesse Williams of Berwick was sentenced by Judge Zola of Hazelton for giving animals away in games of chance. The real scary part of this is that some of the animals were small turtles which are carriers of Salmonella...which is why its ILLEGAL to sell or purchase turtles with a shell of less than 4 inches...to learn more visit the FDA Website - http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/guidancecomplianceenforcement/complianceenforcement/ucm090573.htm
If you see people selling or giving away these small animals, please contact us at the SPCA at 825-4111 to report the incident. If you are an event organizer and have concerns about a vendor please feel free to call us for information.

Free to a Good Home Teams up with Home for the Holidays!

2011-11-30T12:48:00.005-08:00

NEW!!! Home for the Holidays & Free to Good Home Cat Program

In conjunction with this year's HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ADOPTION PROGRAM we are offering our adoptable cats that are 1 year and older Free To A Really Good Home.

How Does Free to a Really Good Home work?

Very simply all you need to do is come to the SPCA, fall in love...and if the cat is 1year or older he or she can go home with you at no charge with an approved adoption application. Adoption fees for cats under 1 year old are only $50. Their adoption includes their spay or neuter, initial vaccines, microchip, felv test, and revolution treatment(as needed).

ALL ADOPTED CATS will be blood tested NEGATIVE (overall Accuracy is 97.8%) for Feline Leukemia prior to release. Owners WILL be notified in the event of a positive test result. Please understand that NO test is 100% accurate. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that adopters have their veterinarian retest their new pet for Feline Leukemia BEFORE before allowing the new pet access to other household cats. It is best to keep the new pet separate from other household cats until this test is performed.

The SPCA is not always able to thoroughly examine each and every animal. Therefore your newly adopted pet may have medical conditions of which the SPCA is unaware. All adopted pets should be taken to your veterinarian for a thorough examination within five (5) days of going into its new home. The SPCA receives unwanted animals from many sources and knows little of their background and therefore does not guarantee the health or disposition of any adopted pet. Veterinary care after adoption is the sole responsibility of the new adopter and the SPCA will not reimburse any veterinary expenses unless expressly stated in writing by shelter management in advance. We also do not offer adoption fee refunds at any time.

To make your visit and adoption go as smoothly as possible, please bring the following items:

Proof of Home Ownership- Copy of a recent tax bill reflecting your address, a mortgage stub or a copy of your deed.
If You Rent- You can still adopt. You will need to bring either a letter from your landlord giving you permission to have the pet, or a copy of your lease stating that you can have pets. We will also need a telephone number where your landlord can be reached by our adoption counselors.
Veterinary Reference or Files- If you currently have pets please provide a letter of reference from your vet or copies of veterinary bills showing that your pets are up to date on vaccines/have regular veterinary care. If you do not currently have pets but had them in the past a letter from the vet you used can be provided. If you have never had pets, we do recommend having a veterinarian in mind for your new best friend.

If you choose to adopt a Free To A Really Good Home qualified cat, you can go the extra step and help prevent unwanted litters by making a small donation to our Spay Neuter Assistance Program(SNAP). Your donation will help a low income family afford to have their cat spayed or neutered, and prevent more animals from becoming unwanted and abused.

Please visit the SPCA today! Your next best friend is waiting for you! Remember - Adoption is the ONLY Option!

A Home for the Holidays Adoption Campaign...under way!

2011-11-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

On this Black Friday night...remember tomorrow is small business Saturday and though we are a non-profit we are local and we are small and we are in the middle of our home for the holidays adoption campaign with a goal to beat last year's numbers. We are desperate for permanent, loving homes for our many adoptable pets. So please stop in from noon to three this Saturday and Sunday and meet our many beautiful, move in ready pets- Like this handsome fellow below

Click here to learn more about ME!

Justice for cats

2011-11-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Aileen Kulpon who was charged with 60 counts of animal cruelty earlier this year has plead guilty to 48 counts and has been sentenced to 180 days suspended jail time, with 5 years probation and 5 years of court ordered mental health counseling. She was ordered to pay court costs and $2,393.31 restitution and will be monitored regularly by the probation department . If at any time during the 5 year probationary period she is found with an animal in her care, she will be immediately remanded to serve the 6 month jail sentence. Hoarding is a sad element to animal cruelty and leaves scars on all involved. The hoarder, the animals, the sheltering and municipal agencies and the community itself. If you suspect someone of hoarding, intervene. Call adult social services, your municipal police, children's services if there are children in the home and your local humane agency if animals are in the home. The earlier we can intervene the better the outcome for everyone, especially the animals and the hoarder themselves.

Don't let the snow keep you away!

2011-10-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the SPCA's hosting their Fall Open Howl-se! If you haven't heard of it before...well its not too late! Come on down to the SPCA from 12noon to 3pm and have a little hot cider or coffee, buy some cookies or try out some pie, buy a few early holiday gifts and most importantly....fall in LOVE with one of our many gorgeous pets available for adoption! We cannot wait to see you there!

Open Howl-se October 29th, 2011

2011-10-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Wanna know why this fellow looks so excited? Well, this Saturday, October 29, 2011 the SPCA will be hosting a great event! Our first ever Open Howl-se! What happens at an open howl-se you ask? LOTS! We will have a three tables of great sale items to help you get a jump start on your holiday gift giving and help out the shelter all at the same time. We will have raffle baskets, treats and even some warm beverages! Also check out evidence from a paranormal investigation done at the SPCA! And of course...don't forget the many gorgeous pets waiting to be yours! We are overflowing with animals right now. Some of those include...23 rabbits, no that's not a typo we really have 23 rabbits! Over 100 cats and kittens, nearly 100 dogs, 6 love birds and 3 ferrets. As you can see...now is a GREAT time to adopt a new family member!

Listen to KRZ this Wednesday October 26th from 5:30am to 9am!

2011-10-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday from 5:30am to 9am Rocky and Sue from KRZ will be in our shelter broadcasting live...we will be talking about donating, volunteers and most importantly...adopting a loving pet! So tune your radio to 98.5KRZ and listen in!

Pets and Our Health

2011-10-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

Often at the SPCA we are asked how we can do our jobs. It is expressed to us that it must be so sad to work with all the homeless pets. I have to say its not sad, there are sad moments...the animal that is too aggressive or ill to be saved, the owner who brings their beloved companion of many years in because the animal is old, ill and suffering and they want the suffering to end peacefully and you watch their heart break in front of you as they say goodbye to their best friend. However many families are brought together as the SPCA. Lost pets are reunited with their grateful owners, and many many pets find their new forever homes with the incredible, loving people who walk through our doors and believe as we do...adoption is the only option.
Why do we have pets in our lives? The first response is companionship....pets provide us with unconditional, unabated pure love and devotion, they lend us their curiosity and simple joy of life. They become our little fuzzy therapists at the end of a long day, or when we need someone to listen without judgement. We tell secrets to our pets that we have never told anyone else. We confide our fears, our hopes and our dreams to them. They see us without judgement, and without shame...they become members of our families, babysitters, and entertainment. Protection...I am sure you've heard about the Guard Dog Myth...people at one time and sometimes still do, believe that a dog has to be mean to guard its home, it can't be too friendly or too social. Well, the opposite is true. The more social your pet, the more friendly and outgoing your pets are, the more they will be able to distinguish between a good person and a good situation..and a threat to their home and family. A well loved and cared for member of the family will protect his or her family. Therapy and assistance- dogs have been traditionally been the choice for therapy pets, but in recent years, miniature horses, monkeys, cats, and even some birds have been used to assist people with disabilities. Now pets are also being used as companion therapists for persons who suffer from PTSD and other types of trauma related illnesses. Lastly we have pets due to a call to action...we see a need to help homeless pets and we take it upon ourselves to do something about it. None of these reasons stands on its own. Those who have a pet for protection most often enjoy the companionship more yet have the sense of security that having a pet in the home offers. Those who have pets to help them in their home also find comfort in the companion, friend, family member that the pet becomes and don't suffer from loneliness or isolation. And of course those of us who fulfill a service to animals not only do so for their needs, but to fulfill that of our own...having that undying love and friendship a pet gives us.

Pets help us be more social, be more active, outgoing, and make us just feel good. When we feel good we are more healthy. Studies have shown that pets reduce our blood pressure, reduce stress and make us more able to deal with difficult situations because they lend us psychological stability. How many of us at the end of a tough day some home to a waggly tail just waiting for that evening walk? How many times have we felt more like sitting on the couch with our head in a bowl of ice cream and a sad movie...but we have to walk fido! We begrudgingly hook fast the leash and head outside...the first five minutes you keep saying...c',mon I have had a bad day you don't have to sniff every tree...the next five minutes goes by with ok sniff that one...the next five...hey what's that? What did you hear over there buddy? What was that sniff all about? And you start to forget what happened earlier in the day and you just start to enjoy being with your best friend in the fresh air and a nice walk. How many times have you just sat down after a tough afternoon and pet your cat or your dog and soon you are talking to them, confiding in them and it all begins to feel better? That's what our pets do for us. So don't they deserve that extra bit of canned food or pig ear for all their hard work? So get out there and walk with your dog, cuddle up with your cat or your bunny...take your snake out for a slither, or share a salad with your iguana...You will be healthier and happier and your pets will repay you a thousand times over. Don't have a pet? No worries...the SPCA of Luzerne County has over 200 move in ready pets just waiting to be your forever friend!

Fall Rabies and Microchip Clinic October 22, 2011

2011-10-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Its that time again! Our Fall Rabies and Microchip Clinic will be held Saturday October 22nd at the SPCA Animal Shelter from 2pm to 5pm. Once again Dr. Mark Stair DVM will be donating his services to administer vaccines and microchips at our clinic. Rabies vaccines are just $10 and micro-chips are $25. Due to the volume of participants this event is cash only. We ask that all dogs are leashed and under the control of an adult. We also ask that all cats are brought in carriers. We are not able to vaccinate feral cats at this clinic.
Rabies vaccinations are required by State law for all dogs and cats 3 months and older. The vaccine given at our clinic is valid for 1 year. For more information or questions about the clinic please call us at 570-825-4111 or email spcaedu@epix.net.

The little fellow pictured above is just one of many beautiful cats waiting for their new home at the SPCA.

Flood updates- On the animal front

2011-09-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

All shelters are accepting pets. Please bring crates, food, etc with you. The SPCA of Luzerne County has responded to CART and the needs they found at these shelters by contacting Petsmart Charities who generously sent a truck load with 50 crates, pet food, litter, litter pans etc on Thursday. EMA workers came and picked up about 2 pallets of these items. If you are in contact with a shelter in the area and they are in need of any of these items, please have them call us. We also have plenty of pet food to share with these shelters should they need it.
We hope everyone can safely return to their homes soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the flood victims.

FLOOD INFORMATION

2011-09-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

The SPCA was contacted by PEMA that the Solomon Creek area is being evacuated for approx 3 days. While the Red Cross will not accept pets, they are accepting pets at the GAR High School. Please, if you have a dog or a cat you are taking and you have a crate for them of your own take the crate with you. We are working with PetSmart Charities and PETCO to obtain more, but that... is not a guarantee.

Bring along a enough food for your pet for 5 days and any veterinary information. If you live in an area where your basement normally floods only and you have a 2nd or 3rd floor, and have cats, consider putting your cats at the highest point inside the home with enough food, water and litter for approximately 5days just in case this lasts longer. If you have a pet that requires medication do not leave them at home, bring the pet and all available medications with you. If you are not in the Solomon Creek area but in a flood prone area, please prepare an evacuation kit for your pets as well and consider alternate shelter now. American Humane provides an excellent resource for disaster preparedness information here -->http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/community-preparedness/

21st Annual Walk for the Animals!

2011-08-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

We have made it even easier for you to get involved with our 21st Annual Walk for the Animals held at Francis Slocum State Park on October 1, 2011. Northeastern PA's oldest and largest pet walk! From the SPCA website you can download and print out a registration form so that you can get started today on gathering your pledges for this year's walk! The two walkers or group that raise the most $ in pledges will receive a great surprise pack! For those who just want to walk, you can even register on-line. A pet/dog is not required..in fact if you are going it alone we will have several shelter pets on hand looking for new, loving homes...you just might find your new walking partner! And don't forget our huge basket raffle!
To download your registration form or register online, please go to: http://www.spcaluzernecounty.org/walk2011.html

Looking fur some love!

2011-08-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

The SPCA has so many beautiful pets who have been waiting for their forever homes. We thought me might highlight a few of them today in hopes that their new mom or dad is reading our blog!

First up we have Cody, he is a 7yr old male terrier mix who is very curious and playful. He has lots to talk about and he doesn't mind telling off any dog that gets too close to his people. He prefers to be a the only dog in a home however. He just loves his people THAT much! So if you are looking to add a great fellow to your household and make him the center of your universe, Cody is the dog for you!

Is a dog a bit too much for you? Are you more of a cat person? Well we have cats of all ages, colors, sizes and personalities! If you are looking for a real love bug then this little boy may be just the kitty for you! No one can resist a kitten, but you'd have to be crazy to be able to resist this precious face! This little boy has so much love to give and a personality to back it up. He loves to play, be petted and be cuddled. He has lots of feline friends here at the shelter, so if he's found his new home by the time you get here, don't worry, he is pretty sure you will fall in love with one of his pals here. He would also like to point out that cats 1yr and older are still FREE!

Maybe you are more into ears...long straight beautiful bunny ears! Rabbits make incredible house pets and generally get along great with other pets including dogs and cats. Most rabbits take a little time to get over their nervousness in a new home but once they do their personalities come alive! Rabbits love to play, do tricks for treats and snuggle with their people or animal companions. You can go to the House Rabbit Society's website to learn all about how to care properly for your house rabbit! -> http://www.rabbit.org/
And while you are at it, meet Mixer. She is an absolute love who really enjoys being petted! She has even been known to get so relaxed while being petted that she will actually fall asleep! But don't think she is a lazy bunny...not at all. She loves exploring and leaping in the air doing bunny twists!

If you don't see the pet you want here, please visit our animals here at Petango.com!
The SPCA cares for just over 6,000 animals each year, and we cannot do it with out adopters, donors and volunteers who give of themselves and their homes to these beautiful animals. Become a part of the SPCA family today and consider adopting a needy pet, if you cannot adopt consider making a small donation toward the care of the animals here at the SPCA or become a volunteer and be a part of our great team!

Come out to the Tails At Twilight Kick-Off Party August 2nd!

2011-07-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Each year Cork Restaurant and Bar hosts the Dog Days of Summer fund raising event to benefit the SPCA of Luzerne County. As an extra special bonus, on August 2nd from 5pm to 7pm, we are kicking off the week with a great party to get you all geared up for this years Tails At Twilight Gala...A Holiday Affair, which will be held that the Highlands at Newberry Estates, Dallas PA this December 10th!
Several SPCA pets will also be on hand August 2nd in hopes that they will find their furever homes...so please join us for a great evening to support an even greater cause. For more information about either event, please email yanek50chris@msn.com or call her at 570-675-3549.

Thank you Skate Away!

2011-07-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday we held our 2nd annual Skate for the SPCA at Skate Away on Blackman Street in Wilkes Barre...the owners of the establishment are wonderful people and huge supporters of the SPCA. If you missed this event, you missed a really great time-but don't worry..we are already planning our next one for Halloween 2012! We also need to say a really huge Thank YOU! to Dana Gulick Hibbard, her hubby and all the volunteers who came out to help and support the shelter. Without all our dedicated volunteers and our incredible supporters we could never do all that we do for the animals!

Your Happy Tail could help the SPCA win $10,000!

2011-07-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Petfinder.com Foundation has partnered with Fuzzy Nation to bring you the SUPER MODEL Photo Contest (see link at https://www.facebook.com/fuzzynation). We will start with the exciting stuff and share the details at the end. There will be 3 winners:

GRAND PRIZE - $10,000 to the shelter or rescue from which the dog was adopted, as well as a custom Fuzzy Nation bag to match the winning pooch, a comfy Kuranda dog bed for that pooch and $300 gift card to Fuzzy Nation to you the lucky pet parent.

SECOND PRIZE - $3,000 to the shelter or rescue from which the dog was adopted, a comfy Kuranda dog bed for that pooch and $100 gift card to Fuzzy Nation to you the lucky pet parent.

THIRD PRIZE - $1,000 to the shelter or rescue from which the dog was adopted, a comfy Kuranda dog bed for that pooch and $50 gift card to Fuzzy Nation to you the lucky pet parent.

From NOW until AUGUST 1, submit a picture of your adopted dog and his adoption story to the SUPER MODEL Photo Contest at the Fuzzy Nation Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fuzzynation)

On AUGUST 5, 50 finalists will be announced. (Successful finalists will have adopted from an active Petfinder member shelter or rescue group and sent in the most unique, high quality photos and stories.)

On AUGUST 8th, voting begins RALLY your supporters, encourage your friends, family and business associates to vote daily until AUGUST 21

Think of all that the SPCA could do with $10,000! Start now!

Hoarding and what it means in your community

2011-07-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of talk about hoarding these days. For our purposes we will talk about animal hoarding and how it relates to animal shelters and the communities they serve. Last year myself and our shelter manager attended a symposium offered on this topic. As much as I have been exposed to how it affects a shelter, I was not aware entirely of the illness that IS hoarding. There is truly a difference between a person who has gotten in over their heads with animals and are not caring for them properly, or the person with too many animals who doesn't care enough for the welfare of the animals to provide properly for them and the animal hoarder. Hoarders suffer from histories of abuse or abandonment. Most often they are middle aged to older women who have suffered sexual or physical abuse as a young child and in to adulthood. They may have no children, or adult children whom have little or no contact/relationship with them. Not all hoarders are women, and not all are alone. There have been cases of husband and wife hoarders, as well as parent and child hoarders, however according to the website run by the Animal Legal Defense Fund regarding hoarding -

"72% of hoarders are women and that the most common animal victims of hoarders are cats, followed by dogs. "

Why animals? Unconditional love, the feeling of being needed, the desire to mother. That feeling of unconditional love and the desire to be needed and mother the animals becomes addictive. Like any addiction reason and practicality go out the window. Most often by the time it is apparent there is an issue, the home and the animals in the home are in a desperate situation.

Why does hoarding need to be addressed? Obviously from our standpoint the welfare of the animals is gravely important, but the health and the well being of the hoarder themselves also needs to be addressed. Both their physical and psychological health needs to be attended to, and in most cases without this the person will repeat their hoarding behavior.

What is the impact on the community?
How about living next to the home, or having diseased and flea infested animals running the neighborhood? How about the odor that emanates from such a dwelling, or the safety hazard of an unkempt house that may not be structurally sound? It costs cities, towns, states etc., thousands to condemn or clean up such a property. And it costs thousands and puts enormous strains on already overfilled humane agencies and shelters who receive these animals and care for them until they are either signed over to the facility by the hoarder, or until the courts rule on a resolution. Not to mention, as pictured above, one of our officers in an environmental suit for his protection, the danger to humane, police, and fire officials when entering such homes. The filth and stench can be overwhelming and hazardous to your lungs, eyes etc...

What can you do?
When you suspect a hoarding situation, alert the authorities. Call the SPCA, call your local police and contact the health department. If you have a family member whom you suspect is either a hoarder or heading down that road, intervene and get them help. And because hoarders often answer free to good home ads, or pick up strays in their neighborhoods...
1. Have your pets spayed or neutered.
2. Keep your pets indoors, micro-chipped and collared with current ID.
3. If you have to re-home your pet, do not post a free to good home ad, and require a visit to the person's home and really interview them. If you are the least uncomfortable with them...do not send your pet with them.
Hoarding is a community problem and if we all work together we can do what's best for the animals and our community.
Statistical information gathered from - http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=250

What Spay/Neuter means to you.

2011-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed by a reporter on the importance of Spay/Neuter...how it helps the animals, the families, and the community. Sometimes we feel like a broken record and wonder if there isn't another way to say it without it being the same old song. However there really is only one way to say it and it is simply -Spay and neuter your pets.
If you are a pet parent with an unaltered pet, or have ever had an unaltered pet you have surely experienced the behavioral aspect of an unaltered pet in your home. Male dogs learning to lift their legs to mark their territory wherever they go, or being more aloof and wanting to run on you. Female with their messy heat, irritable behavior and attracting all the boys wherever they go...cats meow and carry on constantly in heat. Male cats unaltered, tend to spray..and that's an odor you almost never get rid of. While these are inconveniences to us, lets explore the health of our pets. If you have an intact female they are susceptible to something called a pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus and can occur in conjunction with or after being in heat, having a litter or through breeding. A pyometra is so dangerous because by the time we notice there is something wrong with our pet, it can often times be too late. The pyometra requires emergency spay that is complicated by the infection, antibiotics and often times hospitalization of the pet...this can become very expensive. Beyond that there are several reproductive cancers associated with unaltered pets, and the risk of transmitting disease through the breeding process.
Lastly is the community impact. Unaltered pets do have a tendency to roam...and where do they end up? Animal Shelters! When we receive strays approximately 90% of them are unaltered. That means an animal has been loose for a period of time potential getting in fights, spreading disease, contracting disease and creating a public safety hazard. So be a good neighbor...spay or neuter your pets....
If you are having difficulty affording this? There are a few options out there. Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance offers low cost clinics throughout Eastern Pennsylvania -http://www.epaaonline.com/. Through Valley Cat Rescue and the SPCA of Luzerne County we have our Spay Neuter Assistance Program for low income families..to learn more about that please visit our website at : http://www.spcaluzernecounty.org/spay-neuter-fund.html.
If your pets are spayed or neutered and you would like to help others be able to do the same, please consider a donation to our low cost program. Every penny goes toward the spay or neuter of a needy cat.

12 Dogs of Dupont and 1 Cat

2011-07-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

12 Dogs of Dupont, and one Cat.-Sounds like a crazy new local Christmas song doesn't it? Well its a reality at the SPCA. WNEP reported on it last night and there was a small snipit of the interview that might have given the wrong impression- 'Bringing them here is not the answer, we are full.." What I had been discussing was -people who find their pets inconvenient need to rethink giving their pets up and deal with a moment of inconvenience..that bringing them to us is not the answer, re-evaluating their priorities and including their pets in those priorities is. :) I know they simply intended to show that 13 more animals is the last thing a full service, open admission facility needs in July...no harm done...just wanted to clarify. We cannot thank WNEP, WBRE, CItizen's Voice and the Times Leader enough for all their assistance in covering this story and several others we have had of late!

But we do have to address the problem of so many pets brought in to the SPCA. People give up their pets for many reasons, and some are very valid, however we find that society does not value all life equally. And that can be frightening on many levels, because often times pets do become and 'inconvenience' and rather than deal with it like any other family member, they are disposed of at a shelter or rescue. Especially kitty who just 'keeps getting pregnant!' Well quite honestly when our pets become an inconvenience or Miss Fluffy becomes mom again, its no one's fault but our own.

Take for instance the 12 dogs. It started with 2, a male and a female...then there was an 'accidental litter'. Rather than get mom and dad fixed and ensure that the others are spayed or neutered, we now have another 6 puppies. Simply...2 becomes 12 very quickly. It doesn't matter that these dogs are from Arkansas..(I know that comes to mind thanks to coverage of over crowding in southern shelters)...it doesn't matter where they came from at all because the same scene is played out all over the US on a daily basis. From your inner city, rural areas, poor areas, to your most affluent neighborhood.

We cannot stress it enough...Spay and Neuter, Spay and Neuter...oh...Spay and Neuter!!! Yes, its expensive in some cases, but its not cheap to raise a litter either....especially if you are going to attempt to raise them correctly. Spaying or neutering your pet is a one time deal...litters can happen up to two times a year. And lets look at the cost. The cost to your community, to your local animal shelter, and depending on where you live..your taxes. The SPCA of Luzerne County is NOT tax dollar supported, but your local animal control is. So each time he or she has to run around the neighborhood picking up strays, and rescuing litters of unwanted kittens and puppies...it costs you. So how can you help besides spay or neuter...well adopt! The cost of spaying and neutering is high, no doubt...so come to the SPCA and for a low fee you can adopt an already altered pet! Can it get any better than that? Why yes it can! We also get them started on their vaccinations, microchip them, flea and tick treat them, cats are FELV tested, and dogs are given a county dog license if you are from Luzerne County and each pet also recieves and SPCA ID tag. Dogs are only $95, kittens are only $50 and all adult cats are FREE!

Another way to help is donate...to the shelter, or to the local spay neuter program. The SPCA of Luzerne County has its own program but depending on where you live you will find a program...and they can use your donations!

Some folks call us animal nuts, crazy animal people etc...I think we are a little crazy in a way. We fill our homes full of fur, mud, hairball puking little fur people, and a lot of us take in animals that aren't even our own. We foster and love and care for animals in hopes for them to find new loving homes. We take in the dog that is diabetic, or arthritic, or the animal whom is so old or possibly ill they may only have a few months or a year before a decision in their best interest has to be made...but we do it because we value all life, and we believe that if we as humans can stop and live our days a little more like our furry companions, we will find the joy in a blade of grass, the comfort of a soft pillow and the satisfaction of a gentle look- and most importantly: learn to love one another without judgement.

Thank you Starbucks!

2011-07-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today we had a great event at the Starbucks located at the Wilkes Barre Twp Marketplace, next to Red Robin. We brought out 8 different dogs and 2 kittens for this event. As always Cordie Braun and her staff made us feel welcomed and supported the event with three great raffle baskets. Also want to thank Hoof N Paw located in Dallas PA for their donation of pet food samples to give out and take back to the SPCA. Check out our facebook page to see photos from this really fun day!
We are always looking for volunteers who are able to give us a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to make our events a huge success. Please visit the SPCA's Volunteer page to learn more--->website

Got Plans this Saturday July 2nd?

2011-06-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

If you do not, or if you are in the area, we will be at the Starbucks in the Wilkes Barre Twp Marketplace, next to Red Robin, from 10am to 2pm. Cordie and her team have generously opened their store up to the SPCA for the day in hopes to help us find homes for several of our adoptable pets. There will be some great raffles to try for. We will also have the remainder of our popular tye dyes will be available for a donation of just $10. So stop buy, grab a frappucino and perhaps fall in love with your new best friend!