Warren County Joins To Help More Dogs In PA
A Safe Harbor for Dogs: A Partnership between the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania.

The Safe Harbor Program was a jointly created effort to provide commercial kennel owners a humane means of divesting themselves of unwanted dogs.

Whenever a kennel is closing because inability to comply with the new law and regulations, downsizing or simply has possession of dogs they no longer want, the Safe Harbor Program will of a viable alternative for kennel owners. This will also be a way they can surrender unwanted dogs without the fear of prosecution.

We feel this is what we are here for, says Executive Director Karen Kolos. We want to help give a second chance to these dogs no matter where they come from.

More information: A  Safe Harbor for Dogs  (A PDF file on the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association website.)

THE GENTLE LEADER
Why are so many dogs wearing these new "muzzles"?

The dogs are wearing Gentle Leader Headcollars ®.  They do not muzzle a dog.  The dog still has full use of his or her mouth but the Gentle Leader gives you control of their head.

Where the head goes the body gently follows. They make even a large dog and/or high energy dog easy to walk and control.  We use them with almost all of our shelter dogs.

They are designed so that owners can communicate with their pet in a way they instinctively understand.  The Gentle Leader painlessly and effectively removes the dog’s natural tendency to pull by placing gentle pressure on calming points and eliminating uncomfortable pressure on the throat. In addition to reducing a dog’s desire to pull away, the Gentle Leader is also a very effective tool in combating lunging, jumping, excessive barking and helping to calm an aggressive and/or anxious animal.

The Gentle Leader:

The Warren County Humane Society sells the Gentle Leader.  Bring your dog when you come to buy one.  We will custom fit it on your dog and teach you both how to use it properly.  We usually have a variety of colors and sizes in stock.

For more information visit www.gentleleader.com  or watch the Gentle Leader Instructional Video

Entertaining Your House Cat!
Keeping your cat inside and safe in our recommendation. Here are some ways to make the inside as exciting as the outside only much safer.

Lord of the Jungle
An indoor kitty can pretend he is still top cat if you grow some of his favorite plants in a box and place near a window. Some safe plants for cats are: Swedish Ivy, spider plants, coleus, ferns...

The Paper Chase
Paper ribbon sold at craft and sewing shops makes an excellent toy. it is sold still twisted and costs only about ten cents a yard. Untwist just the ends for a roope with a fan.

Dispelling the Myths... About Shelter Pets
There are many misconceptions about the quality of animals found in rescue shelters. This stigma is one that is hard to shake as many people feel shelter pets are "damaged goods."

Myth: Shelter pets are obviously not good pets, or else their original owners would not have gotten rid of them.

Fact: There are many reasons pets are brought to shelters.
They include:

Myth: Animals from abusive homes will never be good pets.

Fact: We find the opposite to be true. They make wonderful pets. Most make a full recovery and are happy to be treated and loved by a caring owner.

Myth: You never know what you are getting with a shelter pet.

Fact: Although there may be no history, the shelter pets receive vet care and are carefully evaluated, more so than the free pet in the local paper or internet. Shelter staff is careful to tell the new owner everything they know.

When you get a pet at a pet store, the animals are kept on display in tiny cages, often with multiple animals. When you go to a shelter, the cages are bigger, they socialize the pets with people and other pets. Trained staff learn quickly what each pet requires.

Shelter pets need homes. Adopt!

Related topic: Frequently Asked Questions About the Warren County Humane Society

"We normally use nearly 500 pounds of food a week. If we have a rescue of animals, that may skyrocket to 700 pounds. Kitten and puppy foods are the most needed items. We don't get kitten food donated from Purina, but all other food fed is from their factory in Dunkirk, NY. We could not keep our doors open if we had to purchase the food required."

"Purina saves lives here in Warren. We share extra food with Elk County and McKean County when we get a load."

"Purina is great to work with and accommodates our schedules for pick up.  It requires 5-7 volunteers to handle and store the food once it arrives."

We also appreciate food donated by our community supporters.

Check the Purina website for dog and cat care tips, coupons and special offers.

Ways to Make Dogs Smile

Freezie Chew
Soak a doggie rope toy in water and freeze it.