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Community Corner

Cold Weather Stirs Warm Hearts

Chilly temperatures could have meant the end for many cats at the Cobb Animal Control shelter. Instead, it helped to save many of their lives.

With the coming of the cold weather this week came the need for the cats on the back dock at the Cobb County Animal Control shelter to be moved inside. But, there was a problem . . . not an empty cage to be had and more cats were being turned in daily. The long timer cats would be the ones to go since they had had an opportunity to be adopted while those on the back dock had not.

Thankfully, and I must say with kindness, Operations Manager Don Bruce let it be known that these cats were in danger and that their time was running out. A network of dedicated individuals - volunteers and staff - worked together, and within three days, 27 cats were rescued. All the cats are now off the back dock and inside where they will stay warm. Sadly some lives were still lost; but not nearly as many as there would have been.

Thanks and gratitude go to Don for his willingness to do what needed to be done to curtail what might have been a horrible outcome; the staff for their enthusiasm and willingness to work extra hard to make it all come together; to the vet and her husband who endured five cats holed up in their garage for three days awaiting transport; to all those that made donations on behalf of the cats to the rescue groups and shared the need via Facebook; and to the four (and a half) fabulous rescue groups that were willing to open their facilities and make room for all these cats – Maine Coon Rescue (with the help of Fancy Feline Rescue) – 1 cat, RescueCats, Inc. – 4 cats, Atlanta Humane Society – 5 cats, and Forsyth Humane Society – 17 cats.

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If you feel led to donate to one of these rescues or to send them a thank you, please reference the Cobb cats.

This week’s pets are either all black or black and white babes; but they have a hard time getting adopted simply because of their coloring. Each one is loving, gets along well with kids and other animals, and has unique and endearing personalities – LizaScrappyBojangles, and Blaire.

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Liza, a darling kitty with an expressive face! You gotta love those droopy eyes. Liza M. is a sweetheart of a girl who can't wait until someone comes just for her. She is quiet and stays toward the back of her cage so you may not notice her at first; however, she eagerly comes to the front of her cage when you approach and call her name. She is such a lovely girl and she gets along well with kids and other cats, too. Liza is 2 years old and came in to the shelter as a stray on July 14. She is spayed, up to date on her shots, combo tested negative, and ready to hop in a box and ride home with you. ID No. 533304.

I just can't tell you how friendly and precious this boy is. Scrappy is quiet and calm, not scrappy at all. He doesn't make demands but he sure appreciates affection. He was either allergic to his shelter food or just bored and over groomed himself. Scrappy’s fur thinned out considerably, but it has begun to grow back. Even with thin fur, he's a handsome guy. Scrappy is 5 years old and was turned in at the shelter by his owner on July 23. He is waiting patiently for someone to recognize a wonderful cat when they meet one. You won't be sorry if you take this boy home. He's terrific and loves kids and other cats too. Bald may be beautiful...but thinning is best. Scrappy is up to date on shots, altered, and will be combo tested and microchipped when chosen for adoption. ID No. 533694.

Bojangles, the kitty with the smokers meow, has a personality to match. What a character! This handsome boy loves to chat with you, saying "hello" and "fine day," etc. He enjoys company and will be good company for someone looking for a sweet companion. He was turned in at the shelter on June 25 and was in the back holding area for a couple of months before appearing on the adoption floor. Bojangles is 2 years old and weighs 10 pounds. He is neutered, up to date on his shots, combo tested negative and is so ready to go. ID No. 532516.  

Blaire was found wandering on the side of the road and brought in to the shelter on Oct. 2. No one came to claim her so she is now up for adoption. She was so very excited when she went outside to get her photo made. While out, another dog broke loose from its leash and came running pell-mell towards her. Blaire thought it grand and the two began to play happily together . . . that is until the maverick pup was once again leashed. Blaire’s a 1-year-old Lab mix with adorable markings from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. She has that sweet good-natured lab personality. This little girl loves the volunteers, the dogs, the fresh air, and playing. What a terrific pup looking for a terrific new home. Blaire will be spayed, up to date on her shots, heartworm tested, and microchipped when adopted. ID No. 536461.  

My blog: A cat in a dog’s world

See here for more available animals at the shelter

Friends of Shelter Cats - FB page

Vet Tip

Are you considering breeding your female dog or cat? Please consider the following before breeding her:

  • There is a pet overpopulation epidemic in the United States. About 2.7 million animals, brought to the shelter, are put to sleep annually. Many of these animals are purebred dogs.
  • If you spay your pet before her first heat cycle, you can reduce her chances of developing malignant breast cancer later in life to almost 0 percent. After, the first heat, this increases to 7 percent likelihood, and after the second heat, she has a 25 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
  • If your pet needs a Cesarean section from delivery complications, be prepared to spend at least two thousand dollars on this emergency surgery. Toy breeds, breeds with large, dome-shaped heads, (Chihuahuas), flat faces, (English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Persian cats) are at increased risk for needing this surgery. Unless scheduled in advance for an at risk pet, by the time you get her to surgery, it may be too late to save the puppies. A Cesarean section can put the mother at risk too.

Many people view breeding as a potential source of income. What they fail to consider is the veterinary care cost for the mother and the puppies during pregnancy and delivery and after delivery. Potential complications can be quite costly. This additional cost can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the situation. Also, if your female becomes unable to nurse, you must bottle feed an entire litter of puppies and kittens yourself.

Dr. Lori Germon is a veterinarian at Chastain Animal Clinic in Smyrna. You can find information on pet introduction and other pet topics at their website. You can also find them on Facebook.

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