July Newsletter: Fourth of July Safety and more...

Pets of the Month

Jetson is a one-and-a-half-year-old shepherd mix who needs a fresh start at life. Jetson was transferred from animal control where he was held for several months, and had little socialization and worldly experience. Jetson can be shy and takes a little time to warm up to new people, but once he knows you, he becomes excited and playful, and turns into quite the character!  He needs a patient adopter that will work with him to build his confidence and help him feel comfortable. We do not think he would do well in a home with small children as he is timid and has not built up a social tolerance. Jetson is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, heartworm negative, and ready to go into his forever home. Come spend some time with him and get to know his unique, sweet personality.

Berlioz is an eight-week-old kitten with a joyful presence and zest for life. Berlioz has characteristic winged “eyeliner” that marks him as being unique and unmistakable. And just look at that stylish brown tail that matches his “hat!” Like the composer, Berlioz, he is quite a snappy dresser. He enjoys his time in the kitten suite hanging out with his two sisters, playing and sleeping like any other healthy kitty. Berlioz can go into a home very soon to continue his kitten life, as he is ready for our Foster to Adopt program. Berlioz is FEV/FeLV negative, current on vaccinations, and scheduled to be neutered. Ask us how you can begin the adoption process for Berlioz!

View all of our adoptable pets

Who Rescued Whom? -- From Rescued to Rescuer

We often use the catchy phrase, “Who rescued whom?” when describing the emotional attachment and bond we have with our rescued pets. In the case of Kelsoand David Stines, David’s rescue dogreally did rescue him!   Kelso is a ten-year-old Animal Harbor alumnus and a true hero. During the early morning hours of March 24th, adopter David Stines’ Cowan garage caught fire. Kelso was outside and ran to David’s bedroom window, barking frantically and repeatedly until David was awakened to escape and take action. He reports that this situation could have turned deadly had he not been alerted by Kelso, given that his home was only feet away from the flame-engulfed garage. Unfortunately, Mr. Stines lost two garages and a host of valuables that early morning, but thanks to Kelso’s courage, no one was hurt.   Following the fire, David and Kelso moved into a new home. David was afraid that Kelso (whose only home since Animal Harbor was the one in Cowan) would have a hard time adjusting, but he adapted easily and is enjoying his new digs. David says as long as Kelso is with him, he seems to be content, not to mention that he has made friends and plays with the woodland foxes at his new home in Decherd!   This gentle giant is a testament to the excellence of all senior dogs waiting for loving homes. Their capacity for love and faithfulness does not diminish with age. The saying, “Who rescued whom?” certainly rang true for David that early morning when loyal Kelso became his companion’s protector.

Help us decorate the July 4th Float!

Every year Joseph's Remodeling Solutionsgenerously creates a 4th of July float for Animal Harbor to enter in the Sewanee parade. He and his crew donate their time and skills to highlight our mission, and we need volunteers to help them decorate this year's float. When:  Wednesday, July 3rd (rain date,Tuesday, July 2nd*) Where: Joseph's Remodeling Solutions 1244 West Main Street, Monteagle Time:   9:00-12:00, and 1:00 until finished (usually around 4:30) Phone: 598-5565 office Decorators may come and go as their time allows. Please join us to make our float a winner, and bring a staple gun if you have one! *Joseph will make a determination from the weather forecast. If rain looks likely, he will decorate on Tuesday. Call the number above to confirm.

Click Here to view and print the 2019 Bone Drop Form

HAPPY 243rd BIRTHDAY AMERICA!   MAKE IT SAFE FOR EVERYONE!

Approximately one quarter of all pets gone missing in the US each year are lost on the 4th of July. The confusion and noise from parades and parties are responsible in some cases, but the biggest factor is fireworks. Dogs, and especially cats, are extremely sensitive to loud noises, and even horses and other livestock can bolt. Keep your pets in a safe place - preferably inside - when fireworks are scheduled. It is also a good idea to keep them in a day or two before and after the 4th to avoid harm from deliberate injuries committed by those who think it is fun to set off fireworks by attaching them to captured animals. Pets who are not afraid of strangers are at a particular risk of being lured by food. And don’t be one of the 12,000 plus adults and children admitted to hospitals every year for injuries from fireworks!  If you are planning fireworks at home, here is a handy link for using fireworks safely: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6h_Z57I8Ok

HEALTH ALERT FOR CATS IN SOUTHERN STATES

Veterinarians in Middle Tennessee are seeing more of a little-known but deadly illness called Cytauxzoon felis, commonly known as Bobcat Fever. It has been found in 16 states including Tennessee, and is a blood parasite carried by the Lone Star tick on Bobcats. When a domestic cat is bitten, the parasite enters the bloodstream, the cat becomes lethargic, dehydrated, refuses to eat, organs shut down, and death occurs within 2-3 days, if left untreated. Even when treated aggressively, the mortality rate can be as high as 60%. The best way to avoid Bobcat Fever is to keep your cats inside. The Seresto collar is advertised as a preventative for ticks, but in Nashville last year, one family lost two cats to the disease even though they had used those collars. If your cat does go outside, do a finger check in their fur and over their bodies each day for telltale lumps. Go to your veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.